WORKSHOP: The Songwriters Guitar

  • August 16, 2025 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM

  • Folk School of Fayetteville

    207 West Center Street
    Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701
This event is now over
Description

Jack's words about the Workshop:
 

A songwriting workshop, but with an emphasis on how the guitar (or other instrument) plays a vital role in making the music whole, rather than being merely a “chord-vehicle” or something to hide behind when performing a song.

 

  • Considering every aspect of the guitar in the songwriting process from initial ideas to finished performance
  • Special emphasis on the “Guitar As Greek Chorus” - as accompanist, inspiration, commentator, colorist, comforter, crutch, and as equal partner in songwriting
  • Discussing how and when the guitar can hinder the songwriting process, as well as how it can add melody, counter-melody, and the “glue” to vocal melody, which can sustain and propel a song
  • Gentle discussion and critique of songs written (or in progress) by the students


 
ABOUT JACK WILLIAMS
The music of Jack Williams, rooted in his native South Carolina, is shaped by a 65-year career of playing folk, rock, jazz, R&B, classical and the popular music of the 30s, 40s and 50s. He is counted among the most dynamic performers on today’s “folk” circuit – “…one of the most enlightened and entertaining performers I’ve ever encountered”, said Dave Humphreys of Two-Way Street Coffeehouse in Downer’s Grove, IL. Jack is considered a “musician’s musician”, an uncommonly unique guitarist, a writer of vivid songs with a strong sense of place, and a storyteller in an old Southern tradition who further illustrates each tale with his guitar.

Date & Time

Sat, Aug 16, 2025 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Venue Details

Folk School of Fayetteville

207 West Center Street
Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701 Folk School of Fayetteville
Folk School of Fayetteville

FOLK SCHOOL OF FAYETTEVILLE is a 501(c)3 non-profit music organization popularly known as Fayetteville Roots. 
Since 2010, we have carried out our mission to connect community through music and food. Over that time we have fostered concerts & community/educational events in Northwest Arkansas. 

The Folk School of Fayetteville, located in the historic Walker Stone House near the Fayetteville Square, offers space and connection for our music community: lessons, classes, workshops, jams, and concerts.


What is a Folk School and why do you need to know about it?

FOLK MEANS PEOPLE
Folk Schools originated as a way for communities to learn from each other, especially vital to communities that didn’t have access to “formal education”. 
Folk Schools create an environment that encourages People teaching People, rather than a classical education approach of Professor and Student.

Folk School of Fayetteville is continuing this model by providing space for musicians to learn from each other, for new players to learn, and for long time musicians to develop new technique and skills — and this is available to ALL the FOLKS (people).  Folk School is open to all genres, identities, and cultures, and is excited to host music that is as dynamic and varied as our community.


Folk School of Fayetteville guiding principles:
Create opportunities for our music community
Support and present multivaried music genres, identities, & cultures
Commitment to free & low-cost community learning
Creative re-use of existing urban spaces
Collaboration with the community & music/arts organizations
Low waste & low impact sustainable events