Songwriting: Creating together

Entry requirements: You sing and/or play an instrument well enough to make music together. Most importantly: you enjoy creating music with others!

Ever wondered what it’s like to be in a band? In this course, you’ll experience the full creative process together. In a group of six students, you’ll spend 15 weeks writing lyrics, creating melodies, and turning musical ideas into original songs. Together, you’ll build a unique and colourful repertoire while learning how to listen, collaborate, and shape ideas as a group. Whether you sing, play guitar, piano, percussion, saxophone, ukulele, or another instrument, you’re welcome to join.

Each class starts with a creative spark from teacher Helene Richter: a beat, sample, melody, bassline, chord progression, or piece of text. From there, you’ll improvise, brainstorm, experiment, and actively listen to one another as you develop these ideas into complete songs. As the weeks progress, you’ll grow into a real band, discovering each other’s strengths and finding your own role within every song.

Please note: there is only one piano and one guitar amp available. Acoustic guitars are always welcome, so it’s important to coordinate in advance which instruments participants will bring.

We play (semi-)acoustically and work mostly unplugged, although microphones and a guitar amp are available. We do not use a drum kit or full PA system. The course culminates in a final performance where you’ll present the songs you have created together on stage.

What you will learn

• Writing songs from different creative starting points
• Creating and performing music together
• Overcoming creative blocks
• Arranging songs as a group
• Improvisation skills
• Listening more consciously to yourself and others
• Collaboration and musical communication
• How artists and composers develop new work
• Stage experience and confidence

Registration and Availability

It’s a good idea to check in advance whether there is still a spot available for your instrument. You can do this by contacting the course administration at info.parnassos@uu.nl or by calling 030-2538441 during office hours. After completing your online registration, please send an email to the course administration indicating which instrument you play.

About the teacher

Helene Matthia Richter studied Jazz Vocals with piano as a secondary subject at the Prins Claus Conservatoire in Groningen. She has been teaching singing for over 10 years. Alongside teaching, she works on her own projects such as composing, organizing, and performing concerts (see https://www.hala.band). 

Through her own experience with Complete Vocal Technique, she can empathize with people facing vocal blockages. Helping to overcome these is her passion. In Singing Basics 1, 2, and 3, she focuses on voice, breath support, and the joy of singing together.