Collaborative Songwriting
Wednesday, October 14, 2026 · 6:00 PM CDT · Gorton Center · Lake Forest, IL
Get more events like this
Free daily picks for live events around Lake Forest. No account needed.
Reminders arrive the day before, with our daily picks. Unsubscribe any time.
About this event
Collaborative Songwriting Bring your creativity and make music together in this three-part songwriting session with musician Nigel Haye. All musicians and music lovers are welcome. Bring an instrument if you play one. You can also join without one. Part 1: Share & Listen (October 14) Bring a song or demo you’ve written. Share it with the group and get feedback. You can also simply share your work and enjoy hearing what others create. This part will grow as more participants bring songs and demos to share. Part 2: Create Together (October 21) This session forms the heart of the workshop. Gather in a circle and create a brand-new song together. Start by choosing a vibe or theme. Then build a melody and develop the song’s structure and instrumentation. Use the instruments you bring or try something new. We’ll also have extra instruments for anyone who needs one. You can contribute lyrics, melodies, rhythms, or ideas. Everyone can play a part in the creative process. Part 3: Perform & Record (October 28) Bring the finished song to life with a group performance. Share it with other attendees, parents, or the group itself. We’ll also record the final song. Anyone who wants a copy can receive the audio file. Come ready to listen, experiment, share ideas, and make something new with others. No one needs to arrive with a finished song. Just bring your creativity and a willingness to collaborate! Ages 13+ Meet the Instructor My music journey began at the beginning of the COVID pandemic in February 2020. I started learning nursery rhymes like Mary Had a Little Lamb, scales, chords, and different techniques. This eventually led to exploring dynamic fingerpicking techniques within the next two years, modeling artists like Elliott Smith and Hozier. I have since written many songs, some of which have been released under my name Nigel Haye on all streaming platforms. I have been fortunate to start teaching classical guitar at a music shop in Mchenry for the past two…
Description from gortoncenter.org