I wanted to share something I’m really excited about. I’m launching a brand new lyric writing cohort through At Home Songwriting and I figured this is the perfect place to tell you about it because a lot of you who find my music site are also writers or you’ve told me you want to get better at lyrics.

This cohort is four weeks long and it starts January 16th. We meet on Jan 16, 23, 30 and Feb 6 in 2027. If you’ve never been in a cohort before, it’s basically a small group class where everyone learns together…

This summer is flying by. I blinked and suddenly it’s going to be September in a few days. I’ve always loved Autumn. The Fall. My favorite time of year. There’s something magical about that stretch between summer and winter. The temperatures, the colors, the feel in the air. I’ve always felt more alive in that time of year. It doesn’t last, but maybe that’s what makes it special.

Last winter, early 2026, I needed a break from my business. I’ve mentioned this in other posts, but I shut down my At‑Home…

In July, I decided I missed teaching. I had taken a break from posting on YouTube, and I wrapped up most of my other teaching for others. In March I had closed down my website and email list. This summer I decided I wanted to rebuild my business and my songwriting community on my own, new, refreshed terms. I spent a few months figuring out what really resonates with me, and what is important to me. I truly missed having my own avenues of promoting the craft of songwriting. I missed the connections and…

Over the past 4 months or so I have been simplifying my life. I stepped away from many aspects of teaching Songwriting. I felt as if I was becoming trapped inside something I had built myself. In the past week I found myself missing making YouTube videos and connecting with my own community of songwriters. I decided I want to start making YouTube videos again and leading online workshops…on my own terms. I don't want it to be another job. I already have a day job, and I love writing and recording my songs…

I get asked this all the time. “What comes first? The words or the music?”

The real answer is…"It depends." It really CAN happen both ways, but I do have a preference for my own songwriting. 

I think my best songs happen when the melody exists first. The songs that come lyrics first feel like they wander for me. They sound more like drafts to me. They don't melt together like the ones that have a melody and then I write lyrics to the melody. 

Many writers I know have to write lyrics first. That is fine, but it…