For Spartans, you don’t have to be a music major to get some experience in song writing, thanks to John Kratus, professor of music education.
Kratus teaches a songwriting class, which is designed for music majors and non-majors alike. He started teaching it in 2000, and now more than a dozen colleges across the country have adopted his model.
“The primary aim of the course is to develop and refine the ability of class members to express themselves through songwriting,” Kratus said. “Songs are one of the most powerful means for personal expression, incorporating aspects of culture, individuality, poetry and music.”
As the semester comes to a close, 20 of Kratus’ students will perform their songs at 7 p.m. Thursday at Studio 60, which is located in the basement of the Fairchild Theatre. It’s free and open to the public.