Youth songwriting workshops not just about the music

JULIA WADE

5 Dec, 2022

Budding young Kaipara songwriters who would like to amp up their craft have until this coming Monday, December 12, to join a band of like-minded individuals for a chance to make beautiful music together.

A free workshop series, the Songwriter Collective is set for February 2023, and is designed for passionate musical youth aged 13–19 years who are interested in collaborating and supporting others in writing tunes.

The concept is brought to the community by two talented Mangawhai musos, Kiri Eriwata and Stephen (Tipene) Matthews, who say the Songwriter Collective offers more than just musical training.

“As well as advancing their work as a songwriter, the workshop aims to build self-awareness and creative resilience and nurture creative trust and respect,” Kiri says. “We are looking for up to ten young people who have complementary skills as songwriters, musicians and performers. The workshops and tutorials are fully-funded by Creative Northland so there is no cost, songwriters simply need to commit to attending the workshops and online tutorials.”

Workshop participants will be able to explore new methods to craft and refine their musical style, rhythm and vocal performance, as well as discover different contemporary and innovative songwriting techniques.

“The workshop offers a chance for songwriters to build their creative awareness and connection to the people and place where they live,” Kiri says. “As well as to learn the value of taking creative risks and to appreciate the benefits of collaboration and how best to give constructive feedback.”

Interested songwriters need to apply online and a selection will be made after a short discussion to make sure the participants are well suited: “Ultimately, we are looking for a group that works well together,” Kiri says.

Both teachers for many years at University of Auckland’s School of Music, Kiri and Stephen are also the founders of ‘Song Conversations’, a local organisation whose philosophy is to support aspiring and professional songwriters’ personal journeys. Besides her role as Te Whai Community Trust general manager, Kiri is a songwriter, vocal coach and music industry consultant. Passionate about connecting songwriters with their community through their projects, she supports musicians in the studio and on stage and has also recorded and released her own music. Equally enthusiastic in helping songwriters ‘to explore and discover new ways of thinking’, Stephen is a composer, songwriter, mentor and educator, his own creative work seeks to discover the deep connections between people, and the land, water and sea, as well as examine social justice and sustainability issues.

“Creating new songs presents meaningful opportunities for self-reflection and contemplation, it is an expressive outlet that can foster personal growth and increase resilience and self-awareness,” Stephen says. “Kiri and I are very excited to offer these workshops, we are thrilled Creative Northland is supporting our long-term vision of establishing a vibrant supportive collective of young songwriters in the region.”

n To register your interest please contact Kiri and Stephen on info@songconversations.com  by Monday December 12.

Local Mangawhai musos Stephen (Tipene) Matthews and Kiri Eriwata, are looking to tune in with passionate local young songwriters with a free workshop series which aims to help enhance their craft, build creativity and nurture self-awareness. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

“The workshop offers a chance for songwriters to build their creative awareness and connection to the people and place where they live.”