What students are saying...
“Steve is a great communicator! I've been to some songcamps and symposium classes and learned good stuff there, but I think that I learned so much more from Steve just in the way he communicated and shared his thought process as he writes his great songs. I was very inspired!”
- Donna B.
“...yours was one of the best workshops I've ever had the privilege to attend. You have a real gift, not only for songwriting itself but for communicating and instructing. You also are so very diplomatic in the critiques, finding strengths as well as areas to improve. I came away from your workshop encouraged and motivated. That is a real credit to you. I would attend classes with you again in a minute. Your sense of humor is a delight.”
- Joanne J.
“What a wonderful gifts you have; and a great mind to go with it! This weekend was the best I have ever spent for my writing. You gave us tools, you gave us feedback, you re-kindled the hope so many writers need to continue their work and hone their craft.”
- Jim R.
“After hearing you talk I HAD A HUGE BREAKTHROUGH with my writing. It was the breakthrough I've been waiting for. I've taken a million classes and workshops, but in two nights, you made it all clear to me. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. You changed my writing FOREVER!!! Everything I've written since meeting you has blown people away. You and your music have touched us all.”
- Kim L.
“You are the best teacher I’ve ever had in my life—and I’ve had a lot. I also mean teacher with a capital T because you are the whole package; you are such a good person.”
- Lisa H.
“Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your songwriting workshop. As a fan of your music, it was such a treat to hear you talk about your different songs, what inspired them, and how you thought them out. Your attention to detail is amazing. I appreciate your feedback and will implement some of the tools you spoke about in my writing.”
- Laura
“… such a great workshop. Steve and all the songwriters were just fantastic. This weekend really inspired my creativity and kept me in touch with my songwriting goals.”
- Katie G.
“I truly enjoyed your workshop for song writers. I thought I knew everything, just about, about songwriting. Then you came along and made my challenge continue. Thanks!”
- Judy C.
What organizers are saying...
"This year, at The Swannanoa Gathering, a friend of mine asked why I liked Steve Seskin so much - I was taking two of his week-long classes. I told her, first, I like the man. Second, I love his songs and third, he is a GREAT teacher. After she'd spent the week around Steve I asked her if she wanted to ask me that question again… She just laughed and signed up for this retreat."
– Bruce Johnson, NSAI Coordinator
"Steve’s mastery of emotion and imagery in song is phenomenal, and one of his greatest talents is the ability to convey this to others. An exceptional teacher, Steve coordinates the curriculum and helps lead the instruction for the Academy."
– Brad Tisdel, Director, The Sisters Folk Festival
"You are a monster! Our audience hung on your every word. You are truly an inspiration to all who follow in your footsteps."
– Michael Lasko, TAXI Music Conference
"You made this one day in a lifetime a celebration to remember for a long time to come."
– Deborah Brown, CAPP Conference Manager
“Everyone I talked to had a great experience, and felt that their writing will greatly improve with your insight…We’d love to hear you speak again.”
- Dave B., Houston NSAI
“Your reputation as a top-notch songwriting teacher is well-deserved!
I've NEVER attended a songwriting session that was as well-done, informative and professional as Saturday's seminar. I've received similar feedback from several of the workshop participants. We 'sang' your praises in the NSAI coordinators' online chat, ShopTalk, and encouraged other NSAI chapters to schedule you for seminars.”
– Kelly R.
ABOUT STEVE'S SONGWRITING WORKSHOPS
ABOUT STEVE'S SCHOOL ASSEMBLIES AND SONGWRITING WITH KIDS
What teachers are saying...
"Steve was able to bring out the creativity, sincerity and joy in the student songwriters. Their collaboration has produced magical songs from their hearts and souls."
Annette Iawamoto, teacher
Searles Elementary
Union City CA
“Steve is a natural with inspiring creativity in children of all ages. Children respond to his easy-going nature, his love of music, and his sense of humor. Our students thoroughly enjoyed every minute they were working with Steve and were able to take away songwriting skills that they could apply right away. We’re already trying to find ways we can bring him back to our school for more.”
