Silver Tongues and Golden Lines – Intro to the Elements of Songwriting

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.

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 12:00-1:30pm
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.

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.