Songwriting workshops

Mulan

Hi Folks

Anyone been to a real good songwriting workshop?

Let us know.

Thanks

iMADEtheBBC

I had looked for workshops about 3 years ago and found that almost all of the workshops in Ireland were run by IMRO. You need to be a member of IMRO to attend and I have found it incredibly difficult to become a member. Unless you are involved in the commercial end of songwriting you can forget it.

The BBC broadcaster and former musician/songwriter Tom Robinson runs an excellent performance and songwriting masterclass. You can read more about it here http://www.tomrobinson.com/stand

I went to this 2 years ago and can say that it changed my life. I had been playing and trying to write for years. The environment was completely non-threatening and I unlocked my creative side. It costs a couple hundred euro which is very reasonable for the quality of the accommodation and meals. PM me if you want more info and photos.

You can fly over to Stanstead with Ryanair and rent a car. The drive is about 30 minutes from the airport. Car rental will probably be about 100quid or less if you shop around. Once you're there you won't need to pay for anything else.

The 2009 event is still open as far as I can tell.

On myspace I have found this workshop: http://www.myspace.com/listeningroomsongwriterretreats but I don't know anything about them. They are hosting one in Ireland this year. I'd go but can't afford it this year.

Mulan

Thanks very much for this info.

mgrev

Mulan wrote: »

Thanks very much for this info.

Hi Mulan.

The IMRO songwriting workshops are fantastic, and you dont need to be a member (you can fill in a form to join if you wish which takes about 5 minutes and is free). There was one in February in Donegal, and it had a workshop as well as 2 days co-writing, and a rake of drinking to boot!

You should get on the imro mailing list (on imro.ie i think).

Thanks

Mark

iMADEtheBBC

Mark, thanks for that info. The IMRO situation must have changed, I'll check out the imro site and see if I can join. When I tried to join in 2007 the entry requirements were pretty impossible to meet unless you've released music commercially.

bush Baby

I was at the IMRO one in February and I wasn't a member - but I am now!! Sadly Tom Kimmel was only there for one day due to travel problems but we also had Buddy Monlock play and advise in the mean time.

Its a great friendly atmosphere filled like minded dysfunctionals who sculpt words into three minute movies to melodies - or at least try to!!

I've been told the workshop

http://www.myspace.com/listeningroomsongwriterretreats

Is exceptional but its €850 for the week however, you do pay for what you get.

I have been told there will be a songwriting workshop starting in and around Newry this summer but I amn't sure about that yet, if I hear more I'll post it.

mgrev

bush Baby wrote: »

I was at the IMRO one in February and I wasn't a member - but I am now!! Sadly Tom Kimmel was only there for one day due to travel problems but we also had Buddy Monlock play and advise in the mean time.

Its a great friendly atmosphere filled like minded dysfunctionals who sculpt words into three minute movies to melodies - or at least try to!!

I've been told the workshop

http://www.myspace.com/listeningroomsongwriterretreats

Is exceptional but its €850 for the week however, you do pay for what you get.

I have been told there will be a songwriting workshop starting in and around Newry this summer but I amn't sure about that yet, if I hear more I'll post it.

Hi Busy baby, i was there too, Mark here.

The listening room retreats sound good, i'd also be interested in the Tom Robinson sessions as mentioned by ImadetheBBC!

bush Baby

Ah Howya Mark, its Maurice! I sent you a facebook friend request earlier!!

Jaysus, ya just never know who you meet on d'internet!!

mgrev

Good man Maurice! well, it was a great workshop indeed, i learned loads, and we had a great few sessions too! Well recomended id say!

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