Unshackling the Muse

I have recently started teaching again at Southern Methodist University. This Spring I am teaching my "Build-A-Song" class on the CRAFT of songwriting. Each Tuesday evening a garden variety of people show up. I have a soccer mom, a tax attorney, a stock broker, a retired science teacher, a new single mother and several other various and sundry people from all backgrounds and occupations. They are drawn together each week by ONE common passion -- THEY LOVE TO WRITE SONGS! This single common denominator ignites friendships and collaborations that would probably never happen without the Magic of the Muse.

In getting to know this new class, I am amazed (as I am every semester) at the remarkable musical talent that lies just beneath the surface in so many people's hearts and minds. They may have had piano lessons as a kid...or studied music in college...or they may have just been avid music fans, intrigued by the stories behind their favorite songs. But for whatever reason, they just "grew up" and "grew out of" their Creative Phase. The urgency to make a living...to develop a career...to raise family, somehow pushed the songwriting flame to the back burner of their lives. But, make no mistake, it has never stopped smoldering!

When these aspiring writers come together and we begin rolling up our sleeves to study the CRAFT of songwriting, "something" happens. It's as if a whole room full of Clark Kents step into a phone booth and come out as something bigger than life -- they come out as songwriters. The Muse has been unshackled and you better fasten your seatbelt because you have no idea what will happen next.

Melodies begin materializing. Talents long buried are resurrected. People begin to "follow their bliss" and Odes to Joy are composed (perhaps not as fully developed yet as Beethoven's Ode, but odes nonetheless).

I remember well the first time I discovered that there were "others" -- other people who shared a love of songs and writing. I had gone to a songwriting conference and was stunned to find people who actually took this whole process seriously, working at it, perfecting it, honing their gift into art. I remember calling home to tell my family, "I have found MY PEOPLE!" I was so giddy...so elated...it was almost like falling in love.

Now I have the joy of seeing this transformation happen in the lives of others. It's a great kick for me to pass on the excitement and see the Muse escape in ways that literally transform lives. It's almost as great fun as writing a song myself...which still works its wonders on me every time I write.

If this all sounds strange but somewhat intriguing to you, may I suggest that you step out and take the risk. Go find a bunch of songwriters. Take a class. Go to a seminar. Join a songwriter's group. Find a songwriters forum online. You will find strange stirrings taking place, and you may just fall in love too!