Do you ever struggle to explain your musical vision to a producer?

As a songwriter, you know the meaning behind your lyrics, the emotion you want to convey, and the atmosphere you imagine. But translating that inner vision into clear, practical directions can be challenging. How do you communicate feelings, references, and sonic ideas in a way that allows a producer to truly understand and elevate your song?

In this crossover workshop led by our songwriting teacher Maddie and music production teacher Federico, you’ll explore how songwriters and producers collaborate effectively. Through guided examples and practical exercises, you’ll learn how to express your artistic intention clearly, use references meaningfully, and understand how producers interpret and develop your ideas into a finished track.

You’ll gain insight into both perspectives: how songwriters can communicate more efficiently, and how producers translate creative direction into sound.

What we’ll work on

• Translating emotions, images, and intentions into clear musical direction

• Communicating mood, energy, and sonic references effectively

• Understanding how producers approach arrangement and sound design

• Using references to guide production without limiting creativity

• Developing a shared vocabulary between songwriter and producer

• Learning how to prepare and present your ideas before a production session

• Exploring real collaboration scenarios between songwriting and production

These tools help make collaboration smoother, more efficient, and more creatively fulfilling.

What you’ll walk away with

• Greater clarity when communicating your artistic vision

• Practical tools to collaborate confidently with music producers

• A better understanding of the production process from a songwriter’s perspective

• Increased ability to guide the sound and direction of your songs

• More confidence entering collaborative creative sessions

• Stronger ability to bring your songs closer to your intended sound

You’ll discover how clear communication can transform your ideas into powerful, fully realized productions.

Practical information

This is an interactive workshop open to songwriters, artists, and anyone interested in the collaboration between songwriting and music production.