WEA: Adult Learning
INTRODUCTION TO SONGWRITING
Music
Singing

Why do songs stick in your head? Sign up now to learn songwriting in a clear, understandable way. No musical knowledge required! We cover elements of songs, structures that work, technology, finding inspiration and much more. Most importantly you will acquire the tools needed to create your first song!

Available Session Times - select from the following sessions:


Fees available for this course:(Which Fee?)
Standard: A$120.00
Discount: A$105.00
Concession: A$102.00

Select the number of places and click 'Enrol':

Introduction to Songwriting

Course Description

This course is your gateway to understanding why certain songs get stuck in your head and how you can create your own memorable music. 

Designed for beginners, it covers the essential elements of songwriting in an easy-to-understand way, with no prior musical knowledge required. 

You'll learn about song structures, how to craft catchy melodies, and the basics of rhythm, all while discovering your unique creative process. 

Whether you're drawn to pop, rock, or any other genre, you'll gain the skills needed to write your first song.

Along with exploring song construction and lyrical techniques, this course introduces basic music theory and digital recording technology to give you a well-rounded foundation. 

Through hands-on exercises and plenty of fun, you'll leave with the tools and confidence to create your own songs. 

By the end of the course, you'll be equipped to write music that resonates with listeners and sticks in their heads, just like your favourite tunes!

Course Structure

Session 1

  • Defining song and songwriters
  • Essential components of a song
  • HIT - the most important thing of all

Session 2

  • Genres
  • Components and structure
  • Building a song

Session 3

  • What comes first?
  • Creating melodies
  • Writing lyrics

Session 4

  • Rhythm
  • Harmony
  • Musical organisation

Session 5

  • Recording technology
  • Creating with MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface)
  • Further Development

Course Learning Outcomes

Students who complete this course will:

  • Understand the essential components of a song and what makes them memorable
  • Learn how to structure a song and explore different musical genres
  • Develop skills in creating catchy melodies and writing meaningful lyrics
  • Gain a basic understanding of rhythm, harmony, and musical organization
  • Get introduced to basic music theory and digital recording technology
  • Use MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) to create and experiment with music
  • Build confidence in your songwriting process, from concept to final song creation
  • Leave with the tools to write and produce your own songs that resonate with listeners

Your Tutor is Karl Zander

Karl Zander is our new songwriting tutor, starting in 2025.

Karl is a multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter and tutor.  

He is one half of the country music duo, The Southern Byways.

He teaches songwriting, guitar, bass, ukulele and basic piano to a range of students of all ages and abilities. 

Karl has a Certificate III in Music Therapy and Diplomas in Music Theory and Songwriting.  

His songs are full of authentic characters, unique storylines and memorable hooks.