FEEDBACK [feed-bak]
– noun : a reaction or response to a particular process or activity.
Anyone who has explored the creative process understands the value of feedback. Exposing our “works in progress” to the critique of our peers certainly takes courage, but feedback can also take our creative endeavors from average to excellent. Art House Dallas wants to provide an encouraging environment within a small group setting to explore your strengths and potential areas of growth as an artist. Groups will always be limited to 5-7 and Art House will provide facilitators who have exhibited a track record of success in their art form.
FEEDBACK :: Songwriting
After Art House Dallas hosted Song Project in February, one of the biggest takeaways from the event was the desire of the songwriters to have time and space to play their songs and hear from their peers. Furthermore, we also saw that most of the songwriters wanted more time be challenged in their routine writing practices and be pushed towards a higher standard of songs that are true, good and beautiful for the common Good. Our hope is that Feedback will achieve both.
Feedback for songwriters is a place where expression, discussion, and new ideas are encouraged. Art House Dallas is all about connecting folks, and we also want these groups to pave the way for making contacts in music, which any songwriter knows is one of many keys to success. So, join us for a night of learning and inspiration through the sharing of ideas with fellow songwriters.
Date | Thursday, August 8th
Time | 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location | All Saints Dallas
Price | Donation (money goes to leadership, beverages, and other supplies for the evening)
Required | Bring your instrument and plan to play accoustic
Feedback is a free event, but it is supported by your optional donations. Donated money goes to leadership, beverages, and other supplies for the evening.
Questions? Please email info@arthousedallas.com
Whether you’re listening or playing, please enter the night with the humility of a learner. No one comes out with a finished, profoundly impactful piece of art every time, and to gain the most from the evening, be quick to receive feedback as a statement on the piece of art, not on you as an individual or your artistic skill/sensibility.
Guidelines for Feedback: (SONGWRITER | PERFORMER)
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When you express an opinion about the song, whether it fits your taste or not, it's more important to explain precisely what is good about it and which are the weaker areas that could be improved.
Please remember that any kind of negative criticism is always going to be a bit painful, so be tactful and accurate. Most people tend to over-react to negative criticism, despite the need to improve, so you should compensate for that a little bit.
· Come Prepared: Come with a complete enough song that the listeners are able to give constructive critique (i.e. – try to have it in a form that you would play for an audience).
· Keep an open mind: Know that everything is a work in progress and there are always different approaches to creating and executing a song.
· Let the song Speak: Often as artists, our insecurities will get the best of us and we want to over explain the song or give a disclaimer.
· Twice as many positive comments as negative. Be as specific as you can about what is good about the writing and song.
· Do not present a problem without suggesting a solution. In other words, do not just say what you think is wrong with the song.
· Do not make any jokes, they are much too easily misinterpreted.
Possible Areas of Discussion
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· Lyrics / Story - the topic, theme, the structure and language
· Tune - chords, melody, mood, originality, and complexity
· Arrangement - instrumentation, vocals, effects, key
· Commerciality – What is the goal of this song? Where is the audience for this type of song?
Facilitator Bios
Mark Philpot
Mark is a songwriter/musician/perfomer/mentor/producer living in the Fort Worth Area. With a Bachelors in Marketing, 3/4 of a Masters from DTS, and an upcoming degree in Music Theory/Composition and Audio Engineering, he exhibits either tremendous curiosity or a high tolerance for sitting in musty classrooms. After 7 years as a creative arts director/worship leader at various churches in the Fort Worth Area, Mark's now writing, performing, and producing full-time combining his passions for people, creativity, and good stories.
Lizza Connor
Lizza Connor released her first children’s album, Commander Salamander, in February. This whimsical CD, inspired by Connor’s foray into parenthood, recently won the prestigious Parents’ Choice Silver Award, placing it among the very best of children’s music. Commander Salamander is comprised of 13 original songs promoting healthy lifestyle and nutrition, physical activity and positive self-esteem. Connor is the recipient of the Merlefest Songwriting Award, joining the ranks of Gillian Welch. She has spent the last decade as a singer-songwriter in Nashville, and she now resides in Dallas. Acoustic Guitar Magazine called Connor’s country/roots-tinged debut CD, Runaway, a work of “singular magic.” She has performed at Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe, House of Blues Las Vegas, Florida’s premier folk festival Suwannee Springfest and more with artists including Vince Gill and Andrew Osenga (Caedmon's Call). Connor has been a contributing writer for American Songwriter Magazine, Performing Songwriter, CCM Magazine, Guideposts Magazine and Radio & Records. She now runs her own independent label, Whoa Jesse Records. She is a graduate of Carson-Newman College with additional studies at Oxford University in England.
Mike Hogan
Mike Hogan grew up in Arlington, Texas, and attended Baylor University. Upon graduating, he became one of the founding members of the David Crowder Band. He is now a regional field director for ONE, the advocacy group founded by Bono. He has also managed to co-authored a book, work as a freelance writer, compose and record music for a feature-length film, and serve as producer for several projects on Uproar records, a label for student artists at Baylor. He lives in Waco with his wife, Robin, and their 2 kids.
Sean Carter
Over a decade ago, Sean Carter was overwhelmed with the desire to create. He has a raw and unique way to convey story, passion, truth, and struggle through music, lyric, and soundscape. He has a “nothing's off the table” approach to melody, and musical texture incorporating an eclectic mix of vintage and modern instruments to take listeners on a creative journey. His latest full length release “The Telling” leads the listener through a spiritual narrative of questioning and responding, confessing, glorifying the mystery of God, wrestling through life's circumstances, and holding the Creator in genuine highest regard.
Sean’s single “Passion Song” (a unique telling of the events of Passion Week told as John The Apostle) was named “GMA Immerse 2012 Songwriter of The Year” was featured on Worship Leader Song Discovery, CCLITV, GMCTV and has been used in churches across the United states and over 20 countries worldwide.
Sean has led worship in the local church for the span of his musical career including 3 years at a church plant, 3 years as worship leader for The Porch, a Dallas gathering of young professionals at Watermark Community Church, and 4 years as worship leader of EPOCH an artistic venue of Chase Oaks Church Plano, Texas. Sean currently invests in the artistic community through serving at Art House Dallas and worship leader community as the founder of DFW Worship Leaders Network.
Sean’s time is split among the Dallas and Nashville singer/songwriter and worship writer communities and traveling as a guest Artist and Worship Leader. He, his wife Christi, and daughter Vail reside in Rockwall, Texas.