June 12, 2025

Welcome!

Join us for some in-person inspiration on Sunday, June 15 at 2 p.m.

We'll be in the upper classroom, as usual. Bring a song or two to share! Or just listen!

Here's where:

Artichoke Community Music

2007 SE Powell Blvd, Portland, OR 97202

Map

And don't forget our June Theme,

Song Craft.

Consider this idea and if it finds its way into your songwriting or your choice of others' songs to play, enjoy exploring it. Thanks to Carl for suggesting this one.

We won't be Zooming for this event.



The PCC Rock Creek VRC Beginning Guitar Class!

On Wednesdays, in collaboration with Warrior Beat, we're offering something a little different on our Zoom space. We hope you'll stop by and check it out!

Here's an opportunity to sample a whole new way of connecting with the rhythmic part of what we do.

Join the Zoom Meeting from 6-7 PST:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85695100053?pwd=RWpjcnVwM1hzWTBHenpqYnYxamdyQT09

Meeting ID: 856 9510 0053

Passcode: 700977



And from the folks at the SSV home office:

We’re thrilled to welcome Susan Gibson to lead our June Master Class at Soldier Songs and Voices. Susan is a gifted songwriter, best known for penning “Wide Open Spaces,” and has been an invaluable coach at the Reveille Songwriting Retreat. Beyond her musical talents, she is an incredible human being who brings warmth, insight, and encouragement to every session.

This month’s song prompts are:

”The Family Business”

”Goliath”

”Let them”

See you Monday!!

June Schedule

6/16 5:00pm CT : Susan Gibson

Check out her music here!

6/23 5:00pm CT : Writing Session

6/30 5:00 CT: Song Share and Revue

Click here to join the Master Class Zoom Meeting

Look for us on Zoom on June 22. The next in-person Vets' Song Circle will be July 20. Join us!


June 4, 2025

Join us on Zoom this weekend.

Here's what will be happening on Sunday, June 8 at 2 p.m.

We'll meet on Zoom. Bring something to share. This month's theme:

Song Craft

See below for details

Here's the link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82787694684?pwd=dmJWemxOckJET29mdCtJQjc3Ry8yZz09

Meeting ID: 827 8769 4684

Passcode: 939440

Save the Date!

September 6, 4-6:30

2025 Hagler’s Farm Concert and Fundraiser

More info coming soon!

Last week on Zoom:

Participants:

Rob Miller (new) Trawlerman song

Ed, Shopping around, Chew (big) Bone

John L showed up from Kerrville

Trish (host) Dirty ol Dog, QOOC

We did a lot of introductions and getting to know Rob. There was some Zoom learning curves. Ed pulled up a song on Guitar tabs and we discovered another way to share a song through the app. Auto scroll and video share. we had discussion around crafting a song,



June Songwriting Sessions and Master Class

We’re thrilled to welcome Susan Gibson to lead our June Master Class at Soldier Songs and Voices. Susan is a gifted songwriter, best known for penning “Wide Open Spaces,” and has been an invaluable coach at the Reveille Songwriting Retreat. Beyond her musical talents, she is an incredible human being who brings warmth, insight, and encouragement to every session.

This month’s song prompts are:

”The Family Business”

”Goliath”

”Let them”

See you Monday!!

June Schedule

6/2 5:00pm CT : Writing Session

6/9 5:00pm CT : Writing Session

6/16 5:00pm CT : Susan Gibson

6/23 5:00pm CT : Writing Session

6/30 5:00 CT: Song Share and Revue

Click here to join the Master Class Zoom Meeting



June's Theme

Song Craft: This is as much about listening as it is about creating meaningful songs. What makes a good song good? Why do I keep writing the same song, over and over? If you have to explain a song, it's not done yet.

So, give it a try. Or do what you usually do. We'll have some encouraging words, but no song police will be on duty.

Coming up:

We'll be on Zoom June 8 and at Artichoke Community Music on June 15. Save the dates!

And don't forget the weekly session with our partners, Warrior Beats on Wednesdays at 6 PST:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89190909283?pwd=1jX8bTa3H3qWLEsQ6rDbrrcPBjPBzN.1

May 28, 2025

Join us on Zoom this weekend.

