How can we as writers translate something as intangible as the act of listening to or performing music into written word?This seminar will look at the work of writers who use music in their narratives and the craft elements they employ, such as syntax, sentence structure, metaphor, rhythm, and tone. We will look at examples of how writing styles vary according to the musical genre being described, and how other elements such as character and setting affect how the reader interprets a scene that revolves around music. Samples of music will be played followed by text that describes the music to show how these techniques are applied. Students will be asked to listen to a piece of music and free-write, and volunteers can present their writing for discussion.
Erin Cecilia Thomas is from upstate New York. She graduated from Berklee College of Music and received her MFA in fiction from Lesley University. Her work has appeared in Alaska Quarterly Review, Arts & Letters, and Redivider Journal, among others. Her debut short story collection, I Watched You From The Ocean Floor, was published by Modern Artist Press in July 2025.
"Excellent class from start to finish. Great use of time without overwhelming students. Outstanding class interaction. Erin understands her topic and weaves together all aspects of successful teaching to provide perspective and detailed understanding."
