Songwriting
Tell your story through music.
Songwriting is at the heart of what we do. Our young people write from as young as age 5 — some to explore their creativity, others to get thoughts out of their heads and make sense of the world.
Whatever brings them to it, the benefits go far beyond the songs themselves. Our songwriters report improved wellbeing and mental health, alongside a real sense of belonging through the community of young people who write together.
What They'll Learn
In our songwriting sessions, young people will:
Find their voice — learning to express ideas, feelings and stories through lyrics
Understand song structure — verses, choruses, bridges and how to shape a song
Develop melody and rhythm — creating hooks and musical ideas that stick
Collaborate with others — co-writing and building on each other's ideas
Record and share their work — bringing songs to life in the studio
No musical experience is needed — just something to say.
Who It's For
Ages and 8–13 – Saturdays
Ages 14+ - Wednesdays or Thursdays
All sessions take place at our studios in Southend-on-Sea: 30 Alexandra Street, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 1BU
Meet Your Coaches
Tom Cunningham leads our songwriting sessions.
Tom brings hands-on experience of writing, recording and performing. He helps young people find their voice — turning ideas into finished songs and building the confidence to share them.
Billy Hoyle and Flo Evans also work across the songwriting programme, supporting young writers as they develop their ideas and craft.
FAQs
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It helps — songwriters who play an instrument often find it easier to develop their ideas. If they don't play yet, we'd suggest either learning an instrument or starting with our music production sessions, where they can create using software instead.
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Definitely not. We're full of instrumentalists who don't sing! If they want their song performed vocally, we have plenty of singers we can pair them with.
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Whatever they want to say! Our songwriters explore all styles — pop, indie, acoustic, rap, spoken word, instrumental. We follow their interests.
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Yes, they can be. We have spaces and equipment suitable for recording all instruments and vocals. Some young people also explore producer skills in our music production sessions, learning to record and mix their own work.
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Ages 8-10 (Juniors)
Songwriting (1 hour): £36/month
Junior Music School - Band/Songwriting or Production combined (2 hours): £60/month
Ages 11+ and Ages 14+ (Saturday afternoons and Seniors)
Songwriting (2 hours): £60/month
Band/Songwriting or Production combined (4 hours): £84/month
Pricing is based on 36 sessions per year, split into 12 equal monthly payments. You can cancel anytime with one month's written notice.
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Absolutely. We never want cost to be a barrier. Through The Song School Fund, we offer free and subsidised places for families who need them. Funded spaces in each session are limited, so if there isn't one available right away, we'll pop you on our waiting list and let you know as soon as a spot opens up.
Hear What Our Songwriters Create
'Yellow Days' was written and recorded by songwriters from The Song School.
Book a Free Trial
Ready to give it a go? Select a session using our booking widget (below or to the right) to register for a free trial.
All sessions take place at our studios in Southend-on-Sea: 30 Alexandra Street, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 1BU
How to Register
Select the appropriate age group for your child
Choose the date you'd like to come in for the trial
Complete the short induction form
Click 'Sign Up'
You'll receive a confirmation message straight away, followed by a reminder email 24 hours before the session, with everything you need to know.
Can't find a session for your child?
If there isn't a session available for your child's age group right now, pop them on our waiting list. We'll be in touch as soon as a space opens up or a new session is added.