THE ART OF SONGWRITING: From Idea to Masterpiece

A Workshop with Charlotte Mclean

Join acclaimed vocalist, songwriter, and educator Charlotte Mclean for an engaging masterclass in songwriting. Open to all ages and skill levels, this session is designed to inspire both new and experienced songwriters. Charlotte will explore key elements of songwriting, including crafting compelling lyrics and storytelling techniques that connect with audiences. Participants will delve into melody creation through prosody and learn practical strategies to overcome creative blocks. With hands-on exercises and creative approaches, Charlotte will help you tap into your unique perspectives and get you motivated to write.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your songwriting skills, this masterclass offers valuable tools and insights to enhance your songwriting skills.

About Charlotte Mclean

Charlotte Mclean has been singing and writing original music for over 25 years and is emerging as one of Australia’s most captivating and original vocalists. Possessed of a velvety-smooth voice, she produces her own addictive style and her original tunes have garnered critical and popular acclaim. Charlotte’s exemplary skills as an improviser allow her to put a fresh spin on classic jazz repertoire, and she sings with honesty, strength and a unique combination of contemporary musical influences.

Having had a passion for music and performance from a young age, Charlotte released her second originals album ‘Magnolia’ in June 2020, which was met with great praise. She was thrilled to be named a finalist in the prestigious Queensland Music Awards (Jazz Category) for her original music in 2021. In 2023, Charlotte released her third originals album ‘Spinning wheels and sideshows’, along with a trio jazz album titled ‘I know why and so do you’ and two live albums titled ‘Live at the Jazz Club’ and ‘Jazz in Meanjin 012’. She will soon be releasing a long-awaited originals Folk album with guitarist Ben Hauptmann. Her impressive body of work led to her being nominated for the esteemed Freedman Fellowship Jazz Award in 2023. Charlotte has also performed Internationally, numerous times on live television and regularly has her music played on radio (internationally and nationally).

Charlotte is a two-time graduate, having received a Bachelor of Music and a Master of Music (Majoring in Vocal Pedagogy) with an award for academic excellence. In 2022 she presented her paper “An analysis of tertiary teaching approaches: Modifying curriculum to prepare vocalists for a professional career in Jazz Music.” In addition to this, she has helped countless professional song-writers over the years to realise their own creative projects as well as getting beginner song-writers started. Currently serving as the Course Coordinator at the JMI, Charlotte also continues to hone her skills as a tertiary lecturer and continues to push musical boundaries and captivate audiences with her highly acclaimed original music.

WORKSHOP DETAILS

Wednesday 11th December 2024

11AM to 1PM

Jazz Music Institute

10 Exhibition St Bowen Hills

$60 +GST & BF