The Power of a Song
As a writer, I have always wanted to share the experience that impacted and shaped my life more than any other: the early loss of my father and what it was like growing up without the presence of a male role model. I always assumed this would be in the form of a book, given the amplitude of the loss and all I had to express. My assumption magically changed with an introduction to a songwriting workshop taught and run by a most incredible woman.
Harriet Schock fervently believes in the power of a song. Her life is a testament to that belief. A consultant to songwriters all over the world, Harriet is a Grammy-nominated, gold and platinum songwriter and recording artist with three CD’s, American Romance, Rosebud and Harriet Schock Live in current release. She has scored the last three Henry Jaglom films and has authored the book Becoming Remarkable, an important read for anyone wishing to write songs or, for that matter, just appreciate the art of songwriting at a deeper level. She is also an inspiration and a gifted teacher who has developed a unique songwriting method — a ten-week course consisting of ten lessons that together provide students a step-by-step guide to write remarkable songs that touch others emotionally.
Her workshop is part soul-searching and all fun. Like an oracle, Harriet sits at the center of a group of fifteen chairs positioned in a semi-circle around the room. The people seated in those chairs can be at various skill levels. Some have written many songs, others none. Some are adept at a certain instrument, others just sing. It matters not. What matters is the thing they all have in common: the teacher seated in the center of the room who functions, at once, as instructor, sage, facilitator and conduit, guiding each individual, and the group as a whole, through an emotional journey that begins with something of value each person wants to say and ends with a completed song — a personally-crafted yet universal jewel he or she can take away and play for others.
For me personally, my journey dealt with feelings about the loss of my Dad. Harriet accompanied me on this journey through her entire series of ten steps, guiding my creation of “A Man in the Picture,” a three and half minute song which speaks to the emotions of my childhood in ways I could have never before dreamed. And as viscerally as I might have in, well…a book.
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9 Comments
I’ve taken Harriet’s class also and it was just as you described in this article. I absolutely loved it. Each class was a unique opportunity to explore thoughts and creative ideas and learn the craft of song writing with so many other very talented people who were taking the class too. Harriet is awesome at giving positive and very useful critical feedback. I highly recommend her class to anyone who wants to write songs of their own.
I’ve taken Harriet’s class over and over and love it. I’m happy to see others noticing how remarkable she is, not only as an artist but a teacher, guide, support system, etc. I recently released a CD that I’m very proud of, and five of the ten songs were written in Harriet’s class.
I am a student of Harriet Schock and I cannot say enough great things about her. Working with Harriet my songwriting has been taken to a whole other level. I am writing about things now that I could never write about before and it it so theraputic as a writer to be able to get out all the songs you have welled up inside. My songs are now full of layers with a new depth of emotional connection. I strongly recommend any songwriter who wants to take their songwriting to the next level to go and study with Harriet RIGHT NOW! I am certain you will not be disappointed.
I have studied with Harriet long distance, i.e., by e-mail (I live in the New York area). Using her remarkable method, I have written 2 songs that I am very proud of. I share Harriet’s philosophy that if you songs strictly to make a lot of money, you’re bound to be disappointed. Although, I’ve made royalties on some of my songs, it’s the process I enjoy. It’s the process that is the very root of my writing. I thank Harriet for helping to enhance that process.
Nice to see Harriet featured in your article, Donald. She is a phenomenal talent!
Harriet has helped me enormously with the craft of songwriting. I consider it the best compliment when someone says that I write from the heart. And I didn’t really do that before I studied with Harriet. It’s a scary, uplifting, and eye-opening process, kinda like therapy!! Only more musical!
I have listened to many of Harriet’s students play and sing their songs and these songs truly bring out emotional feelings of joy or empathy or whatever. She seems to be able to produce students who can write “remarkable” songs.
What a wonderful songwriter and wonderful person!!!…I’m so glad I had the chance to meet you…Much continued success and blessings.
So nice to read this article on Harriet Schock! I have taken her courses many times and feel that Harriet has been my mentor in songwriting. I am so glad that readers are being exposed to Harriet’s expertise and talent as a writer/performer and teacher. She is a true gem!!
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