Soldier Songs and Voices offers weekly workshops to veterans of all eras that are designed to help veterans build and explore self-expression. Participants are encouraged to share songs during the workshop and at occasional informal performances.

Workshops include guitar and voice instruction, and songwriting. We believe that everyone has a story to tell and that telling it in song is a path to a happier and healthier life. Loaner guitars are available.

Previous musical experience and skill are not required. Just bring your curiosity and willingness to unleash your creativity.

SSV Workshops

We meet frequently in several locations in the Portland metropolitan area, at varying times to enhance, we hope, your chances of joining us. Find details about our meeting locations and schedules here.

What to Expect as a Newcomer

We’ll start with introductions, move into some basic lessons, and have some discussion on what you hope to get out of this experience. Simply attend meetings and enjoy the community or build on your skill and participate in our monthly concerts. You can take the lead on what you hope to get out of this experience!

Concerts

Once a month we host a Great Songs! workshop to give participants a chance to share what they’ve achieved at our meetings in front of a friendly audience—us—in the Café at Artichoke Music.

Loaner Guitars

No music experience of any kind? No equipment? No problem! We have all the volunteers needed to get you to feeling confident in your skills. On top of that, we have equipment to be loaned out on extended or short periods, whatever you may need. When or if the time comes, our mentors will be happy to help you in whatever the next step you want to take be it buying your own guitar, songwriting, or starting a band.

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