Reviews
The workshop on "Point-Of-View" that Pat taught in Austin, Texas was nothing short of AMAZING. This seminar was the best one yet. Pat's wisdom and humor make him a wonderful teacher, and the techniques that he showed us are simple and efficient additions to my songwriting toolbox. They expand the possibilities of my lyrics and my songs. They are not just solutions to problems or ways to overcome obstacles in song writing; they are basic and incredibly effective techniques that I will be using on a regular basis from now on. With his seminars, workshops, and books, Pat's pool of knowledge and wisdom can make ANYONE a better songwriter!
- Ian Egan, Austin, TX
Once again Pat whispers a beautiful secret in our songwriter ears: Point of View. He sent my song back to the dress rehearsal... to trade costumes with me, you, he, she, and it... to see who is the true star of the show. The results were stunning. Another incredible tool to unlock the potential of our songs.
We left Pat's workshop stumbling, drunk with the pleasure of a brilliant discovery -- Point of View. A secret weapon for our songs. We were giddy, and unable to look at things quite the same way again. Pat deftly transforms our songs, captivates, and delights.
In particular, the gem of 2nd person narrative was a breakthrough for me. Who knew that I can remove people from the situation of my songs, quickly and easily, and create a song that is compelling and intimate? I'm calling my therapists and demanding a full refund. I will be thousands of dollars richer thanks to Pat.
- Katie Gosnell, Austin, TX
Pat’s songwriting workshop on point of view was nothing short of amazing. He gently guided us past Ms. Russell’s sixth grade class in English and helped us discover point of view in a variety of songs, its strategic uses in effectively planting the message in the listener’s heart, and (as only Pat can do) challenged us every step along the way. This workshop was a watershed for me.
- Joe Strouse, Austin, TX
Pat Pattison’s week-end seminar on Point of View was an incredible adventure and Pat is no ordinary teacher! He doesn’t simply tell you about songwriting and leave it at that. You experience the tools that make the difference between great songs and mediocre writing and you “Get it!” It doesn’t seep in slowly, it’s like “Bam!” Now I’m wondering how I ever wrote songs at all without this knowledge.
- Mo McMorrow, Austin, TX
All of Pat’s workshops are revelatory, and his new one exploring point of view is no exception. A completely engaging experience, Pat thoughtfully invites participants to dive into a conscious consideration of how point of view determines the 'lens' through which a song is heard by audiences — and how some of our choices can resonate more than others. Would those lyrics be most effective with direct address (the intimacy of the close-up), third person narrative (the landscape of the wide angle shot), or something in between? I’ve come to expect that any training with Pat is bound to inspire and influence my own work, and now that I’ve studied point of view with him, I’ll never be casual with my pronouns again.
- Jean Synodinos, Austin, TX