Christina Broadwin, PTA Co-President, Music for Minors II docent
Gomes Elementary
“Steve's heart and wisdom has lead many a child to seeing the world in a much more positive light. Steve cares, shares and opens many doors for those once shut out. His music, lyrics and compassion are unique and invaluable resources. Steve is undoubtedly a national treasure!”
Phyllis Kaplan, Ph.D.
California State University
East Bay, CA
“Congratulations on your new book. I am so excited for you and proud that our students were a part of this amazing project. We love having you at our school. Your song has inspired and helped us to create a culture of acceptance at Chinook. All from a song! How amazing. Students feel your contribution immediately in the songs you produce, but I know kids remember your message of love for a long time. Thank you.”
Linda Wear, music teacher
Chinook Elementary
Vancouver, WA
"We all appreciated your instant rapport with students and how you involve them in the presentation by including them in the discussion and in leading them in singing along."
Brian Crosby, 5th Grade Teacher
Agnes Risley School
"Steve Seskin has continued to work tirelessly with our faculty and our schools. His commitment, through his incredible songwriting/singing talents, is truly remarkable."
Phyllis Gail Kaplan, Professor/Coordinator
California State University
Hayward, CA
What administrators are saying...
"Steve put his heart and soul into every interaction with our students. He made each child feel important and their ideas, valued. His singing and songwriting talents are amazing and he knows just how to capture in words the feelings of our children. The messages of respect, acceptance and hope in the songs created by Steve and our students inspired us all. The positive energy which came from the time he spent with our students and staff was truly remarkable."
John Roubik, Principal
Bayside Middle School
Bayside, Wisconsin
"Steve Seskin has become a welcome addition to our Walnut Middle School "family." Steve’s warm, outgoing personality and ability to relate to students (especially middle schoolers who are at the stage many consider "unlovable") has made the time he’s spent in our building, truly memorable experiences for our students. If you haven’t met Steve – make it your goal to do so! If you haven’t had him spend time with your students, make it happen! You will certainly be glad you did!"
Vikki Deuel, Principal
Walnut Middle School
A National School of Character
"Steve Seskin is not only a great performer and songwriter, but a true artist in the sense that his work has led to transformation in the way we prioritize what is really important in creating positive school cultures. We have been fortunate to work with Steve at our school as he led songwriting workshops for our students. To say that he gave many children "voice" for the first time is an understatement. Steve is the "real deal"!"
Joe Lapidus, Principal
Chinook Elementary
Vancouver, WA
“One of the highlights in the history of School Administrative Unit #13 was the evening performance that concluded Mr. Steve Seskin's work with our students. We were fortunate to have had Steve work with our children in writing songs that they then performed at the evening Tri-Town Annual Event. The gymnasium was filled to capacity with an audience that was thrilled with the original work their students had produced.”
Gwen M. Poirier, Superintendent of Schools
Tamworth, NH
"Steve's work with kids is a perfect marriage of literacy, music, and creativity. "
Patricia Lilly, Arts Administrator
Vancouver Public Schools
"No question asked by a child was ever brushed aside. When he sang he sang from his soul. He spreads joy and laughter wherever he goes and I look forward to his return."
Judy Taber, MS, Director of Stellar Academy for Dyslexics
"Steve was able to bring out the creativity, sincerity and joy in the student songwriters. Their collaboration has produced magical songs from their hearts and souls."
Annette Iawamoto, teacher
Searles Elementary
Union City CA
“Steve is a natural with inspiring creativity in children of all ages. Children respond to his easy-going nature, his love of music, and his sense of humor. Our students thoroughly enjoyed every minute they were working with Steve and were able to take away songwriting skills that they could apply right away. We’re already trying to find ways we can bring him back to our school for more.”
Christina Broadwin, PTA Co-President, Music for Minors II docent
Gomes Elementary
“Steve's heart and wisdom has lead many a child to seeing the world in a much more positive light. Steve cares, shares and opens many doors for those once shut out. His music, lyrics and compassion are unique and invaluable resources. Steve is undoubtedly a national treasure!”
