Find out about our Songwriting Activities

Songwriting Activities:
KS3–5 Workshops

Designed for musicians in Key Stage 3 upwards, our Songwriting activities provide opportunities for students who are new to writing their own songs as well as more experienced songwriters looking to develop their skills further. Whether you are focussed on improving your lyrics writing or wanting to develop your ensemble band-based songwriting skills, we are here to help!

We offer a varied range of activities to suit your skills levels, needs, time, and budget:

• Online group sessions to discuss different aspects of songwriting with tutors and like-minded peers
• In person group sessions focussed on developing specific skills sets (creative lyrics, top lines, etc)
• Residential songwriting course for lyrics-focussed individual and pairs work, alongside a band-based ensemble writing work
• 1-2-1 online consultancy mentoring sessions arranged as either one-off or a block of sessions to suit you
• Performance Platform opportunity to perform your original songs at the Exeter Phoenix

Each session provides a collaborative space where students can learn, explore, and create music alongside like-minded peers. While part of a structured programme, each workshop is designed as a standalone experience, allowing students to attend as many sessions as they wish.

Find out more about our 2024/25 lyrics-focussed songwriting tutors below:

Find out more about our 2024/25 tutors working with our contemporary group below:

Please note that we can sometimes offer a means-tested grant to cover the cost of our activities.
Use the Contact Form at the bottom of this page to get in touch today

Songwriting Activities Dates:

8th December, 2024: Online group introductory workshop session

Tutor: Matthew
Introductory session looking at the basics of songwriting, sources of inspiration and different approaches
Venue: online

19th January, 2025: One-day weekend workshop session

Tutors: Matthew, Ana, Mark, and Greg
Workshop day working either with Ana and Matthew on developing lyrics writing skills, or for those focussed on writing for guitar/bass/drums/keys/vocals, ensemble workshop activities with Mark and Greg
Venue: Wellington School

Friday 21st–Sunday 23rd February, 2025: Weekend residential course

Tutors: Matthew, Ana, Mark, and Greg
Residential weekend course for both individual songwriters and ensemble bands-based work, culminating in an informal performance for friends and family
Venue: Tawstock Court, nr Barnstaple,. EX31 3HY (full board, 2 nights stay)

9th March, 2025: Online workshop

Tutors: Matthew, Mark, and Greg
Online group session for students to discuss ongoing songwriting work
Venue: Online

4th May, 2025: One-day weekend workshop session

Tutors: Matthew, Ana, Mark, and Greg
Workshop day working either with Ana and Matthew on continuing to develop individual/pair songs, or with Mark and Greg to continue working on band-based songs
Venue: Wellington School

5th July, 2025: One-day weekend workshop and performance

Tutors: Matthew, Ana, Mark, and Greg
Workshop day focussed on polishing and preparing songs and developing different stagecraft skills ready for the final performance
Venue: Exeter Phoenix, Exeter, EX4 3LS