Songwriting short course

For Loughborough University staff and students only

Course dates: Wed 19 November - Wednesday 10 December 2025, 5.30-7pm each week MHL0.14, First floor, Martin Hall

Want to write a song but don't know how to start? Or started one, but don't know how to finish it? This is the course for you!

This four week short course will introduce the fundamentals of songwriting so you can regularly start and finish songs.

Topics covered will include generating ideas using rhythm, chord sequences, avoiding writer's block, writing compelling lyrics, and arrangement.

The course is open to all ability levels. If you play an instrument then you are welcome to bring this along with you. The music rooms, which are equipped with pianos, are nearby and will be used as breakout spaces during the course.

About the tutor

Ian is an experienced guitar and bass tutor able to teach a wide range of styles and abilities. He has Grade 8 in Classical Guitar and holds a BA in Jazz Studies from Leeds College of Music and is also a fully qualified teacher. He is very experienced in starting beginners, and also developing intermediate to advanced players. He has extensive experience in jazz and blues and has special interests in improvisation techniques and theory for guitar/bass players.

Ian has also been part of a Eurovision Song Contest writing team and works for a number of publishers writing music for tv/media placements. He regularly undertakes session and live work in a variety of genres, and is an experienced producer/engineer recording many artists at The Cabin Studio. Musicians he's performed or recorded with include pioneering jazz trumpeter Eddie Henderson, Simon Webbe (Blue), and The Voice finalist Sally Barker.

Accessibility

MHL0.14 is on the ground floor corridor of Martin Hall and there is step free access into the building. An accessible toilet is located along the ground floor corridor.

If you have any specific access requirements or anything you would like us to be aware of when running the classes, please let us know via the booking form or email [email protected] in advance of booking and we will do our best to accommodate them.

Photography

Photography will be taking place at this event. If you do not consent to your photo being taken and this being used by Loughborough University, ISE and LU Arts for publicity purposes, then please alert the photographer or event organiser on the day.

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