FAQ
When’s the next Festival?
12-17 August 2012 at Shennanton House, Dumfrieshire. You’ll arrive on the evening of Sunday 12th August and meet everyone at dinner; we’ll then start work at 10am on the Monday morning.
Click here for Booking info. For a sample of a typical schedule, here’s a copy of a previous Festival timetable and factsheet (.pdf).
Is the Festival for me?
Songwriters at every level can benefit from our workshops, lectures, guest tutors and live performances. Past participants have included complete beginners who have never written a song before, right through to professional musicians who want to improve their skills. Participants are of all ages and come from a variety of musical backgrounds and levels of experience.
What kind of songs can I write?
Whatever you want. You’re in control of your own material – the daily tasks are designed to get you working with new processes, not to push you into a particular genre or style. Some of our lectures focus on the technical aspects of a song – hooks, choruses, imagery, melodic shape, scansion, chord constructions, form, metaphor, characterisation etc – so we often analyse ‘classic’ and commercially successful songs and look in detail at why they were hits.
The week includes:
- Lectures on the craft of songwriting
- Small group playback and critique sessions
- Live band sessions
- Acoustic live recording to take away on CD
- Gig performance at the end of the week
What will I get out of the festival?
The experience is intense you will write at least one new song every day as you put into practice the techniques learned.
You’ll have the chance to improve the focus, meaning and impact of your lyrics; you’ll develop the skills to shape melodies more effectively; you’ll learn about the complex psychological ways that songs affect listeners.
As well as recording your songs, you’ll have an opportunity to play/sing your material live with a professional session band. Throughout the week you’ll work in a friendly, non-judgemental atmosphere, where everyone helps everyone else to improve.
Do I need to play an instrument?
The ability to accompany yourself will certainly help with your writing process. Guitarists usually bring an acoustic, though electric is also fine – we supply amps where needed. A keyboard will be available. Lyricist-only participants usually pair up with various co-writers throughout the week.
Do I need to read music?
Music reading in the traditional sense is not used at SWF, although we do run a short workshop session based around chord charts to ensure that everyone can communicate their ideas effectively to the house band and to each other.
Do I need to be prepared to sing?
Not if you don’t want to. Non-singing writers usually get other SWF students to sing for them, or ask members of the house band to sing their work during the evening sessions. Participants in the SWF Studio option have the choice of male or female session vocals on their recordings, if they prefer not to sing their own work.
What ís the accommodation like?
All residential participants will stay at Shennanton House.
Informal evening rehearsal facilities will be provided.
Is the accommodation wheelchair accessible?
Shennanton House is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible. However, we are able to offer en suite ground-floor accommodation and all the classes and events will take place in ground-floor rooms.
Can younger songwriters get involved?
Regrettably, SWF2012 is not available to under-18s.
Are meals included?
All catering is included in the fee – you’ll be able to specify particular dietary requirements when you book.
How much does it cost?
£595 (including food, accommodation and all songwriting activities)
Prices for 2012 have been substantially reduced thanks to a generous subsidy from Creative Scotland.
How do I pay?
Online secure payment – see booking page.
If you have any queries about booking please call Lindsay Endean a call on +44 (0) 1225 876 133 (Mon-Fri, 9.30am-5pm).
Do I need to bring anything?
Pen and paper (or laptop and a USB memory stick if you prefer to write lyrics on a computer). Guitarists need to bring their instrument, tuner and leads/strings etc. We provide everything else.
Will I really be able to write one song a day?
Yes! Our tutors will provide tips and tricks that will help you to unlock any writer’s block, and speed up the songwriting process, whilst improving the quality and effectiveness of your writing. Read the student feedback (in the ‘Quotes’ section above) for more information.
