Our first hymn-writing
workshop was held in July 1997 in Columbia, Missouri. Since then
workshops have been merged into
R. J. Stevens¡¯
Singing School, held each summer in Oklahoma. The 2006 workshop is
scheduled for July 23-28 in Wilburton, Oklahoma.
The hymn-writing workshop teaches how to recognize attributes of
successful hymns, then how to write them. The goal of the class is for
each beginner to write ¡°one good verse¡± during the week. A good verse,
as defined in this workshop, is one that would be published in a
respectable hymnal and outlive the author.
The workshop also includes a breakout session on writing music; this
session is not open to first-time students but for those who have
attended the hymn-writing workshop for one or more years. The music
session addresses melodies, but its focus is on composing 4-part
harmony for the average singer in the congregation. Returning writers
who are interested in the music session must be familiar with the
fundamentals of music, as well as shape notehead notation. This
fundamental information can be found on the
prerequisite
sheet.
A breakout session for digital notation is sometimes offered. The
notation class uses Finale
® software (PC version) with a
template
developed by Richard L. Morrison. For more information, including exact
dates, costs, and general information, contact
R. J. Stevens¡¯
Singing School.
For information regarding the details of our curriculum or daily
agenda, contact us at
sumphonia_questions@yahoo.com
or check this site in May 2010.
