ABOUT

Our Work

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We work to build more connected and compassionate communities by writing songs in collaboration with storytellers from around the world.

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What are three core qualities of a

Documentary Song?

Authenticity

The song arises from the spoken words of an individual’s lived experience.

Accessibility

The melody and words can be sung by people without trained voices.

Artistry

The song expresses a shared exploration of ideas and suggestions from its Story Source and Teaching Artist.

Meiyue Liu | Camden, Maine

“It is a fascinating process to see one of my very personal stories transformed into a song. For my refrain, every time I sing it, I become more grateful. Hearing other people sing along with me makes me feel more connected to them.”

More about a documentary song's central collaborators

The Story Source

Recounts a personal experience

Generates the very beginnings of a melody

Contributes ideas and feedback throughout the complete writing and arranging process

Helps ensure that the song that emerges conveys the emotions of their story

The Teaching Artist

Listens deeply to the story source

Leads them through the DocSong process

Contributes ideas and feedback throughout the complete writing and arranging process

Provides songwriting expertise and perspective to ensure that the general listener might understand and feel the emotional message of the song

Both the Story Source and the Teaching Artist provide ideas and collaborate. Together, they explore different ways to shape the song and give it an identity that is authentic to the story source and accessible to future listeners.