Channel your creative spirit! Delve into the essentials of songwriting with Robbie Schaefer, guitarist and songwriter from the acclaimed independent folk/rock band Eddie From Ohio.

In this 5-week course, Robbie will guide participants through the process of developing lyrics rooted in personal experiences and combining them with melodies, complimentary phrasing, and more. Class members are not required to bring an instrument, though they are welcome to bring one (e.g. guitar) if desired.

Registration Information

Online registration is now available.
By registering, you agree to our classes policy.
Two sections of five classes will be held on Mondays from January 26 through February 23, 2009.
Classes are not interchangeable.
Participants can only attend their registered class.
Space is very limited and available on a first come, first served basis.

Tuition: $125 per 5-week session

Songwriting Class Dates:
Monday, January 26
Monday, February 2
Monday, February 9
Monday, February 16
Monday, February 23

Note

• Classes WILL be held on February 16 (President’s Day).

All classes held at the Center for Education at Wolf Trap Foundation.

Teacher Bio

Robbie Schaefer’s mom thinks he’s really great—in case you haven’t spoken with her lately, Robbie Schaefer is the guitarist and songwriter for the acclaimed independent folk/rock band Eddie From Ohio. Although the indie model has become increasingly common in the music industry, Eddie From Ohio actually helped pave the way, building a fan base through relentless touring and grassroots marketing beginning in 1991. Having created a large and loyal following across the US and Canada (the mailing list now tops 25,000 names), the band has also released 9 CDs, selling upwards of 150,000 copies, all on their own Virginia Soul Records.

In recent years Robbie has also turned his musical attention toward solo projects, releasing In The Flesh, a live solo album, in 2003; composing and recording the theme song for the theatrical production Gulf View Drive (by New York playwright Arlene Hutton), which premiered at the Actor’s Co-Op in Hollywood, CA in 2006; and releasing his first CD for kids and families, Songs For Kids Like Us on Rocket Pop Records, also in 2006. The success of Songs For Kids Like Us led to a wealth of opportunities for Robbie, culminating in his arrival as Music Director at XMKiDS on Sirius XM Satellite Radio. His show, Robbie Schaefer’s Stuck In A Real Tall Tree, airs 4 days a week.

A new solo studio album, Strange and Lovely World, will be released in December 2008 with John Jennings (Mary Chapin Carpenter, John Gorka, Catie Curtis) producing. Robbie’s Mom is currently clearing space on her CD rack for the multiple copies she plans to buy.

Lastly, Robbie Schaefer’s Mom would like you to know that his favorite color is red, his favorite food is sushi, he’s really into yoga and all that woo-woo spiritual stuff, has excellent hygiene, and an affinity for olives and espresso that borders on the abnormal. Oh, and he just adores it when she yells “I love you Robbie” at his shows.