Songwriting Workshops for music organisations
I Heart Songwriting Club assists industry peak bodies, educational institutions, festivals, city councils and even record labels to deliver songwriting workshops and creative development programs – both in person and online.
Our ultimate goal is to grow a more vibrant and interconnected global songwriting community with strong outcomes around songs and creative and career development for the benefit of all songwriters and the global music industry.
Find out more about what drives us, some of the outcomes from our collaborative work, and some ways we can support your organisation.
Our Purpose
I Heart Songwriting Club inspires creativity for songwriters by providing an online interactive platform for the practice and development of songwriting; we promote and build a community for songwriters so that they thrive; and we provide tools, resources and support for songwriters to flourish so that they reach new career and creative heights.
We deliver this through our online songwriting club (The Club), mentored youth and adults songwriting courses (Beginner Songwriting Courses), through guidance and mentorship programs (Level Up Club), and through opportunities for collaboration, and creative development workshops.
We are committed to:
- building community and wellbeing for all songwriters whilst increasing the songwriting output for the benefit of their careers and the music industry
- providing a low-cost online platform for all songwriters to develop their songwriting skills and practice their songwriting
- providing ongoing resources, tools and guidance for songwriters to overcome barriers and take the next step in their songwriting journey and career.
We are committed to:
- building community and wellbeing for all songwriters whilst increasing the songwriting output for the benefit of their careers and the music industry
- providing a low-cost online platform for all songwriters to develop their songwriting skills and practice their songwriting
- providing ongoing resources, tools and guidance for songwriters to overcome barriers and take the next step in their songwriting journey and career.
We believe:
- that songwriters and songs are at the centre of the music industry
- that anyone can write songs
- that creative freedom is personal freedom
- that all songwriters need a regular and consistent songwriting practice
- that high-output productivity builds resilience in songwriters and results in quality songs over time
- that isolated songwriters are more at risk of failing mental and/or career health
- that peer support can increase levels of self-esteem, confidence and feelings of connectedness
- that regular songwriting practice coupled with peer support can lead to positive career and mental health outcomes.
Stories from some of Our Partners
“Francesca’s workshop was a much talked about and much-loved session with many participants taking steps immediately to make this a reality for themselves. Many new songs were written as a result of this workshop. The space that she held for songwriters and her clear understanding of the songwriting journey reminded us just how important creativity, connectivity and community is for the betterment and wellness of our songwriting community. We whole-heartedly recommend, support and welcome Francesca back at any future Durango Songwriters Expo”
“Francesca came to The Music District in February 2020 to host workshops for songwriters of all levels. During her residency here, she hosted both beginner classes and classes for more advanced musicians. It was a tremendous experience having her here on campus. So many local musicians dove deep in her sessions and came out writing amazing tunes, facing writing blocks, and beginning their musical journey. At the end of the week, students from each session showcased their brand-new songs at a local restaurant and pub to family, friends and customers who just happened upon the showcase!”
“Francesca has a manner of working with the students that is somehow both supportive and challenging. She creates an environment where the students feel safe, but also sufficiently challenged to work outside their comfort zones. This is a balance which is rarely achieved in a ‘traditional’ classroom setting, and as a result new visions of what music making can be materialise for them. She uses questions to guide students in the creative process and realise the possibilities themselves, rather that leading them to, or even giving them the answer.
I approached our student song-writing workshop with the goal of having an original song around a pre-arranged theme composed and recorded by the end of the day. Francesca threw this goal out the window and framed the workshop as a rich, liberating learning experience for the students, where the goal was to collaborate, connect, experiment and express. By the end of the day the students had not only participated in a learning and creating experience that will stick with them, but had created a genuinely collaborative artwork that vastly exceeded my, and everyone else at my school’s expectations.”
Meet our Founder
Francesca de Valence
Songwriter, Educator and Founder of I Heart Songwriting Club
I Heart Songwriting Club founder and director, Francesca de Valence, is an award-winning Australian singer-songwriter.
A renowned international speaker and educator across the songwriting scene, Francesca’s passion for supporting songwriters has seen her become an uplifting, enlightening, and empowering force for songwriters worldwide through her I Heart Songwriting Club.
A widely-published author in the songwriting media and a songwriting workshop host, the prolific songwriter and performer has supported leading artists including Jimmy Webb, Belinda Carlisle, and Deacon Blue.
With a background in tertiary, secondary and primary music education (M.Mus, B.Mus, B.Ed), Francesca has written for Songwriting Magazine UK and facilitates songwriting workshops nationally and internationally for PROs including APRA AMCOS & IMRO.
Francesca has performed at iconic global music venues including The Bitter End (NYC), The Viper Room (LA), and The Ruby Sessions (Dublin) and also at festivals including Folk Alliance International (New Orleans), MOFO (Hobart) and Brisbane Festival. When she’s not on the road or at her creative hub in Paris, Francesca is based in her hometown of Brisbane, Australia.