Music legend Neil Diamond has surprised fans and aspiring artists alike by joining an online songwriting workshop for young musicians, offering heartfelt guidance and a lesson that’s as poetic as his songs: “Learn to write from silence.”
The virtual event, hosted by the Music Minds Foundation, brought together a small group of teenage songwriters from around the world for what they thought would be a routine mentorship session. But midway through the call, their special guest appeared — the man behind “Sweet Caroline,” “Song Sung Blue,” and “I Am… I Said.”
The students were stunned. “At first we thought it was an impersonator,” one participant from London said, laughing. “But when he started talking about how songs come from the quiet, we knew — it was really him.”
Diamond, who has largely stepped away from touring since his 2018 Parkinson’s diagnosis, spoke softly but with unmistakable warmth. He told the group that songwriting isn’t about chasing a hit — it’s about listening.
“The best songs don’t come from noise,” he said. “They come when everything else fades — when you can hear the whisper of a truth you didn’t know you were carrying.”
He encouraged the students to disconnect from social media and constant distractions, and instead spend time alone with their thoughts. “Sit by a window, stare at the rain, don’t touch your phone,” he advised. “That’s when melody comes knocking.”
During the 90-minute workshop, Diamond also gave personal feedback on lyrics submitted by the young musicians. One participant shared a song about anxiety and uncertainty, prompting Diamond to respond gently:
“That’s a real song — because it’s real to you. Don’t polish away the feeling. Let the cracks show. That’s where people will see themselves.”
Organizers said the session was meant to highlight how mentorship and mindfulness can nurture creativity in an age of constant noise. “Neil reminded everyone that silence isn’t emptiness — it’s the canvas,” said project director Lila Chen.
Before signing off, Diamond strummed a few quiet chords on his acoustic guitar and left the group with one final thought:
“Don’t just write to be heard. Write to understand yourself. The world will listen when it’s true.”
The young musicians erupted in applause — some even in tears. For them, it wasn’t just a workshop. It was a masterclass in soul, simplicity, and sincerity — from one of the greatest songwriters alive.