This question feels like one of the most absurd yet deepest inquiries into my soul. I mean, first, I LOVE music. I love the way it stirs my emotions and directs me to feel certain ways. And if you layer on top of that emotional influencer words that succinctly cut to the heart of a thought, and words that typically rhyme somewhat, I am hooked. Not only am I hooked but our various cultures around the world orbit this thing called “song.”
There was a time when I was attracted to the possibility that being a “writer of songs” could be something that might eventually include me in the fantastical realm of the “rich and famous.” However, the more experience I gain in life compels me to redirect that prompt to be simply a songwriter, one who continuously betters himself in this culture shaping art and craft.
But the term “simply a songwriter” is quite a misnomer. Finding the ability to take a thought; whittle it down to a more concise, but more powerful thought; marry it to music that further enhances the message and “the feels;” and, finally, have that well-crafted combination be shared with the world through an individual or group that can do so with expertise and personality – that is the task… and the hope.
Many of us could name songs that have made significant impacts in our lives. Typically, we attribute that song to the person or people who deliver it. Yet, if we would take the time to investigate, we would find names of people who would fit nicely into the descriptions written above. Gloria Gaither is one such person.
My work with Gloria for the past decade has been… the word to place here is constantly shifting… phenomenal, inspirational, educational, spiritual, and the list goes on. The passion she has for “good songwriting” is something with which I not only resonate but something that drives me to be better in this craft and help others grow as well.
When Gloria suggested moving her annual Songwriting Intensive to the campus of Indiana Wesleyan University, I was thrilled to imagine the impact. Yet, this event constantly exceeds my expectations as each year it continues the trajectory of good writing that Gloria began years ago at the Gaither Studios. This trajectory is amplified through the help of many of Gloria’s excellent songwriting friends who come to our campus and share large chunks of time in intimate classroom settings with others who, like me, want to get better at this thing called “songwriting.”
Why do so many come to IWU to get better? I would suggest a return to the top of this statement… or I could sum it up like this – “Songwriters can’t NOT write.” I know that is a double negative and English teachers of the world would count off for it but that drive and need to take a thought and make it as powerful as possible through the collaboration of music and lyric is what keeps this artform alive.
Todd Syswerda
Indiana Wesleyan University Professor of Songwriting and Music Composition and Director of the annual Gloria Gaither Songwriting Intensive
