Songwriting Workshop

The workshop fee will cover Paul’s tuition, your Festival lanyard with associated benefits, tea and coffee, and access to specially negotiated accommodation rates. 

Anyone with an interest in the craft of songwriting will find inspiration in this workshop; no extensive musical background or music-reading ability is required.  Paul will work with you and your fellow participants at your own level and pace in a supportive environment.  You’re also welcome to bring your preferred instrument to assist in the songwriting process. 

Please note this is a 16+ event. Any registrations from children under 16 will not be accepted.

This workshop offers a rare chance to step away from the everyday and immerse yourself in creativity.  Uncover the stories only you can tell and experience the joy of shaping ideas into music with guidance from one of Australia’s most respected composers.  Paul will share practical tools and techniques you can use immediately, leaving you feeling more confident in your songwriting, equipped with new skills and inspired by the connections you make along with way. 

Friday 3 July
5.30 pm – 6.30 pm
Meet and greet session:  Founders Room, Salamanca Arts Centre

Saturday 4 July
9.30 am – 10.30 am
Optional introductory session “The Songwriter’s Toolkit”:  Founders Room, Salamanca Arts Centre
10.30 am – 3.30 pm
Workshop, with breaks as appropriate
3.30 pm  – 5.00 pm
Optional extra session as required

Sunday 5 July
10.30 am – 3.30 pm
Workshop, with breaks as appropriate
3.30 pm  – 5.00 pm
Optional extra session as required

* This schedule is correct as of 14 November 2025. May be subject to change.

“2025 was my second time doing the songwriting workshop because I loved it so much the first time. It’s a great space to meet other songwriters—both new and experienced—and share ideas, techniques, and inspiration in a really welcoming, like-minded community. I even made a new friend, and we started writing a song together on the very first day!” 

– Jack, Hobart 

“Songwriting was an area of music I was unfamiliar with. In the days leading up to the songwriting workshop I felt unsure about the workshop. However, the second I walked in the door, it was obvious how welcoming Paul and all the other songwriters were. This workshop is for everyone, no matter your background.” 

– Campbell, Hobart 

As a non-profit, we prioritise bringing singing and music to our communities, not maximising income. We work to make our ticket prices as affordable as possible, and we’ve shifted to an early bird pricing model instead of concession pricing. This change focuses on equity, allowing everyone to secure tickets at a reduced price and helping us keep the festival accessible to as many people as possible.

Each event will have a set number of tickets available at the early bird price. Once these are sold, standard prices will apply. This ensures we can cover event costs while keeping the festival sustainable and maintaining affordable options for our audiences.