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songwriting at waterbear

As a songwriter at WaterBear you’ll get to explore the many different approaches of songwriting and composition within a collaborative community.

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Songwriting experience

Creating

great music

Songwriting is at the heart of everything we do at WaterBear. It’s about creating great songs and music with the ability to connect with an audience. If you want to push yourself as a songwriter, you’ll need to know about various methods and devices to unlock your creativity. That’s why you’ll learn in small groups, giving you the space and time to apply these tools and develop your own technique and approach to reach your full potential.

songwriting

development

At WaterBear, you’ll explore a wide range of approaches to the various aspects of songwriting and composition. This includes everything from finding your creative spark to lyric writing, music theory, structure and arrangement, rhythm, melody, and harmony. Pre- and post-production techniques will also form part of what you’ll be learning. Our campus buildings have been designed in such a way to unlock your creativity and support the development of your musical potential.

writing

and recording

If you write on a particular instrument and can bring that with you, that’s great. Inspiration can happen at any time, and you’ll want to be ready to capture it. The ability to record to a reasonable standard at home is also particularly useful. At WaterBear, you’ll also have access to musical instruments, along with free rehearsal and recording time in professional recording studios.

songwriting

facilities

You’ll have access to a wide range of industry-standard facilities, including dedicated teaching spaces, working music venues, social areas, songwriting and meeting rooms, and Mac suites. Our teaching environments are fitted out with state-of-the-art digital A/V technology, with classic vintage gear alongside modern musical equipment, giving you the best of both worlds. You’ll also have free, bookable access to recording and rehearsal facilities. The ability to record to a reasonable standard at home is also very useful.

Live

performance

You’ll have regular opportunities to perform live in working music venues in Brighton and Sheffield. We also offer support slot opportunities at numerous festivals, gigs, and events across the UK throughout the year. Live performance, along with the support of emerging artists and grassroots venues through our Keeping Music Live campaign, is central to what we do at WaterBear.

artist and career

development

Our Music Industries team, composed of active artists, producers, and industry professionals, will support you through both your artistic development and career planning. The focus is on real-world application and industry-facing outcomes, including work experience, live performance opportunities, live industry projects, masterclasses, showcases, soundchecks, A&R feedback, and industry networking and events.

work

experience

Through our extensive partner network, you’ll have access to work experience opportunities across many areas of the industry. These include festivals, touring, recording, session work, record labels, publishing, PR and marketing, live event management, backline, tech’ing, musical instrument manufacturing, teaching, studio internships, and much more.

waterbear

community

You’ll be part of an incredible community of artists, musicians, and music industry professionals, all focused on creating great music and supporting one another’s creative careers. Every member brings unique ideas, strengths, perspectives, and experiences that will enrich your learning and help you grow as an artist and professional.

flexible

virtual learning

Through our online virtual learning environment (VLE) all course content is available 24/7, whether you are studying on-site or fully online. You’ll have access to a wide range resources, and tuition, all tailored to suit your individual needs. Everything online is accessible to all students, allowing you to tailor your own learning journey at your own pace.

1-1 Mentoring

Music DEvelopment

At WaterBear, one to one mentoring is at the heart of your growth. Alongside support for your academic progress, artistic growth and career planning, you will receive dedicated time with industry professionals to focus on your musical skills whether that means mastering your songwriting process, improving your practice, developing your stagecraft or exploring new techniques.

Songwriting Opportunities

Songwriting students at WaterBear gain direct access to the professional songwriting world through a range of focused, real-world opportunities designed to sharpen their craft and build industry connections. These include:

Specialist Songwriting Camps

Take part in dedicated WaterBear songwriting days and camps led by our expert tutors and industry staff.

Collaborative Writing Sessions

Work with peers and professional songwriters in real, structured sessions that reflect how the industry operates day-to-day.

Write with Producers & Artists

Collaborate on original material with established producers and performing artists to bring your songs to life.

Masterclasses, Clinics & Q&As

Learn directly from successful songwriters in exclusive sessions covering process, structure, collaboration, and the business side of songwriting.

Creative & Career Development

Ongoing support from tutors and guest mentors to help refine your sound, grow your portfolio, and prepare for professional writing opportunities.

1-1 Industry mentoring

Get personalised artist and band development, and A&R from mentors such as Kieron Pepper, Jeremy Pritchard, or Mat Welsh from our Music Industries team.

WHO YOU’LL LEARN FROM

To reach your full potential, you’ll need to be taught by great tutors. At WaterBear we have some of the best tutors and mentors in the UK today. As working professionals, the tutoring and visiting faculty team may be subject to occasional change and availability may vary. Our visiting faculty also bring a wealth of experience in the form of in-class masterclasses and Q&A sessions throughout the year.