Songwriting Basics

This four-week class will meet on Saturdays: May 30, June 6, 20, and 27 (skipping June 13).

Whether you’re a shredder, a soulful vocalist, or a pocket-heavy drummer, it’s time to move beyond playing other people’s hits and start crafting your own.

This class is designed for musicians — guitarists, bassists, keyboardists, vocalists, or drummers — who want to master the art of the song. Whether your heart beats for the grit of Rock n’ Roll, the groove of R&B, the storytelling of Country, or a genre-bending style all your own, we’ll teach your the method to the magic.

What You’ll Discover

Over four weeks, we break down the “how” and “why” behind your favorite tracks. You’ll transition from having a simple riff or a lyric fragment to building a fully realized arrangement.

• The Fundamentals: Master the essential building blocks of melody, harmony, and rhythm.
• Song Form: Learn how to use Verse, Chorus, and Bridge structures to keep your listeners hooked.
• The Full Ensemble: Discover the secrets to “putting the instruments together” so every part has its own space to shine.
• Genre Techniques: Explore how different styles use the same musical tools to create vastly different emotional impacts.

To get the most of this class, you should have some experience playing an instrument or formal vocal training.

About the Instructors

With a bass in hand since age nine, Luis Trevino has dedicated his life to the craft of four strings. Luis’ approach to music education goes beyond notes on a page; he provides a holistic “bench-to-stage” mentorship. Luis’ time as an Instructor and Band Coach at the San Antonio Girls Rock Camp remains the most rewarding chapter of his career, fueling his passion for fostering confidence and creativity in young musicians. Whether coaching a first-time band or preparing a student for the stage, he brings a wealth of global experience—having performed everywhere from the Paris Jazz Festival to the Montreux Jazz Festival, supporting legends like Victor Wooten and Sting.

Lucas Carillo, aka Stan Leonard on stage, is a seasoned musician and teacher at School of Rock San Antonio. He thrives at being a multi-instrumentalist, teaching guitar, bass guitar, drums and singing. With over 16 years professional experience and more than 2,000 live performances under his belt, Lucas brings real world insight into every lesson and band rehearsal. In addition to teaching and playing music, Lucas also works in studio as a session player, producer and engineer. His studio credits include working with Moe & Tom and a feature on Mothica’s charting single “Burnout”, among many others.