Here's what will be happening on Sunday, June 1 at 2 p.m.

We'll meet on Zoom. Bring something to share. This month's theme:

Song Craft

See below for details

Here's the link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82787694684?pwd=dmJWemxOckJET29mdCtJQjc3Ry8yZz09

Meeting ID: 827 8769 4684

Passcode: 939440

Last week on Zoom:

Participants:

John L, Steal Blue Eyes

David M binging his whole self to the live

Deb she was representing Kerrville

JMichaels, So Easy Loving You

Most people showed up well into this session so the screen shot doesn't reflect the attendance. We talked about music stuff it was vey casual.



The Songwriting Sessions and Master Class are back!!

We’re thrilled to share that Soldier Songs & Voices’ Master Class and Songwriting Sessions are back at 5:00 PM Central Time! You’ll learn from guest instructors, swap feedback with fellow songwriters, and lean into the healing power of music. We’ll meet in our usual space (online via Zoom – link below), so grab your notebook, your guitar, and your creative spirit.

See you Monday!

June Schedule

TBA

Click here to join the Master Class Zoom Meeting



June's Theme

Song Craft: This is as much about listening as it is about creating meaningful songs. What makes a good song good? Why do I keep writing the same song, over and over? If you have to explain a song, it's not done yet.

So, give it a try. Or do what you usually do. We'll have some encouraging words, but no song police will be on duty.

Coming up:

We'll be on Zoom June 8 and at Artichoke Community Music on June 15. Save the dates!

And don't forget the weekly session with our partners, Warrior Beats on Wednesdays at 6 PST:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89190909283?pwd=1jX8bTa3H3qWLEsQ6rDbrrcPBjPBzN.1

May 23, 2025

Join us on Zoom this weekend.

Here's what will be happening on Sunday, May 25 at 2 p.m.

We'll meet on Zoom. Bring something to share. This month's theme:

Masters: Neil Young

See below for details

Here's the link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82787694684?pwd=dmJWemxOckJET29mdCtJQjc3Ry8yZz09

Meeting ID: 827 8769 4684

Passcode: 939440

The Songwriting Sessions and Master Class are back!!

We’re thrilled to share that Soldier Songs & Voices’ Master Class and Songwriting Sessions are back at 5:00 PM Central Time! These free, weekly gatherings bring together veterans and active-duty service members (plus allies) to polish lyrics, craft melodies, and share stories in a supportive community. You’ll learn from guest instructors, swap feedback with fellow songwriters, and lean into the healing power of music. We’ll meet in our usual space (online via Zoom – link below), so grab your notebook, your guitar, and your creative spirit.

See you Monday!

May Schedule

5/26 5:00pm CT : Memorial Day Song Share and Revue

Click here to join the Master Class Zoom Meeting

Last month we kicked off something new

We liked what the vets in Texas were doing with having a song prompt that lasts for the whole month. It gave a little direction to where folks were headed, without being overly programmatic or structured.

So we introduced Themes.

For the month of May, we're celebrating Masters, in particular the Canadian master songwriter Neil Young. Consider his body of work and if it has influenced you, enjoy exploring it. Thanks to Robert for suggesting this one.

Perhaps learn one of his songs to share, or try writing a song that reflects his style or impact.

Future Themes we're envisioning include Masters (great writers), How Stuff Works (how to, from technique to transposition), Play It Like You Mean It (performance), Song Craft.

So, give it a try. Or do what you usually do. We'll have some encouraging words, but no song police will be on duty.

Coming up:

We'll be on Zoom June 1 and 8 and at Artichoke Community Music on June 15. Save the dates!

And don't forget the weekly session with our partners, Warrior Beats on Wednesdays at 6 PST:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89190909283?pwd=1jX8bTa3H3qWLEsQ6rDbrrcPBjPBzN.1

May 17,2025


Welcome!

Join us for some in-person inspiration on Sunday, May 18 at 2 p.m.

We'll be in the upper classroom, as usual. Bring a song or two to share! Or just listen!

