About us
If you’re a songwriter aiming to elevate your songs and achieve success, this is the place to grow your craft.
Join Jacques M. Gentil, award-winning songwriter (ASA/APRA Australian Songwriter of the Year 2013) and ASCAP-affiliated mentor, for practical, inspiring workshops designed to help you write songs that stand out in today’s market.
TYPES OF MEETINGS
1. In-Person Songwriting Workshops
Held on select weekends, these workshops bring together beginner, developing, and established songwriters in a supportive setting. You’ll receive expert feedback on your songs in progress, guidance on how to reach commercial quality, and connect with like-minded peers.
A small fee may apply.
2. Free Monthly Zoom Workshops
Join our free online workshops once a month (weekends). Each session includes a short topic presentation and a live masterclass where Jacques provides in-depth feedback on songs in progress. Attendees can also contribute constructive feedback, making this a valuable and collaborative learning experience.
Spots fill quickly—early registration is recommended.
HOW IT WORKS
Online Sessions:
• Duration: approx. 1.5 hours
• Play your song live (guitar, piano, keyboard, other instruments) or submit an mp3 in advance to be played during the session.
• Lyrics should also be submitted in advance or shared live on a virtual whiteboard.
In-Person Sessions:
• Duration: approx. 3 hours (max.)
• Hosted at songwriter homes or venues. These workshops have been running since 2003, with many success stories from attendees.
ABOUT MAGESONGS SCHOOL OF SONGWRITING
This Meetup is part of Magesongs School of Songwriting. In addition to these workshops, occasional songwriting classes are offered to help songwriters reach industry-ready standards. As a Meetup member, you may be invited to participate when new classes become available.
Jacques M. Gentil (Organizer)
Award-Winning Songwriter & Mentor
ASA/APRA Australian Songwriter of the Year 2013
Upcoming events
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23 September: COMPOSING BETTER MELODIES: Making Your Songs More Memorable
·OnlineOnline🎵 MAGESONGS SONGWRITING SERIES (ONLINE)
SEPTEMBER SESSION (Free)COMPOSING BETTER MELODIES: How to Make Your Songs More Memorable
Wednesday 23 September 2026
7:30 PM–8:45 PM AEST
Live online via ZoomA song may have a powerful lyric and a strong message, but without an effective melody, it may fail to remain in the listener’s memory.
Melody is often treated as something that simply arrives through inspiration. However, memorable melodies are shaped by creative choices involving rhythm, repetition, contrast, phrasing, range, movement and structure.You do not need to read music or understand music theory to compose catchy and memorable melodies.
This workshop will explain melodic ideas in practical, accessible language that any songwriter can understand and apply.
In this practical online workshop, award-winning songwriter and songwriting mentor Jacques M Gentil will explore:
• What makes a melody memorable
• The difference between a melody and a melodic hook
• How rhythm influences melodic identity
• Using repetition without making a melody predictable
• Creating contrast between verses, choruses and bridges
• Why the chorus melody should usually feel like the emotional and musical destination and the psychology behind it
• Using melodic shape, movement and range effectively
• The balance between stepwise movement and melodic leaps
• Writing melodies that support the natural rhythm of the lyric
• Matching melody with emotion and meaning
• Avoiding melodies that sound repetitive, awkward or directionless
• How chords can inspire melodic possibilities without controlling the melody
• Practical techniques for developing stronger melodic ideas
• Examples from well-known songsWhether you compose instinctively, begin with chords, write the lyric first or develop the melody before the words, this workshop will give you practical tools for creating melodies that better serve your songs—and remain with the listener.
About the Presenter
Jacques M Gentil is the founder of the Magesongs School of Songwriting and has mentored songwriters since 2002. He was named ASA/APRA Australian Songwriter of the Year in 2013 and is the winner of the Commonwealth Song Contest 2026. His former students have received numerous national and international songwriting awards.Bring your questions, your musical ideas and a willingness to explore what can transform an ordinary tune into a memorable melody.
Note: Zoom link will only show after you have RSVP'd only at the Magesongs Songwriters Workshop Australia Group.
https://www.meetup.com/magesongs-songwriting-workshops/events/315884514/🎤 Hosted by award-winning songwriter Jacques Gentil
🌏 Free and Online via Zoom
🎼 Open to songwriters of all levels
Join us for another inspiring session in the Magesongs Songwriting Series.3 attendees
Past events
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