Songwriting Workshop

10-Week Course

Comments from Students
Teacher
Schedule & Fee
Enrolment

The Songwriting Workshop is an engaging and practical course that will help you to develop your creative ideas – in any musical style – and turn them into finished songs! Participants whose primary interest is lyric writing, music writing – or both – are welcome. Those who play an instrument or sing can incorporate it into their work, both in class and at home. Those who do not will be able to use the instrumental and vocal abilities of the teacher, Kieran McEvoy, and the other participants to bring their songs to completion. Music reading is not necessary to participate.

The workshop will begin with a discussion of participants’ questionnaire responses (see below), as well as an introduction to the craft of songwriting, including song ‘elements’ (verse, chorus, bridge, rhyme, meter, etc.) and their various permutations. Kieran will also play one or two of his own songs to demonstrate what he will teach throughout the course. Participants will then start to work on their own songs, both individually and collaboratively.

Songwriting Workshop classes will consist of the following elements:

Using various exercises to break ‘writer’s block’ and get the songwriting juices flowing.
Examining great songs and what makes them work.
Regular feedback from Kieran and the other participants.
Learning about lyric writing – What makes a great first line? What makes a great chorus? (The verses of the song are like climbing up a mountain. The chorus is the view from the top. When you get to the top, the view better be worth the climb!)
Learning about melody writing – A ‘singable’ melody is more memorable. A great ‘hook’ is a brief, irresistible bit of music that the listener will remember even after hearing your song only once.
Discussion of the ‘business’ of songwriting, including publishing, royalties, song placement, etc.

The workshop will also include some work with two professional musicians (bass and piano/keyboard )as well as Kieran on guitar, and participants can showcase some of the material they have worked written both individually and collectively in a final performance, open to the public, that will also be recorded on video. Participants are encouraged to invite family and friends along!

Comments from Students

'This course gave me great confidence in songwriting, and to have the guidance of a professional songwriter was so helpful. The course helped me both lyrically and musically to realise my songwriting potential, and I am now constantly writing new material.'
– A. Bradley

'Kieran's relaxed way of teaching makes you feel at home on the course and gives you the confidence to perform in front of your fellow classmates. I can't believe I stood up in front of a room full of people and performed by own songs! It was an amazing experience.'
– F. Hannon

'In 10 weeks I finished 4 songs. I found my melodic voice, which I thought was impossible as I don't play an instrument. I'd like to do a more advanced class with Kieran!'
– S. Kelly

'Take that chance – it is never too late. From the day I signed up for the course to the last session the teacher and staff were so helpful and friendly. Just go for it!'
– S. Toner

'Great, flexible, friendly and encouraging teacher.'
– C. Fay

'Creativity at its best!'
– M. Kerrigan

Kieran McEvoy, Teacher

Kieran MvEvoy Kieran, 'one of Ireland’s unsung guitar heroes and songwriters' (Hot Press), hails from Dublin and has been a professional musician for many years, performing with many different bands and solo artists. He lived and worked as a musician for eight years in New York City, where he played guitar, sang and contributed songwriting to bands such as the Sony-signed roots act Naked Grape, Indie folk rocker Melissa Sheehan and Electra Records glam rockers Smashed Gladys, among others. On returning to Ireland in 1996, he recorded on his sister Eleanor McEvoy's Columbia Records album What's Following Me and toured the US, Europe and Ireland with Eleanor and her band. He also co-wrote ‘Make Mine a Small One’ with Eleanor, which features on her album Early Hours. Since then he collaborated with Australian singer-songwriter Chiara Browne and co-wrote many songs with her for The Rose Ponies, the band they formed together. Kieran is currently writing a new album with B & The Honeyboys, the band he formed with his partner Aileen Mythen in 2006, who have received critical acclaim for their eponymously titled debut album. He is also a full-time singer and songwriter in The Gospel Project, whose debut album, released in the summer of 2009, features his song ‘Overcome’. Kieran continues to work with many other bands and artists, including Luan Parle, Bagatelle and Mickey Harte, as well as with B & The Honeyboys.

2013-2014 First Term Schedule & Fee

Schedule to be confirmed.

Tuition Fee: €270

Enrolment

Enrolment for this course requires a completed enrolment form and full payment of tuition fees. (Go to Enrolment & Booking Form Downloads for a 2013-2014 General Enrolment Form.) Places are available on a first-come, first-served basis, based on the date of enrolment. Early enrolment is recommended, as places are limited.

Participants are also requested to print, complete and bring to the first class a Songwriting Workshop Questionnaire. (This pdf file requires Adobe Reader.)

Purchasing this course as a gift? Go to Enrolment & Booking Form Downloads for a Gift Certificate Booking Form.

Waltons New School of Music