Here's where:

Artichoke Community Music

2007 SE Powell Blvd, Portland, OR 97202

Map

And don't forget our April Theme,

Masters: Neil Young.

Consider this idea and if it finds its way into your songwriting or your choice of others' songs to play, enjoy exploring it. Thanks to Carl for suggesting the first one.

We won't be Zooming for this event.



The crew of the Hillsboro Beginning Guitar Class!

On Wednesdays, in collaboration with Warrior Beat, we're offering something a little different on our Zoom space. We hope you'll stop by and check it out!

Here's an opportunity to sample a whole new way of connecting with the rhythmic part of what we do.

Join the Zoom Meeting from 6-7 PST:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85695100053?pwd=RWpjcnVwM1hzWTBHenpqYnYxamdyQT09

Meeting ID: 856 9510 0053

Passcode: 700977



And from the folks at the SSV home office:

We’re thrilled to share that Soldier Songs & Voices’ Master Class and Songwriting Sessions are back at 5:00 PM Central Time! These free, weekly gatherings bring together veterans and active-duty service members (plus allies) to polish lyrics, craft melodies, and share stories in a supportive community. You’ll learn from guest instructors, swap feedback with fellow songwriters, and lean into the healing power of music. We’ll meet in our usual space (online via Zoom – link below), so grab your notebook, your guitar, and your creative spirit.

See you Monday!

May Schedule

5/19 5:00pm CT : Writing Session

5/26 5:00pm CT : Memorial Day Song Share and Revue

Click here to join the Master Class Zoom Meeting

Look for us on Zoom on May 25. The next in-person Vets' Song Circle will be June 15. Join us!


May 9, 2025

Join us on Zoom this weekend.

Here's what will be happening on Sunday, May 11 at 2 p.m.

We'll meet on Zoom. Bring something to share. This month's theme:

Masters: Neil Young

See below for details

Here's the link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82787694684?pwd=dmJWemxOckJET29mdCtJQjc3Ry8yZz09

Meeting ID: 827 8769 4684

Passcode: 939440

From last week's Zoom Workshop:

Participants:

Robert, A thread you follow, Take a giant step, Motion pictures

Ed, Old Man

Deb was driving to a radio interview and listened in as long as she could

David M, shared changes to the song he is working on

Trish hosted

Small group, Robert showed up to kick off our Masters month with an intro to Neil Young, Ed did a rather impressive rendition of Old Man.

It must be Spring time. Everyone was ready to leave a bit early and we stopped at 3:00

The Songwriting Sessions and Master Class are back!!

We’re thrilled to share that Soldier Songs & Voices’ Master Class and Songwriting Sessions are back at 5:00 PM Central Time! These free, weekly gatherings bring together veterans and active-duty service members (plus allies) to polish lyrics, craft melodies, and share stories in a supportive community. You’ll learn from guest instructors, swap feedback with fellow songwriters, and lean into the healing power of music. We’ll meet in our usual space (online via Zoom – link below), so grab your notebook, your guitar, and your creative spirit.

See you Monday!

May Schedule

5/12 5:00pm CT : Writing Session

5/19 5:00pm CT : Writing Session

5/26 5:00pm CT : Memorial Day Song Share and Revue

Click here to join the Master Class Zoom Meeting

Last month we kicked off something new

We liked what the vets in Texas were doing with having a song prompt that lasts for the whole month. It gave a little direction to where folks were headed, without being overly programmatic or structured.

So we introduced Themes.

For the month of May, we're celebrating Masters, in particular the Canadian master songwriter Neil Young. Consider his body of work and if it has influenced you, enjoy exploring it. Thanks to Robert for suggesting this one.

Perhaps learn one of his songs to share, or try writing a song that reflects his style or impact.

Future Themes we're envisioning include Masters (great writers), How Stuff Works (how to, from technique to transposition), Play It Like You Mean It (performance), Song Craft.

So, give it a try. Or do what you usually do. We'll have some encouraging words, but no song police will be on duty.

Coming up:

We'll be at Artichoke Community Music on May 18 and on Zoom May 25 for a special Memorial Day session. Save the dates!

