Introduction to Songwriting

When & Where

9 January 2025 - 13 February 2025 ( 12 hours, 6 weeks )
Evening, Thursday
View course timetable
North Kensington Centre

Quick Facts

Availability Yes
Tutor TBC MCA HPL - Grade H
Course Code K24MCAB04B
Suitable For 19 year olds and up are permitted on this course

What you will learn

Want to try your hand at writing a hit? Do you have an idea for a song but not sure how to progress with it? In these workshops and seminars you will learn techniques for removing creative blockages and obstacles, gain confidence, improve your songwriting lyrically and musically, share your works-in-progress in a friendly, supportive and nurturing environment, give and receive critical feedback and suggestions, and build a body of work.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Write new songs from various and interesting starting points
Find inspiration for new material in everyday life
Write better lyrics
Critically analyse songs
More confidently share works-in-progress
Take and give criticism and use it to improve
Curate a shortlist of your best work

Cost

Full fee

£105

Concession fee

£80

Click here for information on Fees, Funding and Concessions (including financial support)

Class format and activities

Talks, listening assignments, note taking, practical workshops, group vocal warm-ups, in-class performances, class discussion, peer reviews, group work, pair work, project work.

Entry requirements

You will have a strong interest in songwriting and a desire to improve. You do NOT need to be a strong singer or instrumentalist, but a rudimentary ability to create either live or recorded/programmed music via instrument or DAW is essential. Lyricist non-musicians and musician non-lyricists are welcome.

What you need to know before you enrol

You may be required to ‘perform’ your work-in-progress songs during class. However, there is a big difference between performance-level vocals and merely using one’s voice to communicate song ideas. This course requires the latter. You will not be judged on your voice or instrumental skill, and this course provides an excellent opportunity to improve one’s confidence in this regard.

What you need

Pen and paper, instrument (or laptop/tablet for those using a DAW).

What you can do next

Next term’s songwriting course, Recording & Music Production, and Various instrumental and vocal courses related to your instrument. Enrol in the ‘Songwriting Masterclass’.