skip to main content

Songwriting Virtuosos Launch Masterclass for Creatives Impacted by the Pandemic

Songwriting virtuosos Boo Hewerdine and Findlay Napier have announced the launch of a series of songwriting workshops aimed at creative people in Scotland whose livelihoods have been negatively impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Published: 23 December 2020 | 2:27 PM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:32 PM
Photograph of a singer, who we can not clearly see, silhouetted against bright stage lights on a smokey stage.
“these unique songwriting sessions that have been developed for musicians and songwriters who have had their livelihoods adversely affected by Covid-19.” Photo credit: Shutterstock

Funded by Creative Scotland, the Bird on a Wire songwriting courses will be free to attend. There are a limited number of spaces. Application forms are now available from the Bird on a Wire website.

Boo and Findlay will host three five-day online courses over the coming months with the first kicking off on Monday, 18 January 2021.

The courses will include thought-provoking songwriting challenges, insight from a special guest, Q&As, a listening party and one-to-one sessions with both Boo and Findlay.

Giving musicians an opportunity to learn new skills

Boo Hewerdine said: "We're delighted to announce the launch of these unique songwriting sessions that have been developed for musicians and songwriters who have had their livelihoods adversely affected by Covid-19.

“It's been a difficult time for many industries and we want to be able to give musicians an opportunity to hone their craft and learn new skills without the financial barriers they may be facing at the moment."

Findlay Napier said: "I've experienced and benefited from songwriting retreats and workshops first-hand so I know the confidence and skills that youcan gain from a focused week of writing new material. We hope to give attendees the opportunity to take some time to concentrate on their art after what has been a challenging year for the creative industries."

Open to those whose career has been adversely affected by Covid-19

Open to early and mid-career professional or semi-professional musicians, singers, songwriters, music producers, poets, storytellers, actors, writers, teaching artists etc. aged 18 and over, whose career has been adversely affected by Covid-19, participants will have the opportunity to learn from an inimitable songwriting duo in Boo and Findlay.

Applications to the Bird on a Wire songwriting programme are open now. Courses will be held week commencing 18 January, 15 February and 15 March 2021.

Visit Bird on the Wire’s website for more details.

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes accident cover, health schemes, travel insurance and car insurance add-ons through the Musicians’ Union.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

Two young female street musicians, one playing acoustic guitar and the other an accordian.

Deadline Approaching for Funding From Alan Surtees Trust 

The Alan Surtees Trust makes up to four awards of £2,000 annually to support performers aged 16 to 30 with projects rooted in, or influenced by, folk or traditional music of all cultures. The deadline for applications is April 30.

Published: 15 April 2024

Read more about Deadline Approaching for Funding From Alan Surtees Trust