Outwrite The Crowd - Songwriting CrashCourse
Creating Lyrics & Melodies That Stand Out
(Starts Nov. 24 at 7pm CT)
Presented by
Outwrite Your Past Work:
3 Weeks to Stronger Songs
What You’ll Learn - Live Online:
- Create fresh lyric angles — Push past clichés, tighten emotion and imagery, and use setup/payoff like a pro.
- Design standout melodies — Make hooks feel surprising yet inevitable with rhythm, contrast, and chord colors.
- Pitch with confidence — Build a compelling song start and deliver a clear, pro‑level pitch for a chance to be selected to co‑write (Week 2: hit songwriter; Week 3: recording artist).
Time Left To Sign Up!
Two Chances To Win Pro Co‑writes
(Week 2: Jason Duke • Week 3: Jordan Rager)
Submit a song start twice—once in Week 2 for a shot to co‑write with hit songwriter Jason Duke, and again in Week 3 for a shot to co‑write with recording artist Jordan Rager. Winners are chosen by our pro guests from attendee submissions.
How It Works : (Curriculum At A Glance)
Week 1 — Lyric Focus: “Same Title” Challenge
- Pro lyric‑writing instruction with multi‑#1 songwriter Marty Dodson.
- Everyone writes to the same title; a pro writer does the same.
- Line‑by‑line comparison reveals what separates good from great.
- Deep‑dives: imagery, specificity, perspective, show vs. tell, contrast.
Takeaway: Lyric Checklist
Week 2 — Melody Focus: Fresh Angles
- Pro melody‑writing instruction with multi‑#1 songwriter Clay Mills.
- Tactics for “fresh‑angle” melodies that stand out: chord colors, motif development, lyric–melody alignment, rhythmic phrasing, contrast.
- You’ll write and submit your own song start for a chance to be selected for a co‑write with Jason Duke (hit songwriter).
Takeaway: Melody Angles Cheat‑Sheet to make hooks undeniable.
Week 3 — Land the Artist Cut (Bring It All Together)
- Write + Pitch: Submit a new song start using Weeks 1–2 knowledge.
- Guest artist Jordan Rager reviews submissions and may select one to co‑write.
- Takeaway: An action plan whether selected or not (iterate, refine, re‑pitch) — plus a genuine industry‑facing opportunity.
Guest mentors/artists are scheduled; participation and selection are not guaranteed and may be subject to change or availability.
What You Get:
- 3 live sessions (interactive) + replays for attendees
- Lyric Checklist (Week 1)
- Melody Angles Cheat‑Sheet (Week 2)
- Artist pitch opportunity (Week 3)
- Private community channel for feedback & accountability
- Chances to win co-writes with hit songwriter & recording artist
Meet the Pros & Artist!
Jason Duke
Jason is a Nashville songwriter behind Kelsea Ballerini’s Platinum, chart-topping “Dibs,” and Keith Urban’s “That Could Still Be Us” from the Platinum album Ripcord. His cut list spans radio-ready country and pop-leaning stories, with credits including Chris Bandi’s breakout “Man Enough Now.” Hook-first and heart-forward, Duke brings a collaborator’s ear and a hitmaker’s instincts to every room.
Jordan Rager
Jordan is a rising young country singer-songwriter from Loganville, Georgia—now based in Nashville. He taught himself guitar at 15, launched his career performing in local bars, and gained wider attention with a run on The Voice before being mentored by Barry Williams (Jason Aldean’s dad). Signed to Broken Bow Records, he scored his debut single “Southern Boy” (duet with Jason Aldean) in 2016 and later released “Now That I Know Your Name” and “One of the Good Ones” under Riser House Records.
Marty Dodson
Marty is a multi-#1 hit songwriter and SongTown co-founder behind chart-toppers like Billy Currington’s “Must Be Doin’ Somethin’ Right” and “Let Me Down Easy,” plus hits for Kenny Chesney (“Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven”), Rascal Flatts (“While You Loved Me”), and Joe Cocker (“Fire It Up”). His songs have been recorded by Carrie Underwood, George Strait, Lonestar, The Oak Ridge Boys, and more.
Clay Mills
Clay is a 16-time ASCAP award-winning, 2x Grammy-nominated hit songwriter and SongTown co-founder behind #1 hits like Darius Rucker’s “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It” and Diamond Rio’s “Beautiful Mess,” plus cuts such as “History in the Making,” “She Thinks She Needs Me,” and Trisha Yearwood’s “Heaven, Heartache and the Power of Love.”
Who Should Take This Class?
- Songwriters at any level who want songs that get noticed by publishers, artists, and audiences.
- Writers stuck in the same lyric/melody habits who want fresh angles.
- Artists who want stronger hooks and clearer pitches to collaborators.
Class Dates & Details
Classes are easy to view and participate in from your computer, laptop, or smartphone. All Zoom classes are available to watch on replay if you miss it live. We keep the video up for 3 weeks after your class so you can review at your leisure.
Class Schedule:
- Monday, Nov. 24th (7pm CT)
- Monday, Dec. 1st (7pm CT)
- Monday, Dec. 8th (7pm CT)
Class Fees:
- SongTown Members - $249
- Non-Members - $279 (includes one month of full access to the #1 songwriter community in the world!)
- Diamond Members can use one of their Free CrashCourse Credits!
**Tuition is non-refundable once class sells out or begins.
What’s included:
- 3 live sessions + replays
- Lyric Checklist + Melody Angles Cheat‑Sheet
- Pro Songwriter & Artist pitch opportunity in Week 2 & 3
- Private community feedback
FAQ
What level is this for?
All levels. Newer writers grow fast with Week 1’s comparison; experienced writers love Week 2’s melody tactics and the Week 3 pitch.
Do I need to play an instrument or produce?
No. A voice memo or simple chords are enough. Production is optional.
How does the hit writer co-write pitch work?
In Week 2, attendees submit a song start. Guest pro writer, Jason Duke, reviews them and selects one winner to co‑write.
How does the artist pitch work?
In Week 3, attendees submit a song start. Guest recording artist, Jordan Rager, reviews them and selects one to co‑write.
What if I can’t attend live?
Replays are provided for attendees. You will still submit assignments.
What genres are welcome?
All commercial genres—pop, country, singer‑songwriter, R&B, Christian/CCM, indie, etc.
Will my idea be protected?
Keep your dated drafts/voice memos; we encourage registering completed songs you intend to release. We foster a professional, respectful environment.
The next step in your songwriting journey starts here.
Study & write alongside hit songwriters, sharpen your lyric and melody chops, and submit a real song start for a chance to win two co-writes—one with a guest recording artist and another with a multi-hit songwriter. Seats are limited to allow meaningful interaction.
Live sessions + replays included.
Time Left To Sign Up!
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