September 15, 2023 (NEW ORLEANS, La.) – The Trombone Shorty Foundation, in partnership with the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, is excited to announce a “Songwriting Masterclass for Beginners” Series with Anders Osborne! These two FREE songwriting workshops will be held from 6pm-8:30pm on Monday, October 2 and Wednesday, October 4 at the Jazz & Heritage Center and are open to students ages 14-24. Capacity is limited, so any interested participant should sign up at the link below.
These Masterclasses are ideal for students that are interested in learning more about the craft of songwriting with the goal of generating their own, original material. Osborne will share valuable insight using a step-by-step approach to musical and lyrical development that he has honed over decades of experience. Osborne says, “I am thrilled to spend some time with young, and talented students! I have a passion for sharing my songwriting experience, and can’t think of a better place to do it than this. It is amazing when you get to witness the creative light turn on in the students.”
Since his recording debut in 1989, Osborne has created an impressive body of his own material and contributed iconic songs to a wide variety of artists, including a #1 chart-topping hit “Watch the Wind Go By,” for country superstar Tim McGraw. The Masterclasses will offer young, budding songwriters the opportunity to learn from one of the greats in a supportive and interactive setting.
The Trombone Shorty Foundation focuses on providing young musicians with the skills and experiences to become professionals, and songwriting plays an important role in that artistic development. Every year the foundation partners with the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts on a state-wide songwriting contest that offers college scholarships, so students attending the Masterclasses will be encouraged to submit their work. “We are seeing some amazingly talented young musicians come through our programs,” says Bill Taylor, Founding Executive DIrector. “And the more tools of the trade we can present to them, the brighter their futures will be. Anders is a master of his craft, and this promises to be both educational and a lot of fun.”
Workshop will be held at George & Joyce Wein Jazz and Heritage Center, 1225 N. Rampart Street in New Orleans. There is limited parking in a lot behind the building. Sessions are free, but advance registration is required. Space is limited. Attendance at both sessions (October 2 & 4) is expected. Visit this link to register by Friday September 29 or until all spots are filled, whichever comes first.
WHAT: Songwriting Masterclass for Beginners with Anders Osborne
WHEN: Monday, October 2 and Wednesday October 4, 6pm-8:30pm
WHERE: Held at George & Joyce Wein Jazz and Heritage Center, 1225 N. Rampart Street, New Orleans. Limited parking available at back of building.
MORE INFO: Registration mandatory for this 2-day session commitment. Sessions are in person, no virtual option. Free and open to the public (limited spots available).
ABOUT ANDERS OSBORNE
Anders Osborne has been writing and recording music for close to 40 years. Between the potency of his richly detailed songwriting, his intensely emotional, soulful vocals and his piercing, expert guitar work, New Orleans’ Anders Osborne is a true musical treasure. Osborne has toured with legendary artists including North Mississippi Allstars, Toots and The Maytals, Stanton Moore, Derek Trucks, Warren Haynes, Keb Mo, The Grateful Dead’s Phil Lesh, Jackie Greene and Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe. Osborne’s compositions have been covered by artists as diverse as Brad Paisley, Tab Benoit, Jonny Lang, Edwin McCain, Sam Bush, Trombone Shorty and Aaron Neville. New Orleans’ Gambit Weekly honored Osborne as “Entertainer Of The Year”, and OffBeat Magazine named him the Crescent City’s Best Guitarist and Best Songwriter for multiple consecutive years.
ABOUT THE TROMBONE SHORTY FOUNDATION
The Trombone Shorty Foundation’s mission is to inspire the next generation of talented youth through music education, instruction, mentorship, and performance. Founded by renowned New Orleans musician Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews in 2012, the Foundation inspires and uplifts the next generation of New Orleans musicians by developing their talent, educating them about the music business, and connecting them to the city’s unique music and cultural heritage. By offering innovative programs that develop and implement digital tools for music education, they provide a livelihood for musicians in our community, while passing on the culture to the next generation and preparing them to lead.