Fi’s blog – Andy West ñ Live Songwriting
Andy West Andy is introduced by Joe as the bravest man at SWF as he is about to write a song live with no preparation at all in front of a crowd of songwriters. He hands round pieces of paper and asks everyone to write down prospective song titles. The purpose of this demonstration is to share one method of songwriting with the group. Drawing from his experiences in Nashville he explains how he formulated a method drawing from what worked for others... [Read More...]
Fi’s blog – day 3 playback
Songwriting in the sunshine Todayís tutor is Andy White. He opens the session with a discussion of how he writes (chords first in Andy’s case), after which he plays a song and gets everyone joining in. Itís great and a good insight into another approach. A question is asked around some of the chords and Andy demonstrates the effects of chord changes on the listener’s mood. The first song played is a beautiful gentle song. Andy makes... [Read More...]
Fi’s blog – songs for children
John Gill, our guest tutor for the Wednesday Guitarist and songwriter John Gill is here to talk to us about writing songs for children.† He talks about his history and his experience in teaching guitar and music technology and playing in a skiffle band, touring and working etc. He starts with talking about the only people who can give critiques on a kids’ song is kids themselves. The session includes some tips on introducing fun, rhyming... [Read More...]
Fi’s blog – day 1
Barry plays his trademark upside-down guitar chords for one of our songwriters. We have a songwriting room which has a great view over the lake. Boo Hewerdine is our tutor today and he has just flown in from Glasgow and is straight into it! Weíre going round the group and playing from back catalogue. Claire has just played a beautiful song that she wrote on the way back from Ireland after the applause dies down she is talking about wanting to... [Read More...]
Day 1 Introductory Lecture
Deep in collaboration Introductory session Day 1 Itís ten oíclock on a sunny Monday morning and Joe Bennett is welcoming everyone officially in the University theatre. The first task is for the songwriters to introduce themselves to each other with details of their favourite songwriters influences and the team 25 plus strong are introducing themselves and letting everyone know what their role will be during the week. With some housekeeping and health... [Read More...]
