SONG STORIES: THE MUSIC COACHING PROGRAM
Therapeutic Music Coaching combines developmental coaching, personal exploration, and original songwriting to help you explore and process meaningful experiences, uncover new perspectives, and express what can be difficult to put into ordinary words.
Music can reach parts of an experience that conversation alone may not access. A lyric, melody or image can help us recognize what we are feeling, give language to something that has remained unspoken, and see a familiar story from a different angle.
This highly personalized program may be helpful if you are processing grief or change, working through a difficult experience, honouring someone or something deeply meaningful, or reconnecting with a creative part of yourself. You’ll leave with an original, professionally produced recording of your song, whether you sing it yourself or choose another vocalist.
you don’t need MUSICAL OR SONGWRITING EXPERIENCE
You do not need to know how to write lyrics, compose music or sing. Leslie guides you through the full process, beginning with coaching conversations that help you explore your story, experiences and emotions.
Together, you shape those discoveries into original lyrics. Leslie then composes the music and prepares you for the recording process. At Soundcreation Studio, Leslie and co-producer Scott Walsh help bring the song to life through instrumentation, vocals and professional audio production.
This completely personalized program is designed to meet you where you are, in a non-judgmental, safe and supportive collaboration. Anchored in the Integral Coaching™ Method, the experience is designed around you and the story you want to tell. Some participants sing their own songs; others choose to work with a professional vocalist. Either way, you leave with a finished, professionally produced recording that captures something deeply meaningful in a form you can revisit, share or keep entirely private.
Song Stories is a coaching and creative development program. It does not provide psychotherapy or mental health treatment. We’ll discuss whether the program is a suitable fit during our intake conversation.
HOW IT WORKS
The program moves through three stages: exploring your story, creating the song, and bringing it to life in the recording studio. The timing and creative choices are adapted to you and the song you want to create.
COACHING, WRITING AND COMPOSITION
INTAKE CONVERSATION | We begin with a 30-minute conversation to explore what you may want your song to express, answer your questions and plan the sessions.
WRITING SESSION 1 — 2 HOURS: Explore your coaching topic, identify meaningful song themes, develop draft lyrics, and discuss musical influences, mood, and vocal preferences. Leslie will suggest a coaching practice for reflection between sessions.
WRITING SESSION 2 — 2 HOURS: Refine the lyrics and draft music, confirm the song structure and production direction, and prepare for recording through studio preparation and vocal coaching. Both sessions take place at Leslie Rohonczy Studio in Ottawa.
MUSIC COMPOSITION | After the first writing session, Leslie develops original music informed by your story and musical preferences. You’ll review and refine it together during the second writing session.
ADDITIONAL WRITING SUPPORT| The Augmented Package includes a third two-hour coaching and songwriting session. Further writing sessions can be arranged at the current hourly rate, with your approval before booking.
RECORDING AND PRODUCTION
Recording takes place at Soundcreation Studio in Ottawa with Leslie and co-producer, musician and audio engineer Scott Walsh.
RECORDING SESSION 1 | Your first studio day runs from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., including a lunch break. Leslie and Scott build the arrangement and record instruments and vocals. You can contribute creative ideas and participate at a level that feels comfortable to you. Leslie provides vocal coaching throughout the session.
RECORDING SESSION 2 | Up to seven hours to complete any remaining recording, refine the mix, and prepare the final mastered recording.
ADDITIONAL PRODUCTION TIME | Additional studio time is available at $60 per hour. We’ll explain the work involved and obtain your approval of the estimated time and cost before proceeding.
MUSIC VIDEO — AUGMENTED PACKAGE | A simple original music video is included in the Augmented Package. A freelance video partner will collaborate with you to select visual elements that represent your song.
LISTEN TO SONGS CREATED WITH REAL CLIENTS
Sharing your song is optional. We will not publish your recording, lyrics, name, image, or personal story without your written permission. You can complete the program and keep your song entirely private.
HEAR MORE ABOUT THE PROCESS: In this in-depth conversation with Jennifer Carr, Leslie discusses the Song Stories program, the role of intuition in coaching and music, and how the two disciplines can work together: CONNECTED CONVERSATIONS FOR CREATIVES PODCAST: Leslie Rohonczy (also on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.)
