The Song Academy inaugural residential songwriting camp this summer attracted 36 highly talented young songwriters aged 11-18 and was a big hit! Over 4 days they collaborated in groups of 2/3 young songwriters to write an impressive album of songs and gave powerful performances at the end of camp showcase
We set out to run the ultimate residential camp for young songwriters…and delivered!
Held at St Catherine’s School, Bramley, near Guildford from the 9th to 12th August 2023, small groups of 11-13, 14-15 and 16-18 year olds were led by our expert team of songwriters and producers. Engaging sessions covered creative lyric writing, chords, melody and harmony improvisation, producing demo songs, co-writing with your peers, masterclasses, open songwriter nights and guest speakers; including singer songwriters, Cassa Jackson and Eden Hunter and BBC radio presenter/DJ and artist manager, Jodie Bryant. The finale of the camp was an impressive showcase of songs written during the week.
We were able to attract a diverse and inclusive group of young songwriters from disadvantaged backgrounds with financial support from PRS for Music, Ivors Academy and Hipgnosis.
The inspiring 4 day programme included:
Creating song concepts and understanding song structure
Creative lyric writing – including co-writing songs
Chords, Melody and Harmony improvisation (with some music theory)
Production
Choir & Band
How to engage your audience
How the Songwriting/Music industry works
How to create your own brand & fanbase
Masterclasses where we give feedback on songs previously written and work in progress songs
Open mic nights
Special guest speaker nights with opportunity for Q&As
Solo performance & group performances at the end of camp showcase
Songs written during the songwriting camp
Testimonials
“I would say it was an incredible experience and I would recommend it to anyone wanting to kickstart a career in songwriting or producing, there’s such a variety of styles and talents which I’ve met and been introduced to and there are so many people who are immensely talented, creative and passionate about songwriting.” Poppy, aged 14
“You’ll absolutely love every single moment of it. You’ll learn loads and get to hang out with people who love the same things you do. You will definitely improve as a song writer and it will really open up your creativity. Everyone so was so super supportive and so collaborative. It was just a great community and so much fun!” Georgie aged 14
“I enjoyed most the co-writing, getting great advice/tips from the leaders and guests, the performance and meeting other songwriters.” Simran, aged 17
“Just do it!” Lilia, aged 12