Phyllis Kaplan, Ph.D.
California State University
East Bay, CA
“Congratulations on your new book. I am so excited for you and proud that our students were a part of this amazing project. We love having you at our school. Your song has inspired and helped us to create a culture of acceptance at Chinook. All from a song! How amazing. Students feel your contribution immediately in the songs you produce, but I know kids remember your message of love for a long time. Thank you.”
Linda Wear, music teacher
Chinook Elementary
Vancouver, WA
"We all appreciated your instant rapport with students and how you involve them in the presentation by including them in the discussion and in leading them in singing along."
Brian Crosby, 5th Grade Teacher
Agnes Risley School
"Steve Seskin has continued to work tirelessly with our faculty and our schools. His commitment, through his incredible songwriting/singing talents, is truly remarkable."
Phyllis Gail Kaplan, Professor/Coordinator
California State University
Hayward, CA
What administrators are saying...
"Steve put his heart and soul into every interaction with our students. He made each child feel important and their ideas, valued. His singing and songwriting talents are amazing and he knows just how to capture in words the feelings of our children. The messages of respect, acceptance and hope in the songs created by Steve and our students inspired us all. The positive energy which came from the time he spent with our students and staff was truly remarkable."
John Roubik, Principal
Bayside Middle School
Bayside, Wisconsin
"Steve Seskin has become a welcome addition to our Walnut Middle School "family." Steve’s warm, outgoing personality and ability to relate to students (especially middle schoolers who are at the stage many consider "unlovable") has made the time he’s spent in our building, truly memorable experiences for our students. If you haven’t met Steve – make it your goal to do so! If you haven’t had him spend time with your students, make it happen! You will certainly be glad you did!"
Vikki Deuel, Principal
Walnut Middle School
A National School of Character
"Steve Seskin is not only a great performer and songwriter, but a true artist in the sense that his work has led to transformation in the way we prioritize what is really important in creating positive school cultures. We have been fortunate to work with Steve at our school as he led songwriting workshops for our students. To say that he gave many children "voice" for the first time is an understatement. Steve is the "real deal"!"
Joe Lapidus, Principal
Chinook Elementary
Vancouver, WA
“One of the highlights in the history of School Administrative Unit #13 was the evening performance that concluded Mr. Steve Seskin's work with our students. We were fortunate to have had Steve work with our children in writing songs that they then performed at the evening Tri-Town Annual Event. The gymnasium was filled to capacity with an audience that was thrilled with the original work their students had produced.”
Gwen M. Poirier, Superintendent of Schools
Tamworth, NH
"Steve's work with kids is a perfect marriage of literacy, music, and creativity. "
Patricia Lilly, Arts Administrator
Vancouver Public Schools
"No question asked by a child was ever brushed aside. When he sang he sang from his soul. He spreads joy and laughter wherever he goes and I look forward to his return."
Judy Taber, MS, Director of Stellar Academy for Dyslexics
ABOUT STEVE'S KEYNOTE SPEECHES
"Earlier this fall we had the pleasure of meeting Steve Seskin and being entertained by him at our kick off for the 2003-2004 school year. Each year the entire teaching staff of School Administrative Unit #13 gathers for an opening celebration and this past session was the most powerful one yet!"
Gwen Poirer, EdD,
Superintendent
Silver Lake, New Hampshire
"You are a monster! Our audience hung on your every word. You are truly an inspiration to all who follow in your footsteps."
Michael Lasko,
TAXI Music Conference
"You made this one day in a lifetime a celebration to remember for a long time to come."
Deborah Brown,
CAPP, Conference Manager
Gwen Poirer, EdD,
Superintendent
Silver Lake, New Hampshire
"You are a monster! Our audience hung on your every word. You are truly an inspiration to all who follow in your footsteps."
Michael Lasko,
TAXI Music Conference
"You made this one day in a lifetime a celebration to remember for a long time to come."
Deborah Brown,
CAPP, Conference Manager
