course times (ET)
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Songwriting – Fall ’26
From memory to melody, one verse at a time.
What if the story you can’t quite say out loud has a melody hiding inside it? What does it take to turn a memory into a song?
Whether you’ve been writing songs for years or you’re new to this creative process, we provide a supportive environment to experiment with storytelling through lyrics. During this class, we:
- Listen to all kinds of songs, paying close attention to the lyrics, melody, and “hook.”
- Analyze song structure and learn how to “map” the verses, the chorus, and the bridge.
- Freewrite and write from prompts, learning how to pull authentic lyrics out of ourselves and onto the page
- Write words drawn from our emotions and life experiences, revising and polishing our pieces so they have universal and commercial appeal, as well as personal value
- Write at least one original song as a group!
If time allows, you may bring in original songs for critique. Join us and learn valuable music listening skills—and increase your enjoyment of music. Prior musical experience is not necessary.
In-Person: PWN’s Maple Ave Office
252 Maple Ave, Red Bank, NJ
Price range: $250.00 through $275.00
“Supporting others in their creative efforts is something I’ve been doing for many years but it always feels new, because each person who comes into this class is full of unique artistic potential. I’m so inspired by the bravery of the participants, as they press forward, as well as look back, diving deeply into belief systems and blocks, all of us forming a safe, creative community.”
Mimi Cross is an author, singer, and songwriter. Born in Toronto, Mimi grew up in New Jersey by the beach. She received a Bachelor of Music from Ithaca College and an MA in Music Education from NYU. As a performer, Mimi has shared the bill with well-known artists such as Sting, and played shows with many other musicians including Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi to raise funds for charity. Her music has been used in independent films and mainstream TV shows like Supergirl. Her songs can be found on Apple Music, Spotify, You Tube, and other streaming platforms. Her first two novels are the romantasy Shining Sea and Amazon bestseller Before Goodbye, a Romance Writers of America Rita Award finalist for Best First Book. To learn more, please visit mimicross.com.
Project Write Now offers no refunds or credits once registered, except in the unfortunate case a class or event is cancelled. We reserve the right to change instructors if necessary. We reserve the right to cancel, postpone, or reschedule any class, workshop, or event because of low enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact us at info@projectwritenow.org or call 908.675.0467 for more information. Please note that when you register for a class you are reserving one of a limited number of spots available. Your registration also counts toward our consideration of class minimums.
Our organization was founded to help amplify the voices of those who are often not heard—including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQIA+ individuals, and other historically marginalized groups. We have witnessed how writing and sharing stories has the power to effect change by generating greater love, compassion, and empathy in the listener. In all of our programs, we provide an inclusive, supportive, and welcoming environment. We do not tolerate writing and/or behavior that perpetuates harmful stereotypes or fuels hate. Failure to align with our philosophy can result in your removal from class.