Introduction to Songwriting

There are limited spaces remaining on this course. Please join our waiting list and we will contact you if a place is available.

• Please note that accommodation in Sundial Court isn't available in 2024.
• For our Terms and Conditions, please click here.

Ages 18+

Course Dates & Times

Friday 12 – Sunday 14 July 2024
10.30am–5pm

About Introduction to Songwriting

This three-day course will teach you the skills needed to write your own songs and develop your voice. You will explore a broad range of contemporary songwriting techniques and look at different songwriting components including melody, harmony, structure, lyrics, rhythm and instrumentation. 

There will be the chance to develop writing partnerships, giving you the ability to collaborate effectively, as well as learn more in-depth skills in harmonic theory, musical structure and pacing, as well as lyrical and poetic devices.

Who is the course for?

• Anyone aged 18 and over, with an interest in songwriting. Whilst the course is suitable for beginners and is an introduction to songwriting, we recommend that participants are able to play an instrument or sing to a reasonable level and/or have a basic understanding of music theory. Please do get in touch with us if you would like any advice on whether this course might be suitable for you.
• There is no upper age limit on this course. We encourage and welcome participants from all ages 18 and over.

What can I expect?

You can expect to look in detail at all the musical and lyrical elements that make up a song, before working individually and in groups on a number of creative briefs, designed to strengthen and practise your songwriting skills. At the end of the course, there will be an informal showcase to celebrate, consolidate and reflect on your work.

During this course you will:

• Analyse and interpret the music and lyrics of songs to help develop critical listening and technical vocabulary
• Develop your musical and lyrical techniques of songwriting across a range of styles and genres
• Explore how to establish a distinctive music identity or personal creative ‘voice’
• Create a friendly songwriting community and share songs with each other for feedback

Do I need anything for the course?

• your instrument (pianos/keyboards can be provided)
• a device capable of recording audio such as a phone with a 'voice notes' app

Course Fee

£335

There are limited spaces remaining on this course. Please join our waiting list and we will contact you if a place is available.

• Please note that accommodation in Sundial Court isn't available in 2024.
• For our Terms and Conditions, please click here.

Eligibility

• For everyone aged 18+. There is no upper age limit on this course. We encourage and welcome participants from all ages 18 and over.
• Participants must have sufficient English language skills to cope with course demands.

About the Course Tutor

The course is taught by Dr Toby Young, songwriter, producer, researcher, and Professor of Composition at Guildhall School.

Toby regularly collaborates with pop and jazz artists including the Rolling Stones, Duran Duran, Chase & Status, Snow Ghosts, MOKO, and Jacob Banks. He has also written string, choral, and orchestral arrangements for the Rolling Stones, Ellie Goulding, The King's Singers, Tame Impala, renowned Tamil songwriter Ilayaraja, and the London Symphony Orchestra. As a producer he has worked with Mark Lettieri (Snarky Puppy), Karl Jenkins, Cassidy Janson (Beautiful - The Carole King Musical), the Philharmonia Orchestra, Opera North, Rambert Dance Company, and the West Kazakhstan Philharmonic Orchestra.