Songwriting for Non-Songwriters at SouthFest

Songwriting for Non-Songwriters at SouthFest

A free beginner songwriting workshop with Ben Drysdale, supported by Communities@Work

When: Saturday 21 June
Time: 12:30pm to 2:30pm
Where: Tuggeranong Community Centre (TCC) – Balcony Room
Cost: Free
Food: Snacks provided – Grab lunch from one of the SouthFest food vendors on the way

Everyone has a story, and anyone can write a song.

Join award-winning songwriter and community arts facilitator Ben Drysdale for a relaxed, beginner-friendly workshop exploring songwriting as a creative skill for self-expression, wellbeing, and connection.

·      You don’t need to know music theory!

·      You don’t need to play an instrument!

·      You don’t need to have a great voice! It’s all about the song

All you need is a little curiosity and a willingness to try something new. You’ve been studying good songwriting since the day you were born.

This welcoming in-person workshop is designed for adults of all ages and backgrounds, whether you’re looking for a creative outlet after a busy week, hoping to reconnect with creativity later in life, or simply wanting to meet new people in a supportive community environment.

Through simple, low-pressure exercises, you’ll explore the building blocks of songwriting in a way that is fun, practical, and accessible. Along the way, you’ll discover how creativity can support confidence, reflection, emotional wellbeing, and meaningful social connection.

Together, we’ll share stories, spark ideas, and learn how songs are built from everyday thoughts, feelings, memories, and conversations. Ben also includes live performances of well-known songs to demonstrate how the greats put the techniques he teaches you in action.

Whether you leave with a song idea, a new hobby, or simply the feeling of having spent two hours doing something refreshing and human, this workshop is about giving yourself permission to explore creativity in good company.

“Anyone can learn in Ben’s easy-to-understand songwriting process and he makes it fun along the way!”

— Workshop Participant

What to bring on the day:

Your curiosity and an open mind.

A printed worksheet will be provided to all participants with the information covered and space to complete exercises. There'll be pens available but bring your favourite pen and a note pad if you'd like.

Bio – About the Facilitator

Ben Drysdale is an Australian contemporary folk artist whose music blends heartfelt storytelling with a deep commitment to community and connection. Ben has designed Songwriting for Non-Songwriters to empower everyday people to find their voice through music, alongside his public advocacy in mental health. Ben also serves on the board of the National Folk Festival.

Ben says:
I’ve both felt and witnessed the incredible power of creative storytelling to inspire, heal, and connect more times than I could count. As a singer-songwriter with years of experience crafting award-winning indie folk music (and a lifetime of channelling my own emotions into song) I know firsthand how music can help us process, express, and share our stories. My own songwriting is grounded in lived experience, each song offering either a sense of quiet solidarity, or uplifting rambunctious celebration. Now I just want to help as many people as possible tap into that outlet.