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What is Song Academy? Founded 13 years ago, Song Academy was built for young creators aged 8-18. Our mission is to help every child, from all backgrounds, find their voice and find their tribe, through writing their own original songs at a formative time of their life. Our unique focus on the craft of songwriting, creating lyrics and music, enables young people to express themselves powerfully and be heard. Song Academy nurtures the next generation of creative leaders (young writers, artists, musicians, producers & creative thinkers) who will be shaping the future. We run songwriting clubs, holiday workshops, song feedback reports, birthday parties, bespoke songwriting sessions and The Young Songwriter competition.
What difference is Song Academy making? Song Academy is a force for good, nurturing the next generation of creative leaders. Inspiring young people to express themselves and share their songs is having a positive impact on their well-being, self-belief, self-esteem, confidence, creativity, social skills and motivation to achieve their full potential.
“With so much going on in the world, it’s never been more vital for young people to be able to channel their energy and emotions into something positive, which is what The Young Songwriter competition encourages and facilitates through songwriting. Every young person has something to say, a story to tell, or a message to share – that’s why Song Academy is so important to our community.”
What is The Song Academy Young Songwriter 2022 competition #SAYS22? The Young Songwriter competition, now in its 12th year, is the leading international songwriting competition for 8-18 year olds. The Young Songwriter competition is for both aspiring young songwriters who already have some experience with writing songs, as well as young people who want to write their very first song.
It’s a golden opportunity for aspiring young songwriters to get their songs heard by some of the best songwriters, be recognised & stand out in the music industry – with the opportunity to perform in a live showcase in London, win some great prizes (including £1,000 of Yamaha equipment, recording studio session with a top producer & song feedback from our star-studded judging panel) and connect with other like minded individuals as part of our vibrant community of young songwriters.
The Young Songwriter Competition 2021 judging panel included Fraser T Smith, Midge Ure, Tom Odell, Calum Scott, Miranda Cooper, Tom Grennan, Eg White, Chris Difford, Sacha Skarbek, Emily Phillips, Janet Devlin, Dan Gillespie-Sells, Hannah V, Michelle Escoffery, Simon Aldred, Iain Archer & Paul Adam. With Plested joining the 2022 panel.
“Song Academy is a dynamic, supportive and excellent nurturing ground for young talent. The songs that come through the Academy are far ranging and above all, show that the Academy give young creators the confidence to realise their own natural inspiration.”
We offer a safe, nurturing environment for:
Self-expression and self-discovery. Overcoming challenges. Building confidence and self-esteem. Advancing increasingly important ‘soft skills’. Connecting to future collaborators and fanbase
Founder and Chief Executive
An entrepreneur passionate about the creativity and power of young people. 13 years ago, her daughter, aged 8, wrote a song out of the blue. It was a song that meant the world to her. The song was a lovely gift, but helping her daughter to structure the song, to express her feelings, that was a life-changing experience. This was the genesis of Song Academy. A space to enable all young people to express themselves and be heard. A space to inspire, celebrate individuality and encourage a sense of belief. A space for creativity. A force for good, nurturing and empowering young people at a formative time of their life.
Rowena has a background in old and new media at The Economist, Financial Times, The Guardian and United Business Media. Rowena started her career as a Chartered Accountant, moving swiftly into sales & marketing and launching & developing online businesses.
Songwriting Leader
Scarlet is a professional musician, songwriter and actor. Scarlet graduated from The BRIT School of Performing Arts and now performs as a musician across the country.
Scarlet has gained a ton of support from BBC Introducing which led to her signing with a top agent at Primary Talent. After her signing she has supported Ward Thomas on their sell out tour, played Secret Garden Party, Hit The North, Live at Leeds festival to name but a few. She also works with Ninja Music as a songwriter.
She had showcases in L.A and writing sessions on the famous Music Row in Nashville. She has also just signed with management and is gearing up to release a whole new range of material.
Songwriting Leader
Thiago ‘Trosso’ is a music artist born in Brazil, based in London. Combining his love for alternative and pop music with his multi-instrumentalist and producing skills, Trosso crafts unique sounding melodies and arrangements that caught the attention of labels like Bad Time Records and 10 West Music.
Since 2003 being a part of the Ska/Punk/Reggae scene, sharing stages with many of his idols, and playing as a session musician in his home country, he moved to the UK in 2015 to expand his musical and personal boundaries. He’s active in the Ska Punk scene, having toured in 13 countries in 4 different continents with his bands Abraskadabra and Popes of Chillitown.
Songwriting Leader
Brendan is a singer/songwriter who’s career has seen him write and gig across the UK and Europe. Moving to London at the age of 18, Brendan has spent time honing his craft in both Ireland and the Lake District, where his home was always filled with the likes of The Beatles, The Eagles, Simon & Garfunkel and James Taylor, all of whom he cites as big inspirations for his musical style. Since moving to the capital, Brendan worked tirelessly to improve his stature as a music artist and songwriter; enrolling on to BIMM London’s Songwriting course, joining the infamous London gig circuit and enjoying regular airplay on BBC Introducing and local independent radio stations.
Songwriting Leader
Jordan is a singer-songwriter from London whose been singing since the age of 5 and started writing songs from the age of 13.
