The new Songwriting module/class in the Academy of Popular Music is a comprehensive course that will teach students the complete craft of song-writing. This programme has been created/written to facilitate students in their progression throughout the song-writing process step by step from the song's initial concept through to performing finished songs in a live end of year concert. Fees are €300 per semester.

The course is both academically and musically challenging and will teach students how to develop both their creativity and confidence in their abilities.

We will focus on 4 main areas throughout the course using hands-on examples of well known popular songs and testimonials from successful songwriters:

1. Lyric Writing and Song Structure (rhyme scheme, writing techniques such as simile, metaphor, and imagery. Song structure such as verse, chorus, bridge, and their uses. Types of songs such as list songs, holiday songs, political songs, love songs etc.)
2. Harmony and Melody (melodic rhythm and melodic phrasing. Use of intervals when writing melody, use of chord progressions and harmony, arrangement of instruments used in the song, song genres and their characteristics.)
3. The Music Industry (copyright, publishing, promotion, sales. The various agencies who protect and collect royalties on behalf of song-writers such as IMRO, MCPS, RAAP etc. Current trends and changes in the music industry.)
4. Song Analysis and History (complete analytical break-down of case-study songs, history of song-writing up to current chart hits)

The course will also teach important practical skills such as finding sources of inspiration, beating writer's block and working to deadlines, It does this by using hands-on tutorials with regular feedback and by giving regular weekly exercises/assignments as well as writing tips and the option of writing collaboratively with other students.

Throughout the semester/course participants will be encouraged to play their songs in front of their fellow classmates and will perform publicly in an end of year concert where they will be accompanied by a full band made up of students from the Academy of Popular Music.

Students will be required to write 3 songs over the course of the semester and will sit a written exam at the end of the academic year.

Applicants will not need any previous experience in song-writing but will need to be able to play a harmonic instrument e.g. guitar, piano.

Padraig Lane performs and releases under his artist name “Podge Lane” and has amassed a large catalogue throughout the last 4 years: writing and recording 3 albums, 5 EPS, 3 Live Albums, 1 Compilation album and 8 stand alone singles. Remarked for bringing a truthful edge in contemporary country and folk stylings, Lane's latest album, “Common Country Misconceptions” continues to garner praise from Hot Press, American Songwriter and RTE among others. Padraig is currently finishing the Irish and UK tour in the run up to the release of his next album, “Multiple Dead Ends”.

Academically, Padraig is a recent graduate of the MA in Music Performance with the Cork School of Music and a past pupil of Coláiste Stiofáin Naofa where he learned and engaged in songwriting modules that instilled a love of both learning and teaching. While Padraig continues to advance his learning and skills in modern and post-modern songwriting styles, he is excited to be learning alongside his own students!

See all our music lessons Cork here:

Singing Lessons Cork | Guitar Lessons Cork | Drum Lessons Cork | Piano Lessons Cork | Bass Lessons Cork | Additional Needs Lessons | Song Writing Classes | Music Theory Lessons