WHAT PARTICIPANTS ARE SAYING
-
“I was blown away by my experience with Scott and Leslie. This dynamic duo held my heart with such tenderness while I found the courage to write what had been longing to be shared and to sing what had never been spoken. If you are looking for a creative and compassionate way to explore, gain insight or excavate meaning, I would urge you to connect with Leslie and Scott. This experience has been so deeply meaningful and will continue to reverberate for years to come as I continue on my grief journey.” — DINA BELL-LAROCHE (Grief Coach) | Listen to Dina’s song ‘Before and After’ on YouTube.
-
“My gratitude is never ending to Leslie Rohonczy and Scott Walsh, both supremely talented musicians / artists and without them, I'd still be lost, shuffling around like the Walking Dead. Thank you! This whole process has served as the BEST therapy!” — RACHELE CARRIER | Listen to Rachele’s song ‘Rachele’s Lullaby’ on YouTube.
-
“What starts as an idea and a few chords, transforms into a beautiful heartfelt song, and ends up as an unparalleled and humbling experience shared with the insanely talented Leslie Rohonczy and Scott Walsh. When I first connected with Leslie, I really didn't believe I could write a song, let alone sing and record it! But Leslie taught me to write what inspires me, sing from my heart and the only thing getting in my way was me. 5 songs already under my belt and more written, just waiting to be recorded with the guidance of Leslie - a truly inspiring musician, coach and now friend.” — MIKE LANCE | Listen to Mike & Lija’s song ‘The Kitchen’ on YouTube.
-
“Leslie is an incredible person with amazing talent who has allowed my husband and I into her studio and has unleashed a creativity we never thought possible - 6 songs in and we can't wait to be back with her and Scott in the recording studio!!! Give it a try - you have a world to discover through music and Leslie is the person to guide you!” — LIJA LOGAN | Listen to Mike & Lija’s song ‘The Kitchen’ on YouTube.
-
“I am so grateful for Leslie’s ability to help me process the anxiety I felt as a result of a difficult time in my life where I was bullied. Through asking me powerful questions her coaching helped me dig deep within myself to articulate and channel the thoughts and feelings swirling through my body and mind. Naming and processing my emotions through songwriting was a powerful way to take my space back and stand up for myself. And if that wasn't enough, Leslie also introduced me to the incredible Scott Walsh. I will be forever grateful to them both, and cannot possibly recommend working with them enough.” — ISABELLA FALCONE | Listen to Isabella’s song ‘Dial You Back’ on YouTube.
-
“I cannot recommend this music coaching program enough! Typically this program is one in which a client embarks upon a musical journey to help them heal from a difficult circumstance or provide growth or insight. My experience was a little different. I met the love of my life later in life and have felt so incredibly lucky and grateful. While I was sharing this experience with Leslie, I asked if she could help me express this joy in a song. Happily Leslie agreed. I will be honest to tell you that once Leslie agreed, I was having several “oh shit” moments, thinking what have I done? I was so fearful I almost cancelled our first session together. All my thoughts were- I can’t do this, I have zero musical ability, I have a terrible singing voice, etc… To put it mildly, this was WAY out of my comfort zone. Well- if you are going push yourself out of your comfort zone and take a leap of faith- Leslie and Scott are the people to do it with. I have never been so happy that I pushed through my fear because, while this song was a wedding gift for my husband, going through this incredible process with Leslie and Scott’s guidance, became a gift to myself. Leslie and Scott are without question amazingly talented musicians, but they are also just really special people. They are people that fill your cup up with light and encouragement. If this experience is something you are considering- do it- you will be so happy you did!” — KAREN NAGY | Listen to Karen’s song ‘Waterfall’ on YouTube.
READY TO CREATE A SONG FROM YOUR OWN STORY?
Every song begins with a story, experience or emotion that matters. Let’s talk about what you want to express and whether Song Stories Therapeutic Music Coaching feels like the right process for you.
SONG STORIES PACKAGES
STANDARD PACKAGE: $1,650 CAD includes:
A 30-minute intake conversation with Leslie
Two private two-hour coaching and songwriting sessions
Original music composed by Leslie
Two 7-hour recording and production sessions at Soundcreation Studio with Leslie Rohonczy and Scott Walsh
Final mixing and mastering
A professionally produced and mastered recording as a WAV file and an MP3 listening copy.
