What's Happening?
A group of 24 students from Liberty University's School of Music recently participated in the institution's annual songwriting retreat, held from September 25-26. The event, which has been a yearly occurrence since 2010, is designed to provide students with
practical experience in co-writing songs. Participants were selected based on submissions of original song demos. Over three intensive 2.5-hour writing sessions, students collaborated in small groups to compose songs inspired by unique prompts derived from Scripture, with the overarching artistic theme being 'songs for the church.' By the conclusion of the retreat, a total of 24 new songs were created. Two of these compositions were subsequently chosen for professional recording in the School of Music’s Mathena Recording Studio by the recording ensemble class, led by associate professor Nathan Zwald. Alumnus Steven Musso, a seasoned songwriter with a background in co-writes for various artists, served as the guest songwriter, offering guidance and acting as a producer for the selected songs.
Why It's Important?
This annual songwriting retreat is significant for several reasons, particularly in the context of music education and the development of future music professionals. It provides a crucial hands-on learning environment that bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in songwriting. By engaging in co-writing sessions, students develop essential collaborative skills, which are vital in the contemporary music industry where teamwork is often paramount. The focus on Scripture-based prompts and 'songs for the church' also highlights a specialized niche within the music industry, preparing students for careers in worship music and Christian contemporary genres. The opportunity for two songs to be professionally recorded offers invaluable experience in the production process, from composition to studio execution, giving students a tangible output for their creative efforts and a glimpse into the professional recording world. This initiative helps cultivate a new generation of songwriters who are not only technically proficient but also adept at collaborative creation and spiritually inspired composition.
What's Next?
Following the retreat, the two selected songs, 'Gift of God' and 'Exalted,' will undergo professional recording in the Mathena Recording Studio. This process will involve the recording ensemble class and guest songwriter Steven Musso, who will act as producer, guiding the students through the intricacies of studio production. The experience gained from this recording phase will further enhance the students' understanding of music production and collaboration. The annual nature of this retreat suggests that Liberty University will continue to offer this opportunity to its School of Music students, fostering ongoing development in songwriting and collaborative music creation. Future retreats are likely to continue inviting industry professionals like Musso to provide mentorship and real-world insights, ensuring that students are well-prepared for diverse career paths within the music industry, particularly those focused on faith-based music.
Beyond the Headlines
The retreat's emphasis on Scripture as inspiration for songwriting delves into the deeper cultural and spiritual dimensions of music creation. It underscores the idea that music can serve as a powerful medium for expressing faith and fostering community, particularly within religious contexts. The collaborative nature of the retreat also highlights the communal aspect of artistic creation, moving beyond individualistic notions of songwriting to emphasize shared vision and collective effort. This approach can lead to a more robust and diverse body of work, as different perspectives and talents converge. Furthermore, the involvement of an alumnus like Steven Musso demonstrates the value of mentorship and the cyclical nature of education, where former students return to contribute to the development of current ones. This fosters a strong alumni network and provides current students with relatable role models and practical career insights, extending the impact of their education beyond the classroom.
