Songwriting for Beginners

20/06/26 – Simple Lyrical Language, Structure & The BIG Idea!
27/06/26 – Develop your Lyrics with Imagery, Storytelling & Rhyme
11/07/26 – Transform your Lyrics with Wordplay & Prosody

By analysing classic & contemporary songs from The Beatles to Billie Eilish, Dylan to Stormzy, as well as a nod to The Great American Songbook, you will learn the elements of what makes a great lyric in any genre & how to include them in your own writing.

These sessions are suitable for songwriters at all levels, whether pure lyricists or composers. There are limited places available - you will be sent a Zoom link the day before the session.

There is more than enough information for each week to be taken as a standalone session at £20 - use checkout code LYRIC2025 for a 15% discount.

Also check out our next Countryside Retreat: https://www.londonsongwriters.org/songwritingretreats/

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Testimonials from previous attendees over the last 2 years:
"Great presentations. Lots of really useful detailed information, delivered in a way that made it both fun and easy to understand."
"Very helpful and informative with examples from across the genres."

## “I’ve taken 5 different workshops in the past 3 years & have never seen a facilitator approach this subject with such a straightforward method of analysing song structure in order to replicate successful writing techniques”

ABOUT THE HOST - MURRAY WEBSTER

• A Masters Degree in Songwriting
• PTLLS Teaching Qualification as a Music & Arts Leader
• Experience mentoring young people in Music Skills
• 15 years running monthly 'London Songwriters' workshops
• 11 years running 22 acclaimed Countryside Retreats
• 8 years developing & delivering monthly Lyric & Melody Evening Courses

• Single & Album releases on CBS & other labels
• Releases featured in The Guinness Book Of Records
• Performances at major venues including The Astoria, The Hammersmith Palais, The Forum, 100 Club, The WAG Club, The Mint (LA) & Douglas Corner Cafe (Nashville).
• Radio & TV appearances on the Gilles Peterson and Gary Crowley shows, Channel 4 documentaries on The Soho Jazz Festival supporting Courtney Pine

• Latest single and EP 'Blue Dansette' available at www.music.murraywebstersongs.com

• London Live TV appearance publicising 6 years of charity performances & fundraising for Crisis At Christmas
• Organiser of Meetup communities with almost 7,000 members as featured in 'How To Make It In The New Music Business'
• Saw The Beatles perform live ☺

http://www.londonsongwriters.org/songwritingretreats/
*** 5% Discount for June Bookings ***

'One of the best weeks of my life!’ is a common testimonial & the affordable price is fully inclusive of food, accommodation & comprehensive songwriting facilitation. The fresh air & stunning views come with the location- on this occasion a spacious converted farmhouse in a small village amongst the Hop Farms around the River Medway!

Whatever your songwriting experience, by attending the retreat you will:

• immerse yourself in your writing without the distractions of everyday life
• have a great time in lovely surroundings with like-minded people
• increase the quantity & the quality of songs you write at the retreat & afterwards
• increase your confidence as a songwriter
• increase your songwriter connections & co-writing network
• write at least one or two songs each day
• get encouragement & valuable feedback on your current repertoire
• learn &/or practise the essential songwriting 'tools' & 'rules' (& work out when you can break them)
• have a songwriting holiday experience for less than the cost of holiday B&B/food alone

To enquire go to:
http://www.londonsongwriters.org/songwritingretreats/

From 2015 to 2026 a total of over 300 Songwriters from across the world have attended one of our twenty successful retreats in the beautiful countryside collaborating, writing, learning & using successful comprehensive songwriting tips, walking, going to country pubs & making new connections, which are still continuing to bear musical fruit. Each writer rated the experience 5 out of 5 & their testimonials are included below.

It will consist of co-writing & solo-writing briefs, songshares, songcraft presentations, walks, pubs, perhaps an open mic…all in all an enjoyable & productive songwriting holiday break!

Please fill out the form on the website if you are interested & we can contact you with further details:
http://www.londonsongwriters.org/songwritingretreats/

In the previous participants’ own words:

‘The retreat was one of the best weeks of my life!’
‘Loved every minute & learned a lot. Great to be able to share ideas & mix with some very talented people’
‘I had a fabulous time & I am delighted with my new friendships & song output. It was a marvellous week.’
‘Just back from a magical song-writing retreat with London Songwriters led by Murray Webster’
‘I’ve come away with 5 songs – 3 of which I plan on releasing in the future, so THANK YOU! for making it happen’
‘The guidance in the morning was excellent – focused, just the right amount of info, really important learning’
'Perfect from start to finish’
'I have just been on a really fabulous retreat for song-writers with Murray Webster. If you want a laid back but focused, friendly, supportive event to do some collaborative & /or solo songwriting & develop your skills, Murray's are the best out there at an affordable price.'
‘I thoroughly enjoyed the retreat spending time in lovely surroundings with lovely people. Was impressed with the facilities provided for writing & performing our songs and the overall support of Murray for the whole time. Can't wait 'til the next one!’
‘Fun walks, meals and songwriting, singing and collaborating.’‘Fab environment for bringing out creative ideas and making songs happen, that otherwise wouldn't.’
‘The exercises were interesting and challenging.’
‘Thanks it was a great week!’
‘The retreat was a great place to collaborate & meet like-minded people. It has since given me the momentum & new tools that I needed to get me songwriting more regularly & in a more structured way.’
‘The scenery was amazing and I was glad to fit in a few walks during my stay.’

All the participants said they would love to do it all over again & would recommend it to others.