Writer’s Block Workshop Series
About the Series
Writer’s Block is a professional development and songwriting series designed for BIPOC musicians and artists who already have a foundation in songwriting and want to take their careers to the next level. Hosted by The Park Studios in collaboration with AS220, this program combines hands-on workshops, community writing sessions, and mentorship from working artists.
Artist Development Workshops
All workshops are free and intermediate-level, while the community writing sessions welcome artists of all levels.
Songwriting for Sync
Saturday, November 8, · 4–7pm
with Taki Brano
Learn how to create music with placement in film, TV, commercials, and digital media in mind. This workshop covers song structure, mood, and lyric writing for sync, while also introducing the basics of how licensing deals work. Together with facilitator Taki Brano, participants will co-write a track tailored for sync opportunities. That track will be recorded and shared with the community, giving participants a tangible example of music created for licensing.
Business of Sync
Saturday, November 22 · 4–7pm · with D. Valor
Building on the creative side, this workshop focuses on the business mechanics of sync licensing. Learn how royalties are collected, how publishing splits work, and how to register your songs with performance rights organizations (PROs). Instructor David “D. Valor” Valerio, a working artist and graduate student in Creative Business Enterprises, will guide participants through the process of protecting their work and ensuring they get paid when their music is used.
Artist Branding & Marketing
Sunday, December 7 · 4–7pm · with Julio Berroa
A strong brand makes your music more discoverable and memorable. In this workshop, Julio Berroa, a visual artist and creative entrepreneur, will help participants define their artistic identity, craft their story, and build strategies for connecting with audiences through social media and marketing. Every participant will also receive a free professional headshot to use in their electronic press kit (EPK) and promotional materials, ensuring they leave with a concrete tool to represent their art.
Community Writing Sessions
Sundays, October 12 – December 14 · 3–5pm · with The Park Band
Each week, The Park Band will host open writing sessions at AS220 where artists can collaborate, test new ideas, and receive peer feedback. These sessions are designed to be supportive and inspiring, giving participants time and space to build songs together. While the workshops dive into professional topics, the writing sessions are all about experimentation, community, and creativity. Register for each day below!
Thank you to our Sponsors!
This program is made possible through funding from the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) and the Awesome Foundation.
