DocSong
Documentary Songwriting is an outgrowth of the ancient oral tradition of people sharing their experiences through song. The Documentary Songwriting Method, first established in 2009, is a unique, step-by-step method of co-writing music through storytelling that facilitates connection, nurtures creativity, and amplifies compassion.
DocSong became a 501(c)(3) in 2018. In 2020, Documentary Songwriting implemented the inaugural Documentary Songwriting Teaching Artist Program, which trains musicians in the Documentary Songwriting Method, equipping them with the skills to implement community-based projects around the world. Documentary Songwriting has been used to enhance understanding between Turkish and Greek Cypriots at the UN Buffer Zone in Cyprus, to share the stories of Middle Eastern refugees seeking asylum in Belgium, and to honor women’s #MeToo stories. Projects have been featured on TEDx and NPR’s Morning Edition.
DocSong honors people’s stories and expands compassion through the shared experience of music.
Meet Our Teaching Artists
Nora Willauer
Nora Willauer is a passionate musician, devoted not only to her instrument, but also to the relationship between music and community. Her love for teaching has recently led her to pursue a doctoral degree program at the Cleveland Institute of Music. Nora believes that musicians have the power to change our world through projects that challenge and inspire audiences.
Cece Swanson
Cecelia is a graduate student at the Cleveland Institute of Music in the Professional Studies program. While at CIM in 2019, Cecelia helped found the award-winning Elless Quartet. Apart from her devotion to performance, Cecilia teaches cello and chamber music on the faculty at Aurora School of Music in Aurora, Ohio. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in confidence building through finding one’s inner voice and igniting a long-term interest through the joy of learning how to play.
