The second of our short courses is “Discover: Songwriting”, facilitated by local singer / songwriter John Nicholson.  

The course provides the opportunity to explore and try a structured, yet fluid, approach to songwriting.  With a particular emphasis on capturing and expressing your ideas, it will suit participants at all levels - those who have done little or no songwriting and existing songwriters who would like to explore a new dynamic approach.

The course is very much participative.  John will provide structure by sharing his views and providing examples, but the greatest value will come from participants embracing the approach described in the course.  By sharing perspectives and bouncing ideas off each other you’ll be able to create songs embodying a rich fusion of your experiences, ideas and styles.  

For those who wish, there will be an opportunity to perform the songs you write at an Open House event in the future.

About this event:

• Dates - 7.45-8.45pm every Monday (4 week course).

• Price - £36 for 4 week course.

• Location - Upstairs @ Open House. Please arrive 5-10 minutes before class to settle into the space.

• Equipment - Please bring along a notebook and pen. 

• Booking - Limited to 8 spots, to book your spot please click below.

• What Happens During The Sessions.

  Over four one-hour sessions on consecutive Monday nights in November, you’ll explore:

  1. The elements of a song and their interaction, using the FILM framework (Facts, Ideas, Lyrics, Melody)

  2. The particular importance of Ideas and how they can inspire songs

  3. Some examples of Ideas in Song

  4. Populating the FILM framework – as individuals and / or a group

  5. Using the populated frameworks to shape a song / songs

  6. Sharing and developing the songs

• More About John.

  While John happily admits that he is not a professional musician, his passion for song as a medium for exploring and sharing ideas has for many years inspired him to write and perform.  His own songs draw both on people and events in the Hope Valley and topical national and international issues. His background is in Folk Music, but the technique explored in the course lends itself to all genres.  

  John has run several workshops on songwriting but feels that the short course format is the best way to delve into songwriting in a more meaningful and fulfilling way.