"We're all artists. We have music in us and gifts to give. My approach as a teacher, coach and mentor is to start where you are. My intention: to bring my 30+ years of experience in songwriting, creative process, vocal and guitar performance and musical leadership, into focus on behalf of the authentic artist in you.

In group classes and workshops, we dive into experience, skills building, inquiry and practice. In personal coaching and "Creative Summit" sessions, I work with you to help fan your creative sparks into flame, unravel tight places in self-expression, dissolve blocks and fill knowledge gaps, discover and build skills and confidence. Together we design a plan of study and action that supports you in achieving your goals. We work in a "failure-free zone" where freedom and honest of expression are honored and enthusiasm and practicality meet serious study and fun.

Everyone has a unique, natural voice and creative dreams which deserve attention. Many of us are self-taught. No one need 'go it alone.' For
more than 30 years I've offered workshops and individual coaching for music lovers of all ages and levels -- from veteran musicians to emerging professionals to first-timers and famiies. I've coached and composed songs with children age 4 up and elders age 100+.

Every workshop or set of lessons I offer is customized. I draw on my own eclectic musical background in classical, choral, jazz, folk, pop, a capella, broadway, blues, cantorial and world music. I also bring my understanding of the healing power of music. As founder and director of the Songwriting Works™ process, I've composed songs with more than 3,000 older adults, and currently facilitate training for songwriters and health practitioners serving communities with Music for Wellness programs. I've worked extensively with people who have cognitive challenges and am asked, increasingly, to share insights with the scientific community about the role of music in healing, and the power of songwriting to promote brain healthr!

I moved to Port Towsend in 2006 and opened the Song Studio in 2008. Whether you're a singer, instrumentalist, songwriter, speaker, poet, creative thinker - or aspiring beginner... You are welcome!

I look forward to being of service." ---Judith-Kate Friedman

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