Rhyme Time! WriteGirl Teens Learn How to Write Anthems from the Pros
WriteGirl teens and alums became songwriters for a day at the 24th annual WriteGirl Songwriting Workshop and Showcase of Songs online on March 15, 2025. More than 100 mentees, alums and volunteers participated, including 11 special guest songwriters.
The event started off with an introduction from Michelle Lewis, an award-winning songwriter and composer and Founder of Songwriters of North America (SONA), and Kay Hanley, an Emmy and Peabody Award-winning TV animation songwriter. They introduced WriteGirl teens to the art of lyric writing and showed examples of how popular artists brainstorm songs.
“Listen to natural rhythms and patterns that live in words and sentences. Sometimes a conversation will have music inside of it… you just have to listen for it,” said Lewis.
The workshop included breakout sessions led by special guest songwriters Laurie Geltman, Lauren Chirsty, Janice Robinson, Shelly Peiken, Michelle Lewis, Kay Hanley, Autumn Rowe, Annette Conlon and Clare Means. “I loved being able to share my creativity in such a supportive and friendly place,” said WriteGirl teen participant, Carley. “I loved being creative with amazingly talented people,” said another WriteGirl teen participant, Viva.
The highly anticipated Showcase of Songs closed out the event where teens and their family/friends watched the professional singer-songwriters perform the teens’ lyrics live! Among the special guest songwriters were Lucy Schwartz and Heidi Rojas.
“I loved so much hearing the different ways my song could turn into and hearing from all of the amazing singers and songwriters,” said Lila, WriteGirl teen participant. “I loved seeing the creative process live, with all the pauses and hesitations and ah ha moments!” said Rayne, a WriteGirl alum participant.
Thank you to The ASCAP Foundation Irving Caesar Fund and all of our generous supporters who made this inspiring workshop possible!