Silver Tongues & Golden Lines - UPSTAGEING Free 'Elements of Songwriting' Workshop Mar 24

Songwriting for Non-Songwriters and COTA ACT’s UPSTAGEING festival present:

Silver Tongues and Golden Lines 

A free 1.5-hour "Elements of Songwriting" workshop tailored for older adults with award-winning songwriter and Canberra local, Ben Drysdale.

Tuesday March 24th 12:00pm-1:30pm

Hughes Community Centre Hall

EVERYONE has a story and ANYONE can write a song… No Musical Experience Necessary! Just bring your curiosity, an open mind and a story about the best thing that’s happened to you recently. 

In a relaxed and supportive environment, participants explore how themes, lyrics, rhythm, and melody come together to create great songs. 

Songwriting isn’t just for professional musicians — it’s a deeply engaging, creative activity that anyone can do. It stimulates memory and language skills, and boosts mood bringing joy, connection, and a sense of accomplishment at any age. To make the workshop even more engaging, Ben includes live performances of a few timeless classics from the seniors’ era, using them as real-world examples of the songwriting elements he covers. This blend of familiar music, interactive discussion, and creative exploration makes for an uplifting, inspiring experience.

💬 What People Say:

• “Whatever we expressed, Ben validated, with supportive comments and constructive advice. He was so encouraging, and inclusive, and his tips on how to approach just getting started were genuinely useful.”

• “Although most of us were strangers, there was an almost instant feeling of connection and community.”

• “I feel inspired to take the worksheet and dig out my collection of scribbled lines and half written verses, pull out a few favourites, and see if I can turn them into something using this process.”

💬 What previous attendees would you say to a non-songwriter considering taking this session?

• "Do it! why not? Not scary, lots to learn and you don't need to know an instrument."

• "Go for it - about as non-threatening intro as you can get"

• "Do it, you will not regret a single moment of this inspirational journey that will help you achieve some creativity in your life. Whether you're exploring new career options, or just want to create something as an outlet for stress, this course will reward you."

💬 One word to describe how folks feel after doing the session

• Inspired

• Re-invigorated

• Empowered

• Intrigued

• Happy! 

• Surprised

• Keen

• Twinkley

• Grounded

• Encouraged