To play a song is one thing, to write an original is a whole step higher.

On April 10, at Powell Hall at the Martin Center, the ETSU Bluegrass, Old Time, and Roots Music hosted a songwriter’s showcase. It was titled: “Songwriter’s Duos and Trios Part 2.” It was a sequel to the March 21, “Songwriter’s Showcase: “Songwriter’s Duos and Trios Part 1.” Nate Olsen was the emcee of the event.

“The students are kind of vulnerable,” said Olsen. “They are sharing stuff they are creating.”

The showcase was inspired by events and venues from Nashville, like the Bluebird bar, where artists showcase what they have written.

Tim Stafford, the Artist in Residence for ETSU’s Bluegrass, Old Time, and Roots Music department, led his students in the showcase. He joined the university in fall 2023. This semester he taught two songwriting seminar classes with a total of 14 students. In his class, he stated there are many ways to go about songwriting. Some may start with the melody, rhythm or lyrics first. Each songwriter is different, Stafford said, although bluegrass, old time and country are great with public domain. The need for original music should be emphasized. He stated that songwriting is a crucial part of the music process.

“Songwriters go outside of themselves when writing songs and they become a conjugate,” said Stafford. “It becomes a mystery.”

Photo taken of performers at the songwriter showcase. (Abby Trembeczki/East Tennessean)

Stafford has brought guest artists to help the students with their creative process, like Willi Carlisle.

Stafford and the ETSU’s Bluegrass, Old Time, and Roots department have renewed their contract for him to continue his residency. They will continue doing some form of songwriting with the department next semester.

Stafford believes, even though he might not teach it next semester; it is still crucial to pursue. There are many benefits in working with songwriting in all music forms including building relationships, gaining health and strengthening musicality.

“You form a connection and it so rewarding the things you can do,” said Stafford.

Author