An optional YouTube release of your finished song, with your explicit permission
AUGMENTED PACKAGE: $2,150 CAD includes everything in the Standard Package, plus:
A third two-hour coaching and songwriting session
Up to four additional hours of audio production revisions by Scott Walsh beyond the studio time included in the Standard Package
A simple original music video created with a freelance video-production partner
Your song can remain entirely private. With your written permission, Leslie may publish the finished recording on the Song Stories YouTube playlist and feature it on her website.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I figure out what my SONG SHOULD BE ABOUT?
You do not need to arrive with a fully formed idea. During the intake conversation and coaching sessions, Leslie will help you explore the experiences, relationships, emotions or stories that feel most meaningful to you.
You may begin by reflecting on these questions:
THEME: What is your song topic? What’s the story you want to tell?
MEANING: Why is this theme deeply meaningful to you?
CHARACTER(S): Whose experience is at the center of your song? It might be yours, someone else’s, or an imagined character’s. What do you want to understand or express about that experience?
MESSAGE: What do you most want this song to express? Are there particular words, images, or details you want to preserve?
TIMELINE: Are there moments, memories, or turning points you want to include? Your song can tell a story over time or stay with one meaningful moment.
EMOTION: What feelings are present when you think about this theme? Which feel important to express? If you choose to share your song, what would you like listeners to feel?
METAPHOR: What images, objects, colors, textures, or elements of nature come to mind when you think about your theme?
Leslie will guide you in turning those discoveries into lyrics. You do not need to know how to write a song before the process begins.
WHAT KINDS OF EXPERIENCES CAN BECOME SONGS?
Almost any experience that carries personal meaning can become a song. Previous clients have explored:
Grief following the loss of someone they love
Painful or complicated emotions
Gratitude and love for someone important
Conflict or the ending of a relationship
Family memories and stories
The inner critic and the struggle to trust oneself
Reclaiming an authentic voice
Reconnecting with creativity
Celebrating love, belonging or a meaningful life chapter
how long does it take to record THE song?
The Standard Package includes two recording and production sessions. A relatively simple arrangement may include acoustic guitar, piano, bass and lead vocals. More complex arrangements involving layered instruments, backing vocals or other production elements may require additional studio or production time.
We’ll discuss the creative direction with you in advance. If additional work is needed, we’ll explain the estimated time and cost and obtain your approval before proceeding.
WHAT IF I FEEL NERVOUS ABOUT RECORDING?
Feeling nervous is completely understandable, especially if you have never recorded in a professional studio. Many Song Stories Music Coaching clients are entering a studio for the first time.
Leslie and Scott will guide you through the process, explain what is happening and give you time to become comfortable. Recording is collaborative, and mistakes are simply part of finding the right performance. You will not be expected to walk into the studio knowing what to do.
DO I HAVE TO SING MY OWN SONG?
No. You may sing the lead vocal yourself, participate in another way or have a professional vocalist record the finished song.
If you are uncertain, you do not need to decide immediately. Leslie can help you explore the options and choose an approach that feels right for you and the song. We’ll discuss your preferred vocal approach before recording and let you know whether it involves any additional cost.
Can I COMPLETE thE program remotely?
The intake conversation can take place remotely. However, the two coaching and songwriting sessions take place in person at Leslie Rohonczy Studio in Ottawa, and the recording and production sessions take place at Soundcreation Studio.
If you’re traveling to Ottawa, contact Leslie before making arrangements so we can plan a schedule that allows time for reflection, composition, and studio preparation.
DO I HAVE TO SHARE MY SONG PUBLICLY?
No. You can receive your finished recording without having it uploaded anywhere. Publication requires your written permission. If you choose an unlisted YouTube upload, anyone who obtains the link may be able to view and share it.
CAN I SHARE OR RELEASE MY FINISHED SONG?
Your package includes personal, noncommercial use of your recording, including sharing with friends and family and posting on your personal social media accounts. Include the agreed song credits when posting online. Commercial use, sale, licensing, or distribution through streaming services requires a separate written agreement with Leslie Rohonczy.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
If there is something you would like to know before booking a conversation, Leslie would be happy to answer your questions.