Original Stories, Songs and Student Collaborations

The Process

I've been a song writer for many years, singing, writing and playing in bands and larger ensembles, sharing meaningful connections with others, and often writing songs simply for myself. As melodies or rhythmic patterns have sprung and swirled into form, driving me to the piano or to my laptop, I’ve worked through many different song writing processes, and they haven't all produced the kind of outcomes I'm experiencing now using powerful digital music composition tools that I carry around with me wherever I go. The ever-expanding features make first demos often sound incredibly polished. Yet, many young people still shy away from the learning curve or lack confidence to give music production a go. If they knew how accessible these tools were I believe more would be engaging with the technology.

I've performed and recorded my songs and written for others, and it’s been incredibly fulfilling, but the most deeply satisfying work I've been doing lately involves passing down all I’ve learnt from my experience as a professional musician and song writer, to enjoy sharing the process of writing songs with others, namely my students. The hassle of a recording studio has simply gone.

In 2018, as the foundation music teacher in a new school in Melbourne's Inner South, I was responsible for the set up and management of Performing Arts and the development of a creative music and drama curriculum. It was a creative dream come true. I was ready for a giant leap. The huge task meant pulling together the broad range of skills I’d been honing throughout my performance and teaching career, enabling me to develop a holistic teaching practice where devising learning experiences for students to work individually and collaboratively with agency and self expression led to impressive levels of creativity.

I believe in the creative potential of all young people. I believe in their ability to write their own stories. I believe that through song writing, they can express themselves, share their unique narratives, and discover the fulfilment that music making with others brings. 

The proposal above outlines my work with young people and the audio blogs on this site link to my role as a mentor and coach working in schools and communities more broadly where I facilitate deeper learning experiences to engage each student in the creative process, whether they are experienced song writers or newcomers to the craft. My aim is to nurture the potential of every young person who is interested in learning the art of song writing, and to help and support them on their journey as future creatives and advocates for The Arts in Australia.