American University’s Songwriters’ Hub: Where Original Music Finds Its Stage
A thriving workshop at American University is empowering student musicians, fostering collaboration, and launching careers, proving that a dedicated space can be the catalyst for artistic growth.
On Thursday nights, the Katzen Arts Center at American University transforms into a haven for creativity. Musicians across campus set aside academic pressures to participate in Songwriters’ Hub, an open-to-all workshop dedicated to the craft of original music. Since its inception three years ago, the program has experienced rapid growth, doubling in popularity each year and providing a vital platform for students to hone their skills, connect with collaborators, and even gain recognition within the music industry.
The brainchild of Matthew Brown, Director of the University’s Orchestra and Symphonic Band, Songwriters’ Hub was born from a desire to support the creation of original songs. “I wanted to make something to support the endeavor of original songs,” Brown explained. “Something that would be a great outlet for not only people who wrote songs, but people who were supporting musicians, like drummers, bass players, guitarists, keyboard players as well as audio engineers.” The workshop, offered as MUSC-145 or MUS-045 for one or zero credits, emerged from observing students secretly rehearsing in Katzen after hours.
The program’s launch in 2022 was marked by a memorable moment: a freshman, later identified as Catherine Brennan – now a senior in the School of Public Affairs – interrupting Brown’s introductory lecture to perform “Masquerade,” the first original piece showcased at Songwriters’ Hub. Brennan recalls, “I feel like my song ‘Masquerade’ grew, developed and matured through Songwriters’ Hub because there was a space to show it in different stages. People would give suggestions at every stage and I would take that into account to help develop it.”
Today, Songwriters’ Hub utilizes a three-tiered structure designed to accommodate musicians at all stages of the songwriting process: Writer’s Room, Open Mic, and Main Stage. The Writer’s Room serves as the foundational element, where students workshop lyrics, melodies, and song structures. “I’m partial to the Writer’s Room because it’s the most raw,” says Liam Chapin, a founding member and graduate audio technology major. “Everyone can put their heads together and think, what could we change here? Do we like the rhyme scheme? The melody? We really talk about composition.”
The Open Mic provides a platform for students to perform finished songs in an acoustic setting, receiving feedback and exploring potential collaborations. Finally, Main Stage is reserved for artists with fully developed songs and bands, functioning as a live concert environment where musicians can improvise and enhance performances.
The impact of Songwriters’ Hub extends beyond the classroom. Rhi Rueda, a junior in the Kogod School of Business, discovered a musical community through the program despite a background in STEM. “I came from a STEM high school where there wasn’t that much music,” Rueda said. “When I got to AU, I jumped into Songwriters’ Hub and showed off my song and then people just added to it naturally.”
The workshop is open to all students, regardless of their major or musical experience. Alizeh Jawaid, known professionally as alizeh, exemplifies this inclusivity. She joined Songwriters’ Hub to refine her writing and subsequently found a band, leading to a performance at the University’s Amfest music festival. Jawaid’s success continued with an opening set for professional artist she janeat at a Women in Audio concert on October 17. “I’ve improved my songwriting skills and my theory knowledge and I feel like my skills have been growing exponentially,” Jawaid noted.
Many students involved in Songwriters’ Hub go on to sign with Second District Records, American University’s student-run record label. SDR provides resources for recording, mastering, music video production, and promotional marketing, further amplifying student artists’ reach. .
As Songwriters’ Hub continues to evolve, its core mission remains constant: to provide a nurturing environment for original music to flourish. “The biggest reward for me is seeing what they do, what they develop and how they find their people in Songwriters’ Hub,” Brown said. “It’s good for campus, not just good for the students.”
