Ridgefield Playhouse to Host Songwriting Workshop with Kevin Briody

There is no time like the New Year to focus on a whole new you. For music buffs, Kevin Briody's Songwriting Workshop can fulfill your dream of writing an original song! Offered at The Ridgefield Playhouse on Wednesdays starting January 7 thru March 4, from 7:45 - 9:00 p.m., adults and high school students who are actively writing music will learn how to structure a song with memorable "hooks" and make their own recording. Students will craft lyrics, manipulate melody, rhythm and harmony, merge words with music, and write toward genre whether it be pop, rock, hip-hop, R&B, or country. For the first time, as an added benefit for students who take this workshop, acclaimed singer/songwriters who will be performing at the Playhouse will share their professional expertise by making guest appearances during class when they are in town! This workshop is open to 9th graders to adult students and is part of HamletHub's "A Whole New You" Series.

Kevin Briody is a two-time Emmy award-winner, who has shared the stage with talented artists ranging from Art Garfunkel to Aimee Mann. Briody was selected by the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism as a Master Teaching Artist and, in 2008, took home his first Emmy for Best Original Song with "Little Starr", a tune that also earned him a BMI Film & Television Award. His 2009 "We All Fall Down" also won an Emmy for Best Original Song.

A recording star in his own right, Briody has released four CDs to date. His song "We're All Heroes" opened the Connecticut Special Olympic Summer Games. Autism Speaks, a national organization combating autism, commissioned him to write the song "Bring Them Back" to help raise awareness. Briody's song "Not Just A Dream" was featured on NBC's broadcast of The 2010 Winter Olympic Games. A resident of Connecticut, Briody served as the Official State Troubadour from 2000-2002.

To sign up ($240), call the box office at 203-438-5795, or go online to ridgefieldplayhouse.org. The Ridgefield Playhouse is a not-for-profit performing arts center located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main Street, Ridgefield, CT, ridgefieldplayhouse.org.