And don't forget the weekly session with our partners, Warrior Beats on Wednesdays at 6 PST:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89190909283?pwd=1jX8bTa3H3qWLEsQ6rDbrrcPBjPBzN.1

April 30, 2025

Join us on Zoom this weekend.

A hearty welcome aboard to the folks from the SSV 8 Week Beginning Guitar Class at the Walters Cultural Arts Center in Hillsboro and the Vets' Resource Center at PCC Rock Creek!

Here's what will be happening on Sunday, May 4 at 2 p.m.

We'll meet on Zoom. Bring something to share. This is the first week of this month's theme: Masters: Neil Young

Here's a link to get to the workshop:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82787694684?pwd=dmJWemxOckJET29mdCtJQjc3Ry8yZz09

Meeting ID: 827 8769 4684

Passcode: 939440

From last week's Zoom Workshop:

Small but fun group. David said he didn't want to take up a lot of time so we all told him to take up as much time as he wanted and we helped as much as he wanted with his song. We talked about what a hook in a sing is and Ed and I boosted up the SSV September event. Maybe we can talk John and Deb to come visit and be part of it.

Participants:

John L, Polaroid, Listen to the silence speak, BBQ for breakfast

Ed, Brave soldiers

David M, After your good bye

Trish, I should put my phone down(Judd Harris), QOOC

Last month we kicked off something new

We liked what the vets in Texas were doing with having a song prompt that lasts for the whole month. It gave a little direction to where folks were headed, without being overly programmatic or structured.

So we introduced Themes.

For the month of May, we're celebrating Masters, in particular the Canadian master songwriter Neil Young. Consider his body of work and if it has influenced you, enjoy exploring it. Thanks to Robert for suggesting this one.

Perhaps learn one of his songs to share, or try writing a song that reflects his style or impact.

Future Themes we're envisioning include Masters (great writers), How Stuff Works (how to, from technique to transposition), Play It Like You Mean It (performance), Song Craft.

So, give it a try. Or do what you usually do. We'll have some encouraging words, but no song police will be on duty.

Coming up:

We'll be on Zoom May 11 and at Artichoke Community Music on May 18. Save the dates!

And don't forget the weekly session with our partners, Warrior Beats on Wednesdays at 6 PST:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89190909283?pwd=1jX8bTa3H3qWLEsQ6rDbrrcPBjPBzN.1

April 25, 2025

Join us on Zoom this weekend.

A hearty welcome aboard to the folks from the SSV 8 Week Beginning Guitar Class at the Walters Cultural Arts Center in Hillsboro and the Vet's Resource Center at PCC Rock Creek!

Here's what will be happening on Sunday, April 27 at 2 p.m.

We'll meet on Zoom. Bring something to share. This is the last week of this month's theme: Speaking Truth to Power

Here's a link to get to the workshop:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82787694684?pwd=dmJWemxOckJET29mdCtJQjc3Ry8yZz09

Meeting ID: 827 8769 4684

Passcode: 939440

Happy Easter last week!

Last month we kicked off something new

We liked what the vets in Texas were doing with having a song prompt that lasts for the whole month. It gave a little direction to where folks were headed, without being overly programmatic or structured.

So we introduced Themes.

For the month of May, we're celebrating Masters, in particular the Canadian master songwriter Neil Young. Consider his body of work and if it has influenced you, enjoy exploring it. Thanks to Robert for suggesting this one.

Perhaps learn one of his songs to share, or try writing a song that reflects his style or impact.

Future Themes we're envisioning include Masters (great writers), How Stuff Works (how to, from technique to transposition), Play It Like You Mean It (performance), Song Craft.

So, give it a try. Or do what you usually do. We'll have some encouraging words, but no song police will be on duty.

Coming up:

We'll be on Zoom May 4 and 11 and at Artichoke Community Music on May 18. Save the dates!

And don't forget the weekly session with our partners, Warrior Beats on Wednesdays at 6 PST:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89190909283?pwd=1jX8bTa3H3qWLEsQ6rDbrrcPBjPBzN.1

April 17, 2025

Welcome!

