1 Verse + 3 Choruses = A lesson in CREATIVITY!

(Part of a sample class schedule).

A few weeks ago, I volunteered at my church women’s group for a “back school night” fun activity for grown ups, where we were given “class schedules” and switched “periods” in the spirit of learning new things and getting to know one another better. I had the privilege  of teaching the music class titled “Songwriting 101” for the evening. It was a super fun challenge, as the women participating came from all walks of life, ranging from ages 19-80 years old, and I was only given 15 minutes to teach each class! I ended up giving a brief lesson on how songs are typically put together, focusing specifically on the relationship between verse and chorus. 

Yes, the actual teaching part was very fun, BUT what I really wanted to share is what these unique students taught me though this experience! Toward the end of the class I had each class do a group writing exercise (it was a class on writing after all!). For the exercise, I had written a quick verse, that I wanted them to write a chorus or what I like to call a “punchline” moment, to go with it. Instinctively, I had an idea of where the chorus would likely go, and assumed the class would be on a similar wave length. However, I was completely shocked at the variety of ideas that came from each group. 

To give some context, the verse talked about meeting someone in past tense and having an instant romantic connection. Originally in my head, I thought the chorus would be about how much their life had changed because of meeting this person. But check out where the 3 different groups landed, after starting with the same set up of meeting and connecting with a love interest.

Group 1 chorus main idea: “I know I will never see you again, but what a beautiful goodbye.”

Group 2 chorus main idea: “It feels like this is the start of a great love story. Are you on the same page?”

Group 3 chorus main idea: “Never mind let’s just be friends…I’d be just fine if I never saw you again.” 

Three extremely different takes, building off the same starting verse lyrics! I was literally blown away. I genuinely did not expect each group’s chorus responses to the the prompt to be so unique, and honestly, all really cool ideas! 

It was a huge lesson and reminder to me regarding the creativity that exists in each of us, and it was really exciting to witness and be a small part of! This may sound like such a small thing, but it was truly inspiring to me, and I thought it might be for you too, to simply remember that we all have something truly unique to bring to the table, even a unique chorus, when starting with the same verse. 

​-Taylor Miranda 
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(A pic of my classroom for the night).