Songwriting at The Church With Arta Jēkabsone

Join internationally renowned vocalist and composer Arta Jēkabsone for an introductory workshop on the art and practice of songwriting at The Church on Saturday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. In this session, Jēkabsone will explore the improvisational nature of songwriting and discuss how simple melodies can transform into complex compositions when combined with the spoken word. Over the course of three hours, participants will be guided through a series of exercises and techniques designed to encourage creativity and embrace improvisation, allowing them to develop compositions of their own.

Rising star Arta Jēkabsone has won the prestigious Montreux Shure Jazz Voice Competition and has finished in the top three in multiple internationally renowned competitions. In 2021 she added third prize at the Annual Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Voice Competition to her long list of achievements. A New York City-based vocalist, her compositions are infused with the folk melodies of her homeland, Latvia. Jēkabsone regularly presents new works at the Jazz Gallery, one of New York City’s premier venues. She was awarded the Jazz Gallery Residency Commission Grant 2021. Recently, Jēkabsone received the highest form of state recognition in the field of music the Latvian Music Award “New Artist of the Year 2022.”

This workshop has been programmed as part of Jēkabsone’s 2024 residency at The Church. Tickets are $45 ($40 members) at thechurchsagharbor.org. The Church is at 48 Madison Street in Sag Harbor.