Songwriters workshop to help people hone their musical skills

A songwriting workshop will help musicians hone their skills.

Taranaki musician Juliet McLean will host a songwriting workshop on July 23. The workshop was originally scheduled for June but had to be postponed due to injury.

Terry Sarten, who is organizing this event, says it’s great that it’s moving forward.

“This songwriting workshop is for anyone looking to hone their songwriting skills. If you know how to play an instrument, have original musical ideas, or are more of a blacksmith/lyricist looking to find a way to create musical elements to carry words, this workshop will be an opportunity to explore new skills in building songs.”

Juliet McLean, who hosts the day of the workshop, has attended songwriting workshops around the United States and is eager to pass on the learning and her own experience as a singer-songwriter.

The workshop program will be led by Juliette and will open the morning session with It starts with a song.

She will then look at the parts of a song, how to connect more effectively, and the songwriting process.

The next section will focus on prompts such as titles, opening lines, themes, and harmony.

For the afternoon session, the focus will be on collaboration or co-writing and using the resources generated in the morning session to work in pairs, groups or alone to start a song or develop something you started.

There will be an opportunity to share the work at the end of the workshop.

Participants are asked to come with a pen and paper and bring their own instruments if they have one, although there will be a variety of equipment available, including an electric piano and guitars.

The workshop is limited to 20 participants, so people are encouraged to join quickly.

The details:
What: Community songwriting workshop.
When: Saturday, July 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Space Studio and Gallery 18 Hill St, Whanganui.
Cost: $10 for students, $15 for adults.
Registration: Visit spacestudiogallery.co.nz/events/
For more information: Contact t Terry Sarten on 021 1516 244 or email tgs@inspire.net.nz