Free Songwriting Workshop with Alan Shiner
Have you ever wanted to bring your ideas to life through songwriting? Whether you want to learn the basics or already write songs and would like to take your work to the next level, High Notes Avante invites you to join composer Alan Shiner for a free two-part songwriting workshop.
This workshop is part of the We All Have A Story creative workshop series, produced by High Notes Avante and supported by the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
About the Free Songwriting Workshop
The two-part workshop will give participants the opportunity to explore lyrics, storytelling, hooks and more in a supportive and encouraging environment.
Participants will have the chance to meet other creative people, collaborate, or choose to write solo while curating their own song. The workshop is designed to help participants learn new tools, find inspiration, and build confidence in the creative process.
Workshop Dates and Location
First session: Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm
Second session: Tuesday, June 16, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Location:
Vaughan Event Space, Studio B, 2nd Floor
200 Apple Mill Rd
Vaughan, ON
Register for the free songwriting workshop
What to Bring
If you have your own instrument, feel free to bring it. Participants are also encouraged to bring a phone or other device to record with.
If you prefer to use pen and pad or manuscript paper, that will work too.
Part of the We All Have A Story Workshop Series
This songwriting workshop is the third and fourth of nine workshops in the We All Have A Story creative workshop series.
The series is inspired by the theme song Alan Shiner wrote for High Notes Avante’s 10th anniversary in 2024.
The workshop series is intended to let participants explore their creativity while making meaningful connections with others in the community.
You can choose to explore all workshops or just attend the ones that pique your interest the most. Visit the We All Have A Story workshop page to learn more about upcoming dates, locations and presenters.
Creativity, Connection and Community
High Notes Avante creates programs that use music and the arts to inspire, give hope, and build connection for those touched by mental illness.
Along with the We All Have A Story workshop series, you can also explore other High Notes Avante programs, including free music lessons, the High Notes Ensemble, and other creative opportunities that bring people together through music and the arts.
Free to Attend, Donations Appreciated
Although the workshop series is free, High Notes Avante greatly appreciates pay-as-you-can donations to help offset costs that are not covered by funding.
If you would like to support High Notes Avante’s creative programs, you can make a contribution through the donation page.
You can also help by learning more about ways to get involved with High Notes Avante.