In this workshop, participants will explore how songwriting circles, inspired by professional “Songwriters in the Round” traditions, can be a tool for building community in school music classrooms and beyond. In some professional settings, songwriters gather in a circle to share songs that are works in progress, exchange feedback, and to create collaboratively through spontaneous participation. This is an event that often emphasizes listening, empathy, and collective and collaborative music-making. Throughout the workshop, we will consider how these goals might connect with some aims and values of music education.My aim for this session is to demonstrate how the songwriting circle format can be adapted for music classrooms, ensembles, and community music programs. This approach to collaboration and sharing can promote inclusivity and connection amongst participants. By positioning all learners as co-creators, the songwriting circle invites students to practice active listening, mutual respect, creative collaboration, and spontaneous participation in music-making. These are skills that can be practiced and built upon. In turn, these practices can help create classroom communities that transcend cultural and social barriers to grow together..In the workshop, participants will engage in a hands-on process, beginning with some warm-ups to welcome participation, followed by musical idea generation, and ultimately, collaborative lyric and melody building. They will experience the same concepts that make professional “in-the-round” sessions so powerful by sharing stories, responding to others’ musical ideas in real time, and collectively composing a song. Throughout the workshop, I will also highlight some practical ways to incorporate songwriting circles into a variety of educational contexts, with an emphasis on accessibility for participants of all ages, abilities, and musical backgrounds.My goal is for the participants to leave with practical strategies and resources, including prompts, activities, and facilitation tips. Most importantly, I hope participants will discover how they might utilize this community-focused songwriting approach to encourage and empower students. Through songwriting circles, music teachers might guide their students to view themselves as creators and contributors to meaningful art and to communities that they care about.