Teaching Artist Training
About the Training
July 25-31, 2026 | Virtual
This intensive week-long training equips musicians with the skills, methodology, and confidence to facilitate documentary songwriting in their communities. Through hands-on practice, peer collaboration, and expert guidance, you'll learn our complete seven-step process and graduate certified to lead sessions independently.
Tuition: $1,300 (sliding scale available)
Register Now
Why Musicians Love This Training
Deepen Your Artistry
Discover new ways to write songs, work with melody and rhythm, and connect music to human experience. Many participants say this training transforms their creative practice.
Hands-On Practice
Learn by doing. Work with real storytellers, receive expert feedback, and practice every step of the method in supportive small groups.
Professional Opportunities
Graduate certified to facilitate documentary songwriting sessions. Teaching artists can access paid projects and ongoing support from DocSong.
Join a Creative Community
Connect with musicians from around the world who share your values. Our alumni collaborate on projects, share resources, and support each other's work long after training ends.
The Documentary Songwriting Method
During the training, you'll learn a repeatable seven-step process that allows you to work with people to turn any story into an enduring song.
- Draw forth a story: Ask questions that help people share a story that matters to them
- Distill into poetry: Find the phrases that hold the emotion and imagery of the story
- Shape into lyrics: Sculpt the story into lyrics
- Design melody: Use the rhythm and flow of how they speak to help build a melody
- Add chords: Choose chord progressions that deepen the emotional resonance of the song
- Edit and refine: Adjust lyrics so they fit the melody and flow naturally
- Bring it to life: Arrange and perform the finished song
Why Become a Teaching Artist?
Documentary songwriting teaching artists use music to strengthen communities, build connection, and create meaningful change. This work offers both personal fulfillment and professional opportunities for musicians who want their artistry to matter beyond the stage.
Do
Meaningful Work
Join a
Global Community
Grow as an
Artist
Teaching Artists
in Action
Teaching Artists
in Action
Our teaching artists bring documentary songwriting to communities across the country—from schools and senior centers to immigrant service organizations and community arts programs. Explore their work and the projects they've created.
Apply for the 2026 Training
Applications for the July 25-31, 2026 Teaching Artist Training are now open. We review applications on a rolling basis and respond within two weeks of submission.
Applications open
February 13, 2026
Applications close
May 31, 2026
Tuition payment due
June 15, 2026
Training dates
July 25-31, 2026