Our Exciting Partnership with West Coast Songwriters Association
Did you know that for the past 4 months members of our Aspire House (formerly Clubhouse) community have been meeting weekly with professional musicians and songwriters from the West Coast Songwriters Association to engage in songwriting as a collaborative project of self-expression and healing? Each week for 1-2 hours up to 16 participants have engaged in workshops with professional musicians and songwriters to learn the skills to bring their ideas to life. Participants were given free membership to the West Coast Songwriters Association with access to workshops and classes as well as Zoom time with accomplished mentors Jen Adan (President of the association and a platinum songwriter who has written songs for Blake Shelton) and Karl McHugh (VP of the Association and local award-winning songwriter.)
Founded in 1979, the West Coast Songwriting Association was Inspired by the rich musical heritage of the West Coast and embarked on a mission to cultivate a vibrant community that celebrates creativity, fosters growth, and champions artistic expression––a space where aspiring songwriters could find mentorship, resources, and opportunities to showcase their talent, regardless of their background or level of experience.
Six new songs produced by our member songwriters will be performed at next year’s gala soiree. Mark your calendars for these exciting debuts on April 18, 2026!
Staff and Members Share Their Experience
“The songwriting has been chaotic but in a good way. None of us have experience writing music but we have all been committed to pushing ourselves and pulling together to get our songs done. We’ve been having a lot of fun throughout the experience and I’m excited to see how it all comes together at the Gala. I helped write the chorus to one of our songs and it just hit me instantly. I started singing it and we immediately wrote it down. The song is called “Bailo A Un Que Sufro!” – Imad
The song I wrote is called, “There is a Place, a Safe Space.” I was inspired by the Brandon Lake song “I Know A Name” and initially wrote a poem that I turned into a song. The songwriting process has been challenging but enlightening and the songwriters we are working with have been very helpful in tweaking lyrics and helping create and edit the melodies and instrumentals. I’m excited to see how all the songs come together at the upcoming Gala.” – Naliah, Eddie, & Ivy
“The process has been really fun. It’s been great to see the engagement and creativity brewing under this community. It’s been great getting the guidance and suggestions from the songwriters. It’s been surprisingly easy to finish some of the songs. Everyone has songs in different stages but when we get together, we bounce off each other’s ideas and the process becomes easier. I’m super pumped because I love creative writing and jamming out with my friends and the chance to perform these songs live in front of our community is a huge privilege. We couldn’t have done it without the teamwork and support from our mentors.” – Sam, Peter, & Susan