Earlville Shuffle
Frequently Asked Questions

2025 being the very first year that the Earlville Shuffle is offered, we are priming the FAQ pump with some questions and answers that reflect discussions we have had with interested persons. We are happy to answer any additional questions you send. Send questions to [email protected].

Is Earlville Shuffle only for beginning songwriters?

No. Songwriters at any level should gain some stimulation, depth and enjoyment from the opportunity to try out arrangement ideas with people new to them, whether those people are our veteran Faculty or participating Songwriter/Players who bring different listening and creative experiences to the Shuffle.

Is Earlville Shuffle only for seasoned songwriters?

No. It is never to early to get a feeling for collaboration and develop an awareness of how the interplay of instruments and voices can expand the experience of a song.

Must I be a multi-instrumentalist to participate in Earlville Shuffle?

No. We would like to have a variety of instrumental and human voices available in each Song Development Session. Participants who can provide a brief melodic line (riff) or a groove on an instrument other than the ubiquitous acoustic guitar can certainly help us achieve this goal, but your contribution can be your voice or a hand clap. Ideas are more essential than virtuosity. We will have a variety of percussion, keyboard and other instruments available in the session spaces for your experimentation pleasure.

If come up with a more suitable song than the one I applied with just before the Shuffle starts, will I be able to use the newer song instead?

Yes, probably. You will just need to send us the song at least a few days ahead so we can verify that it is something into which our Faculty and your peer participants can find a point of entry.

Is Earlville Shuffle limited to un-plugged acoustic styles of music?

No. While we won’t be equipped to handle music that relies on extensive digital processing, and we are focused on what human beings can do together live and in person, you can get into amplified music at the level of, say, an unamplified drum kit, in either the Main Stage or the Workshop.