Introduction to Songwriting
Benslow Music, Hitchin | 19th to 21st August 2022
Benslow Music is a fabulous residential music centre in Hitchin, Hertfordshire that has been running courses for over 90 years. In 2017 they contacted Keith to run an ‘Introduction to Songwriting’ Weekend and it was so successful, it has become an annual fixture.
What’s it like?
Benslow is a little oasis in Hitchin, close enough to the town, but with a countryside escape feel. There’s music all around the site and you’ll often hear orchestras and choirs ringing out from the rooms as you walk in the grounds. Everyone gets an en suite bedroom and full board meals are provided. There’s also a bar to enjoy in breaks and at the end of the day.
How do you learn?
Over the weekend you’ll learn all of Keith’s methods to get you writing fast, both in groups and solo. But don’t worry there’ll be plenty of time to yourself to hone your ideas and you’ll be free to opt in and out of each session if you need to. Keith is a Senior Lecturer at Leeds Conservatoire and specialises in 1 to 1 tuition to get students completing songs quickly. You’ll feel supported in your creativity as well as having the ears of the rest of the group to help you!
Confidence
You’ll also get the chance, if you want to, to perform your new or old songs at an open mic during the weekend. This will help you gain confidence in your new compositions. Benslow has many piano practice rooms where you can spend time of your own working on the techniques you’ve learnt.
Running Residentials
UK, Switzerland, Slovakia
Keith Ayling has been running residentials for a number of years – in a range of scenarios.
In 2004 Keith founded a music weekend in Cumbria to give young people the experience of songwriting and performing. Over the course of the weekend the young people dived in to practical workshops, both inside and among the Lake District hills, culminating in performances in local churches on Sunday. One of the attendees was a young Laura Mvula.
Keith has run workshops and courses in Slovakia, India and Switzerland as well as for national organisations in the UK. Most recently he has been lead songwriter for a cancer charity helping recently diagnosed people to learn songwriting.
He currently runs his own songwriting residential at the Benslow Music Centre in Hertfordshire.
Learn how to write lyrics quickly, make memorable melodies and structure your songs for maximum effect. Discover techniques that make songs popular, singable and relatable.