His particular sound is influenced by many different styles from soul to gospel, rap to pop and he’s continually trying to experiment with different styles.
Songwriting Leader
Ben Cavanagh is a topline writer based in west-London. After landing his first major label cut during his second year of University, Ben has been working alongside both developing and more established artists alike. Recently writing alongside Pete Hammerton, Red Triangle, Danny Jones, Josh Wilkinson, Jamie Lawson, Louis Mattrs, Lisa Subotic, and Jordan Nash.
This year, a R3HAB remix of Ben’s co-write with Denis Coleman on ‘Make Friends’ saw the track rocket over a million streams, while his cut with Ruti on ‘Closer To You’ demonstrated his soulful pop capabilities.
Songwriting Leader
Adam is a songwriter and actor born in Lisburn, Co. Armagh, Northern Ireland. He was awarded a prestigious scholarship to study BA Musical Theatre at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and then studied MA Songwriting at The Institute of Contemporary Music & Performance.
He is also known for performing with the band ‘Mondegreen Trio’.
Songwriting Leader
Nadine Furer is a Swiss singer-songwriter and graphic designer, currently working on her own artist project NADINE, alongside collaborations with other artists and producers. Nadine has degrees both in songwriting and visual arts, sound and vision and teaches at The Institute of Contemporary Music & Performance (ICMP).
Her second EP Exile was released in March 2015 and its single ‘This Isn’t Love’ was played on BBC London and BBC 2 as well as other independent radio stations.
Song Academy Band
Graham is a multi-instrumentalist and producer who has been playing music since the age of 15. After studying music at Royal Holloway, University of London, he has gone on to perform in various locations around the world for various artists. He currently performs, teaches and produces records and has had music featured in adverts and for major labels.
Song Academy Ambassador
London-based writer-producer Elshay has been honing his craft from an early age, having spent time in the studio with mega producer Darkchild (Michael Jackson, Destiny’s Child) along with influential UK producers Steel Banglez and Da beat freakz. Elshay’s music is a blend of smooth R&B vocals with hints of Hip-Hop and Soul – his songs have been described as love songs with an edge.
His debut EP embodies a mix of future R&B shades and infectiously catchy pop hits which have led to him being likened to Canadian artists Drake and Party Next Door.
Songwriting Leader
Irish born singer – songwriter Megan O’Neill has just finished working on her second full length studio album, set for public release in March 2021. This much anticipated album follows her last release, ‘Ghost of You’ (June 2018) which hit #1 on the iTunes singer/songwriter charts in the UK and Ireland.
To date Megan has toured the UK, Ireland, US and Germany. In 2019 Megan opened three stadium shows for the legendary Sir Tom Jones. In the first few months of 2020, Megan opened for Lighthouse Family and Jamie Cullum.
Prior to her album ‘Ghost of You’; Megan released two EP’s: ‘Coming Home’ – produced by Philip Magee (The Script, Kodaline) and ‘Stories To Tell’ produced by Guy Fletcher (Dire Straits, Mark Knopfler).
Songwriting Leader
Hannah is a Liverpudlian acclaimed singer-songwriter, talented guitarist and storyteller. She has toured extensively in the UK and USA and recorded with Grammy Award-winning musicians. Her songs have often been played on radio and TV.
Her debut album, Portraits was released in 2015 to widespread critical acclaim. Recorded in Nashville, Tennessee, Portraits features some of the industry’s leading names, including Grammy award-winning musicians. It received widespread airplay on BBC Radio, Resonance FM, Amazing Radio, and Europe’s leading country radio station CMR Nashville. The song ‘1954’ was featured several times in the TV soap Hollyoaks and Hannah was invited to the home of legendary BBC presenter, Bob Harris, to film an Under the Apple Tree Session for Whispering Bob TV.
Songwriting Leader
John Matts is a full-time professional session guitarist. Having played guitar from an early age and then gaining a degree from the acclaimed Popular Music BA from Goldsmiths College, University of London, John has gone on to form a career in a wide range of genres, recording and touring all around the United Kingdom and Europe for the last 8 years. Acts on his resume include Oi Va Voi, Hattie Briggs, Grace Davies, Alfie Connor, Apostle Thomas and many more. He is a prolific writer and teacher alongside a growing session career living in South West London.
Song Academy Band
Along with working as a songwriter/arranger, producer and musical director, Herty is also a vastly experienced session musician who regularly gigs as a vocalist, bassist, keyboardist/pianist and percussionist, as well as having plenty of experience in guitar and drums.
He has performed at such venues as O2 Academy Islington, The 100 Club, Shepherd’s Bush Empire, The Forum, Milton Keynes Stadium, The Bedford, 2000 Trees Festival, The Borderline, and many more with various artists. As well as running his own bands he has worked on corporate events around the world, including working with Rolls Royce, Silverstone and David Beckham.
Social Media Lead
Eden Tredwell is a songwriter, composer and writer whose work ranges from Japanese-inspired musicals to edgy alt-pop. She recently won the Stiles & Drewe Best New Song Prize for her song ‘Those Stars’ and has had her work featured with BEAM, Adam Lenson, The Other Palace, and more. She has also had commercial releases with Universal, Good Soldier and Loudkult. Alongside this, she works extensively with children in music and educational settings, and is delighted to be part of the Song Academy team.