Fundamentals of Country Songwriting with John R Miller

John R. Miller is a singer‑songwriter and picker from West Virginia who has spent years on the road refining his craft and figuring out how songs really work in real rooms. Raised where the mountains meet Interstate 81, he first cut his teeth in tight‑knit DIY scenes and touring bands before gaining traction with his own material in nearly all 50 states and across Canada, Europe, Ireland, and Japan. Along the way he’s opened for and played with a wide range of roots artists and built a reputation for lyrics that are grounded, evocative, and lived‑in. 

In this class, John breaks down the fundamentals of country songwriting through the lens of a working writer: what makes a song hold together; how to shape verses, choruses, and melodies so they feel natural when sung; how to use rhyme, rhythm, and point of view to serve the story; and why certain turns of phrase hit harder than others. You’ll listen to real examples — including songs from John’s own catalog and songs that have influenced him — and talk through the choices writers make when they’re trying to finish something that actually works.

Expect hands-on guidance, real-world examples from John’s songs and influences, and practical exercises to help you write and finish songs that actually work.

April 6, 13, 20, 27 from 7-8:30 at Soft Junk, 919 Gallatin

$160