yazan al H.
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Amateur therapy session for one old man’s ego — not a songwriter’s circle.
I came as a professional artist, genuinely excited to join what the Sanctuary’s website describes as an open, welcoming songwriter’s circle. I paid to attend, expecting curiosity and collaboration. Instead, there were only four people — and one of them (the man running the circle) spent most of the time lecturing the others, using the space to hear himself talk rather than to foster real exchange.
He never welcomed me, never asked what I do, and after an hour and a half of patiently listening and being kind and collaborative, I contributed a few thoughts from my professional experience — the same way everyone else was adding comments. The difference is, he couldn’t take it. He accused me of being “challenging” and “critical,” which the others immediately denied. They actually said they appreciated my comments, but they were clearly under his authority and unwilling to contradict him.
It was disappointing to see a place with such potential turned into a personal stage for someone’s outdated, defensive mindset. This is not a space for creativity, but a therapy session dressed as art. I’m writing this not out of anger, but so others know what to expect. I wasted my time, but perhaps my honesty can save someone else’s.