Join us for some in-person inspiration on Sunday, April 20 at 2 p.m.

We'll be in the upper classroom, as usual. Bring a song or two to share! Or just listen!

We met on Zoom last week. Here's how it went:

Participants:

JMichaels, Summer rain, I'm just a mongrel living in your poodle world, It will be alright

Jeff, shared David Rodrequez singing I wonder how it feels to be so sure

David M was clever as always

Trish, I don't mind

Small but enthusiastic group sharing some memories. Oh look, people are smiling!

Here's where:

Artichoke Community Music

2007 SE Powell Blvd, Portland, OR 97202

Map

And don't forget our April Theme,

Speaking Truth to Power.

Consider this idea and if it finds its way into your songwriting or your choice of others' songs to play, enjoy exploring it. Thanks to Carl for suggesting the first one.

We won't be Zooming for this event.



Dogs write songs, too, apparently!

On Wednesdays, in collaboration with Warrior Beat, we're offering something a little different on our Zoom space. We hope you'll stop by and check it out!

Here's an opportunity to sample a whole new way of connecting with the rhythmic part of what we do.

Join the Zoom Meeting from 6-7 PST:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85695100053?pwd=RWpjcnVwM1hzWTBHenpqYnYxamdyQT09

Meeting ID: 856 9510 0053

Passcode: 700977



Look for us on Zoom on April 27. The next in-person Vets' Song Circle will be May 18. Join us!

And from the folks at the SSV home office:

We wanted to let you know that our master classes are currently on hiatus. Rest assured, we’re working hard behind the scenes and will resume classes in the near future. Please keep an eye on your inbox for further updates.

Thank you for your continued support.



April 8, 2025

Join us on Zoom this weekend.

A hearty welcome aboard to the folks from the SSV 8 Week Beginning Guitar Class at Walter Cultural Arts Center in Hillsboro!

Note: the online sessions hosted by the folks at the national SSV are paused (see below).

Here are last week's shenanigans:

Participants:

Jeff, Don't try to tell us, a protest song, Bad man, Paradigm shift, suffering, (his own verses to the song) god bless the boys that make the noise on 16th avenue

Carl, Where is truth, The crime of silence

Sean, Into the Grey, Open your mind, Keep em on the toes, The needle and the damage done, Only one

Deb, What's up, Glass ceiling

David M (he's back listening today)

Ed, Poncho and lefty, Twisted throats

John L, Veteran's lament, Living here alone with you

Trish QOOC

Here's what will be happening on Sunday, April 13 at 2 p.m.

We'll meet on Zoom. Bring something to share. Remember this month's theme: Speaking Truth to Power

Here's a link to get to the workshop:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82787694684?pwd=dmJWemxOckJET29mdCtJQjc3Ry8yZz09

Meeting ID: 827 8769 4684

Passcode: 939440



Last month we kicked off something new

We liked what the vets in Texas were doing with having a song prompt that lasts for the whole month. It gave a little direction to where folks were headed, without being overly programmatic or structured.

So we introduced Themes.

For the month of April, consider the following idea and if it finds its way into your songwriting or your choice of others' songs to play, enjoy exploring it. Thanks to Carl for suggesting the first one.

Speaking Truth to Power

Try writing a truth song, maybe perceived as a protest song, about to cuts to veterans benefits and services. Could be a song, poem or haiku.

Future Themes we're envisioning include Masters (great writers), How Stuff Works (how to, from technique to transposition), Play It Like You Mean It (performance), Song Craft.

So, give it a try. Or do what you usually do. We'll have some encouraging words, but no song police on duty.

And from the folks at the SSV home office:

We wanted to let you know that our master classes are currently on hiatus. Rest assured, we’re working hard behind the scenes and will resume classes in the near future. Please keep an eye on your inbox for further updates.

Thank you for your continued support.



Coming up:

We'll be at Artichoke Community Music on April 20 and on Zoom April 27. Save the dates!

And don't forget the weekly session with our partners, Warrior Beats on Wednesdays at 6 PST:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89190909283?pwd=1jX8bTa3H3qWLEsQ6rDbrrcPBjPBzN.1