Andy has been writing songs for decades and has studied songwriting under Pat Pattison (Berklee College of Music), Ralph Murphy, Stephen Fearing, and Brandon Isaak, among others. He performs at festivals and folk houses across the country, provides songwriting courses, and hosting local songwriter meetings when he is home.

Cost: 60$ includes lunch, limited space available

The first half of the day is basic tools, concepts and needed, and the latter half is more advanced concepts for writing

SongStructure
Basic Music theory, finding Diatonic Chords for any key
Finding and capturing Lyric Ideas
Literary Devices and songwriting
Prosody, and developing melody from lyrics

Lunch Break

Psychology of song, why we love them
Involving the senses
Writing exercise and discussion
Popular song analysis

Andy grew up in the suburbs of Toronto, close enough to attend shows at venues such as the El Mocambo, the Horseshoe Tavern and Maple Leaf Gardens. Drawn to Americana and roots music for their storytelling and genre-blending qualities, these traditions form the foundation of his songwriting.
He has hitch-hiked through the Maritimes, jumped boxcars in the Rockies, and crossed the vastness of Canada numerous times by train, truck and motorcycle. Through musical revolutions, the arc of careers, travel, and life, he has dragged his guitar behind him, churning out songs and stories infused with memorable melodies and characters. His songs explore the poignant, surprising and sometimes humorous experiences life throws at us with unique insight, warmth and reverence.
Andy has performed across Canada and is a regular performer on Vancouver Island, appearing numerous times at coffeehouses, house concerts, and festivals including the Islands Folk Festival and the 39 Days of July Cowichan Summer Festival. His recordings have received airplay on independent radio and have been included on playlists supporting contemporary folk and roots music in Canada and the United States.
A lifelong student of the songwriting craft, he has studied with songwriters such as Pat Pattinson, Ralph Murphy, Stephen Fearing and Brandon Isaak, and he also leads songwriting workshops that aim to welcome and offer support to new voices.
Andy has a friendly and engaging stage presence, and his catchy lyrics supported by his competent guitar style, tend to leave audiences smiling