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ESSENTIAL INFO
If you purchase a ticket for this course, all the information on this page will be emailed to you with your ticket.
👥 Suitable for: Ages 16 and up
📍 Venue: Bellingen Youth Hub (mobility aid accessible)
📈 Level: Suitable for all skill levels
⏰ Schedule: Mon–Fri, 9am – 4pm (5 Full-Days)
⚠️ Extra info: This course includes an opportunity for public performance. Students may opt out if they wish.
Required skills & experience
No experience required
This course is suitable for aspiring musicians interested in songwriting or poetry
Supplies that you need to bring to class
An old book or magazine (will be destroyed)
Writing paper and pens
Optional - An instrument you can play chords on eg.
Guitar
Ukulele
Keyboard
Learning outcomes
Learn how to "write fearlessly" and break writer's block
Learn how to write lyrics that are relatable to the listener
Learn how to apply music theory to make more informed choices for chords and melodies
Arrange and record your own original song
Collaborate and learn from others in an inclusive and supportive environment
COURSE PLAN
Day One | Introduction to Lyric Writing and Concept
Students will delve into some writing exercises and techniques to help them kickstart their songwriting journey.
We will be exploring freewriting, object writing, rhyming and metaphor.
Students will learn how to form a concept that is relatable and meaningful.
Day Two | Melody, Chords and Structure
On day two, students will learn to take the lyrics they have written and start to form them into songs.
Students will learn how to create a hook for their chorus and find a melody that suits their song using their voice and intuition.
We will explore the basics of chord theory and the differences between verses, choruses and bridges.
Day Three | Workshop Day
By day three, students will have all the tools they need to start writing their own songs and will be starting to form songs of their own.
Day three is reserved for students to work on their material. They will have the opportunity to collaborate and share with each other and have some one-on-one time with Tony to help finish their work.
Day Four | Recording Day One
By day four, students will have finished their songs and will be ready to record!
Each student will have a one-hour recording session with Tony to record their song with an instrument and voice.
Students who are confident performers can play and sing their song, but if they choose, they may elect Tony or another student to play or sing for them.
Some students may still be working on their songs and so will have time to work on them to record on day five.
Day Five | Recording Day Two
Day five continues day four, and we will finish the last of our students' recordings.
Students who have already completed their recordings might wish to assist other students with the recording process or continue to work on their writing.
COURSE TUTOR
Tony Rowley
Tony Rowley is a seasoned singer-songwriter and guitarist with a passion for contemporary music. As Titan Sky, he has performed at music festivals around Australia and collaborated with several artists, including Cat Empire’s Ollie McGill.
As well as writing songs for Titan Sky, Tony also writes and records music for film and T.V. Most recently a Punk Album, published by BMG Production Music.
Every year Tony delivers his course at camps, festivals and music schools. Past workshops have been hosted by Camp Creative Bellingen, Mullum Music Festival, Bello Winter Music Festival, Coffs Harbour Regional Conservatorium, and the Bellingen Readers and Writers Festival.
Tony has a Bachelor of Musical Arts and is trained in jazz performance, arranging and music production. He has spent more than a decade as a music educator and has worked with all ages, from early childhood to adult.
“I learnt an enormous amount from this extremely practical course. Huge thanks to Tony.”
“Tony was a fantastic and attentive teacher, couldn’t have asked for better guidance.”
“It was a great experience working with Tony to inspire, encourage and hone my skills into creating a song I was happy with that was a very big step up rom what I created on my own. Also, I learned some things that I will definutely take into my future song writing.”
