Students at this level are writing poetry with an increased focus on creating an individual voice and an emotional atmosphere. Exercises using free verse and traditional, received forms (i.e. sonnet, villanelle, sestina, and pantoum) as well as meter and syllabics are suggested in order to strengthen a student’s technical skills. This class asks students to recognize what makes a poem engaging and entertaining to the reader. Students follow the Craft Class syllabus (along with readings distributed by the teacher) from which exercises are taken. Many students are finishing exercises and publishing poetry in literary journals and anthologies.

Open to students who have completed Level II or upon the recommendation of the teacher. Poets who have an MFA in poetry and/or have published in several recognizable journals may also apply for a spot in this class. After completing a number of sessions in Advanced Poetry, students may go on to study with Philip Schultz in the Master Class, with permission of the teacher. Please contact Lisa Bellamy at [email protected] to apply for this class. Places in the class are awarded by the instructor on a case-by-case basis.