Write your first songs.
Find your voice.
Share your story.
A 12-week beginner songwriting class at Mason Music with Durand Robinson for teens and adults.
Registration open July 1 – August 9. Limited to 12 students per class.
Have you ever wanted to write a song but didn’t know where to start?
Songwriting 101 at Mason Music is a hands-on, beginner-friendly class designed to help you unlock your creativity and learn the craft of writing original music—no prior experience required.
Led by acclaimed songwriter and artist Durand Robinson, this 12-week course focuses on doing, not just learning. You’ll break down real songs, experiment with ideas, and write your own music in a supportive, collaborative environment.
Whether you play an instrument or just love to sing, this class will give you the tools and confidence to start creating.
Who is this for?
Teen Class:
- Ages 14-19
- Saturdays, 11 am – 12 pm
Adult Class:
- Ages 20+
- Saturdays, 10 am – 11 am
This class is a good fit for:
- Beginners
- Vocalists
- Instrumentalists
- Creative people who want instruction
- People who love writing lyrics, melody or storytelling.
What You’ll Learn
- The core building blocks of great songs (melody, lyrics, structure, and hooks)
- How to analyze songs you love—and apply those ideas to your own writing
- Creative exercises to generate unique, less obvious ideas
- How to turn a simple concept into a full song
- The mindset of a songwriter: embracing the process (yes—even writing a few “bad” songs along the way)
Meet Your Teacher
Durand Robinson
Durand Robinson is a professional songwriter, recording artist, and creative mentor known for his dynamic approach to music and storytelling. With years of experience writing and performing, Durand brings both industry insight and a passion for helping others discover their unique voice.
Durand won the Male Country Song of the Year at the 2025 Josie Awards in Nashville, TN.
Songwriting Class Details
- Dates: August 15 – November 7, 2026 (no class Halloween weekend)
- Optional Make-up Week: November 14
- Adults: Saturdays, 10:00–11:00 AM
- Teens: Saturdays, 11:00 AM–12:00 PM
- Duration: 12 weeks
- Location: Mason Music – Cahaba Heights
- Class Size: Limited to 12 students
- Class Cost: $360
What You’ll Walk Away With
By the end of this course, you’ll:
- Understand the songwriting process from idea to finished song
- Have written several original songs
- Feel confident expressing your ideas through music
- Know how to keep writing long after the class ends
Registration
Open July 1 – August 9
Spots are limited and expected to fill quickly.
Ready to write your first songs?
Join Songwriting 101 and learn how to turn ideas into music.
FAQs
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Do I need songwriting experience?
Not at all. If you have a story to tell, we will help you learn how to tell it.
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Do I need to play an instrument?
No. This class will be structured in a way that works for lyricists as well as instrumentalists.
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Is this for teens or adults?
Both – we have separate classes so people can learn with peers.
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Will I have to perform?
We will host an optional showcase at the end of the class. We would love for you to participate if you want the experience.
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What if I miss a week?
Because this is a class, there aren’t opportunities for make up lessons or reschedules. If you miss a week, we will see you the following week. If our teacher has to cancel a class, the class will be rescheduled.
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What will I walk away with?
Students walk away with:
- An understanding of the basic elements of songwriting
- At least one original song fully written.