Introduction to Songwriting for Ages 16-18

Book Now

• Spaces are limited so early booking is encouraged
• Bookings will close at 5pm on Monday 30 June 2025 or when the course reaches full capacity
• Please note that accommodation in Sundial Court isn't available
• Read our terms and conditions

Ages 16–18

Course Dates & Times

Wednesday 23 – Friday 25 August 2025
10am–4.30pm

About Introduction to Songwriting for Ages 16–18

This three-day course will teach you the skills needed to write your own songs and develop your artistic voice. You will explore a broad range of contemporary songwriting techniques and look at different songwriting components including melody, harmony, structure, lyrics, rhythm and instrumentation. 

There will be the chance to develop writing partnerships, giving you the ability to collaborate effectively, as well as learn more in-depth skills in harmonic theory, musical structure and pacing. Lyrical and poetic devices will be covered by a specialist in creative writing workshops.

Who is the course for?

Anyone aged 16-18, with an interest in songwriting. While the course is suitable for beginners and is an introduction to songwriting, we recommend that participants are able to play an instrument or sing to a reasonable level and/or have a basic understanding of music theory. Please contact us if you would like any advice on whether this course might be suitable for you.

What can I expect?

You can expect to look in detail at all the musical and lyrical elements that make up a song, before working individually and in groups on a number of creative briefs, designed to strengthen and practise your songwriting skills. At the end of the course, there will be an informal showcase to celebrate, consolidate and reflect on your work.

During this course you will:

• Analyse and interpret the music and lyrics of songs to help develop critical listening and technical vocabulary
• Develop your musical and lyrical techniques of songwriting across a range of styles and genres
• Explore how to establish a distinctive music identity or personal creative voice
• Create a friendly songwriting community and share songs with each other for feedback

Do I need anything for the course?

• Your instrument (pianos/keyboards can be provided)
• A device capable of recording audio such as a phone with a 'voice notes' app

Course Fee

£355

Book Now

• Spaces are limited so early booking is encouraged
• Bookings will close at 5pm on Monday 30 June 2025 or when the course reaches full capacity
• Please note that accommodation in Sundial Court isn't available
• Read our terms and conditions

Eligibility

• Everyone aged 16-18
• Participants must have sufficient English language skills in order to fully engage with the course 

About the Course Tutor

The course is taught by Fergus Brignall, Junior Fellow at Guildhall School and Professor at Junior Guildhall.

Fergus Brignall is a composer, songwriter and conductor from London.

A former chorister at Westminster Abbey and the National Youth Choir of Great Britain, a chance encounter diverted his course from singing to writing music. Starting off writing and producing records, he went on to achieve a gold UK number 1 best-selling album with Tom Grennan and achieving critical acclaim and more chart success with the likes of Rachel Chinouriri and Celeste, with whom he also served as Musical Director.

Since then, Fergus has returned to study, completing his Masters, specialising in film composing, at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, studying with Barbara De Biasi and Matthew King.

Since returning to study, Fergus has had his music included in a variety of programmes performed in venues across London such as his trio for Flute, Viola & Harp (Courtauld Gallery), Suite for small ensemble and electronics (Milton Court Concert Hall) and Orchestral score for the 1920’s French silent film ‘Menilmontant’ (Barbican Cinema 1). 

Earlier this year Fergus collaborated with award-winning theatre director Chelsea Walker to compose and conduct the score for Shakespeare ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ at the Milton Court theatre. He is currently composing a ballet for a project with the Royal Ballet.