Aug 13: Songwriter's Stage Craft workshop with Jonathan Shue

Dusty Strings 3406 Fremont Ave N

Maximum Enrollment: 8

Registration & Refund Deadline: Friday, August 8, 2025

In this hands-on 2-hour workshop, songwriters will discover how to transform their original compositions into captivating live performances. Whether you're preparing for your first open mic or looking to enhance your stage presence as a solo performer, this session will equip you with the essential skills to perform with confidence and ease. You'll learn how to create an immersive experience for your audience that elevates your songs and turns listeners into engaged fans who truly connect with your music.

The workshop covers both the practical and psychological aspects of live performance. You'll explore venue preparation strategies, equipment familiarity, and mental preparation techniques that help ease performance anxiety. You'll learn how to handle unexpected situations with grace, how to interact with venue staff and sound engineers, and how to prepare for different types of performances—whether an open mic, showcase, opening bill, audition, or full solo set. By the end of this workshop, you'll have a clear roadmap for approaching any performance opportunity with the confidence and preparation needed to share your music authentically and powerfully.

Skills Needed: Students should have at least one original song ready to share. You don’t have to come with the song memorized; however, you will get more out of the workshop if you do.

What to Bring: Please bring your instrument (guitar, ukulele, or other). Students can also use the piano in the classroom. Bring something to take notes and record audio/video, such as a smartphone or iPad.

Teacher: Jonathan Shue is a multi-disciplinary artist whose talents span music, theatre, and arts education. From award-winning regional theatre stages to recording studios and international tours, he delivers compelling performances as both actor and musician. His solo artistry shines through two albums, Little City and Chasing Hurricanes, while his collaborative work can be heard on River by Jed Crisologo and The Sun Killers. Currently, he performs with Whidbey Island's acoustic trio Redcedar and Seattle's blues-rock band Steamroller. Discover more about Jonathan and his music at Jonathanshue.com.

*Most classes and workshops are geared towards late-teens and adults. Younger learners will benefit most starting with private lessons.