GROUP CLASSES

+ Events

Songbuilders’ Soirées

Improvisation
Sessions & Classes

Songwriters’
Circles & Classes

Improvisation Sessions

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One Offs & Multi-Week Classes

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Improvisation Sessions 〰️ One Offs & Multi-Week Classes 〰️

Find your Voice. Refine your Talents.

Get Present. Get Connected. Play.

Improvise with us
Improvise with us

Any Sound can belong with any other sound. The ideal improviser is willing to do anytyhing at any time, for any reason, or for no reason at all

Any Sound can belong with any other sound. The ideal improviser is willing to do anytyhing at any time, for any reason, or for no reason at all

Songwriters’ Circles

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Online Songwriting Classes

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Songwriters’ Circles 𝄞 Online Songwriting Classes 𝄞

I regularly host creativity affirming musical improvisation classes: Meditative Musical Mondays & Exploring Improvisation. I also host online songwriting workshops. Sometimes these are one-offs, other times they meet for 3-8 consecutive weeks. These group sessions elevate collective creativity, affirm our natural process of creating and elevating our skill.

My Philosophy
My Philosophy
My Pedagogy
My Pedagogy
Next Group Classes
Next Group Classes

Songwriters' Circles

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Songwriters' Circles ✎

Next Circles
Next Circles

Songwriters’ Circles energize and uplift artists. A structured container for giving and receiving feedback, sharing ideas. Experienced pros to beginners, expect deep listening, intimacy, immediacy, and new inspiration. They normally happen once per month, on a weekend.

  • “A wonderful, sensitive, and enthusiastic teacher. He has a real gift for helping people free themselves up as musicians and break through creative blocks.”

    — Jonathan W, of Kirk Winsor

    after an 8 week Exploring Improvisation session

  • “Taking Nate Shaffer's Contemplative Songwriting class was a life-changing experience for me. I had only just started to try songwriting when a friend recommended it, and I was intrigued but terrified! Nate made the environment very welcoming for people at all points in their songwriting journeys, and led the class with an openness that invited creativity […] I cannot imagine a world in which I did not take this class!”

    — Kristin, performer-writer of original comedy musical at Boston Fringe Festival

    Student in Online Songwriting Class

  • "Nate's songwriting class was really valuable to me -- after taking it, I have several new ways to approach generating song starts, and a healthier relationship with my inner critic."

    — June, of Miss Bones

    Student in Online Songwriting Class

  • "Nate works hard to create a space for people of a wide range of musical backgrounds and experiences to learn to listen to and support each other during these weekly experimentation sessions, and was always available for questions, concerns, and input about the class and about our experiences in class. It was a blast to learn more about how to push each other to go beyond the bounds of what we knew was possible for ourselves as musicians. we learned a great deal about the technique of play, and I'd recommend working with Nate to any musician feeling stiff or stuck in their practice, or in their relationship to their instrument or other musicians."

    – Amanda L, of Lonesome Joan

    after an 8 week Exploring Improvisation session

  • "I am so grateful for this space. There’s nothing like it. It helps me see myself as an artist and connect with other artists. Nate, you do an incredible job of catering to what every person needs, really listening to their energy, and homing in on it. It’s such a beautiful space, always so welcoming and opening. It’s like stepping into a little oasis."

    — Kate, Songwriters’ Circle attendee

  • "I am grateful for the safe environment you create here. I have been toying with the idea of sharing something for a year. Today felt really low stakes. As I was sitting here, the expectations of what I should have brought melt away. It’s just very accepting. With listening ears and great constructive feedback."

    — Kaitlin, Songwriters’ Circle attendee

  • "I’m super grateful. This is very healing. Connection is this healing energy that we need, so we’re not just in our little vessels, just singing for ourselves. Having a place where I can just let the creativity out, and just be seen. You’re so caring – there’s all this beautiful energy with everyone here. It’s very special to have a place where it’s not all about money, too – there’s a sliding scale. Come and pay what you can. Very genuinely doing it because you care about it. Only positive things to say! Thank you. "

    — Nina, Songwriters’ Circle Attendee

  • "It’s really great to be around other creative people. This feels unique in spaces I’ve tried out before. It helps to keep coming, to hear things people are struggling with – most of them connect to you and the things you’re struggling with. “Oh yeah yeah, I’m gunna do that, I’m gunna try that – I have a song where I can do that.” It’s great for that – being around people. I do love that you take your time [to share your art]. You’re an artist. There’s things you can get from us. I like that piece too."

    — Nick T, Songwriters’ Circle Attendee

  • "In addition to being a great instructor with a roster of thoughtful creativity-boosting exercises and techniques, Nate models healthy habits and approaches that any artist can integrate into their style. For me, Nate pushed my own song-writing towards a judgment-free, streamlined process rooted in playfulness and joy"

    — Arthur B.

    Student in Online Songwriting Class