Class Description
Over the course of this workshop, we'll explore various ways of translating the sensory experience of listening to music into words. We'll aim to find ways to make the unsayable sayable, to make the abstract concrete, through questions such as: If this beat was a room, what would it feel like to be inside it? If this trumpet solo was a person, what would it be like to look into her eyes?
The poet Yusef Komunyakaa once wrote, "Rhythm is pre-memory." With this idea in mind, we'll explore means of accessing memory--and pre-memory--through music. Please come to this workshop with a short piece of instrumental music chosen and ready to share. All styles welcome: jazz, hip hop, classical, anything goes. For writers of all experience levels, age 13 - 18 ONLY.
Takeaway:
Students will leave with an understanding of the importance of rhythm in creative writing, new techniques, and a few new poems or short prose pieces.
Accommodations:
Snacks, pens, notebooks, and a limited number of loaner laptops will be provided.
Additional meal stipends and MBTA passes can be requested using this food and transportation request form.
Space Accessibility:
Our space is ADA accessible with automatic door openers, ADA compliant restrooms, desk and table spacing, braille signage, and elevator. Our classrooms can be equipped with ALS for hard of hearing individuals. We cannot guarantee a scent-free environment. For more accessibility requests, please contact our Operations team at [email protected] or (617) 695-0075.
Registration Instructions:
- Register for the class by clicking the yellow "Register" button and following the checkout instructions through our website. If you do not have an account, you will be able to make one easily. When making the account, please use your preferred name.
- If the student is under 18, parents/guardians must complete this permission form online. You only need to fill this form out one time, not for every class. Please complete it with the student's preferred name. If you cannot remember whether you have already filled it out, please email [email protected] and we will check for you! If you do not complete this form, your registrations could be voided and the cancellation policy will apply.
- If the student is 18, simply let us know by emailing [email protected].
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If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at [email protected]. We’re excited to write with you this summer!
Thanks to the excellent literary citizenship of our donors, scholarships are available for all GrubStreet classes. To apply, click the gray "APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP" button. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must complete your application at least one week before the start date of a class. Please await our scholarship committee's decision before registering for the class. We cannot hold spots in classes, so the sooner you apply, the better. Scholarships cannot be applied retroactively.
For more detailed information about GrubStreet scholarships, including how to contribute to scholarship funds for other students, click here.
This class will take place in-person at our Center for Creative Writing in Boston's Seaport neighborhood.
Covid-19 Update:
GrubStreet's space will be mask-optional when Boston's Covid-19 Community Level is low or medium. When the Covid-19 Community Level is high, our space will require masks. Please check GrubStreet's Covid-19 page for the latest info on masking and Community Levels before visiting in person.
Space Accessibility:
Our space is ADA accessible with automatic door openers, ADA-compliant restrooms, desk and table spacing, braille signage, and elevator. Our classrooms can be equipped with ALS for hard of hearing individuals. We cannot guarantee a scent-free environment. For more accessibility requests, please contact our Operations team at [email protected] or (617) 695-0075.