Date/Time
Date(s) - Tue 13th Jan, 2026
6:00pm - 8:00pm
In this supportive session, Boo Hewerdine will examine what makes a song studio ready. Boo will look at pre-submitted songs from a selection of participants to go deeper into the songwriting process and demonstrate techniques you might apply to your work. He’ll look at melody, lyrics, chord progressions and narrative; with each song given a mini surgery. This process is called routining and is vital to getting your song ready to be recorded. By joining part of this supportive community for this masterclass, you’ll gain a deep insight into what alterations might transform your own song from draft to studio ready!
Due to the nature of this session, Boo won’t be able to feedback on every song but will choose a selection (8 songs) through which he can discuss key techniques in the songwriting process. Please note, by submitting your song, you understand this will be shared within the group. If your song is chosen, it will be a constructive, nurturing process that aims to support you as an individual artist but also to enhance the collective understanding. This process can be anonymous if you wish.
Tutor
Boo Hewerdine is a singer-songwriter, musician, producer and experienced tutor and mentor. He has written songs for Eddi Reader, k.d. lang, Chris Difford and many others. He has produced numerous albums, run a record label and been involved in music as a business for many years. His latest album, Understudy (a commercial and critical success), was released in 2022.
First Stages
First Stages is part of The Scottish Government’s Youth Music Initiative (YMI) which is administered by Creative Scotland. The YMI creates access to high quality music making opportunities, enables young people to achieve their potential in or through music and supports the development of the sector for the benefit of young people.
This event is for anyone aged 16-25 (up to 30 if you have lived experience of the care system) living in Scotland who is interested in songwriting and experiences isolation or have less access to making songs. By signing up, you acknowledge that you are eligible.