An intensive songwriting workshop was held on June 21st and 22nd at the Murrumbidgee High School Wade campus in celebration of Make Music Day for Indigenous students.
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Sydney music producer and recording artist Taka Perry, Lily Richardson from half of festival favourite sister duo, CLEWS and on the rise artist and songwriter Budjerah gave the students a a fast paced and collaborative insight into the forces that drive the music industry and how to write a hit song.
"The SongMakers program is all about collaboration because that's what the global music industry is based on" Project Lead Tina Broad said.
"By connecting Murrumbidgee High with these inspiring songwriters, music producers and recording artists, students have been able to see the diversity of career and creative experiences out there and learn so much along the way about working to a deadline, respecting others' ideas and pushing through challenges" she continued.
The program is also specifically targeted to students living in regional areas like Griffith where access to leading industry professionals can be limited.
Students worked in groups to produce original songs relating to themes of love, teen life, respect and celebrated indigenous culture, with one song including rap lyrics in Wiradjuri.
On the back of a national tour, Coodjinburra man Budjerah said that music programs like SongMakers were a fantastic experience for up and coming creatives.
"When I was in school, we didn't really have anything like this so its great to see how enthusiastic all of the kids have been" Budjerah said.
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"The program provides a creative outlet for students to express their creativity outside of what they have previously felt comfortable" Lily said.
"It is fantastic to watch them leave their inhibitions behind them and shine, it really does make you so proud."
One of the mentors, acclaimed Sydney producer Taka Perry has previously participated in the program as a Year 12 student in Canberra and described being asked to come back as a mentor as a 'full circle' moment for him.
"It's amazing to give back and watch students explore their own creative energy" Taka said.
The finished songs will premiere in the schools upcoming celebrations of NAIDOC week in the first week of July.
Head Teacher of the Aboriginal Education Unit Allison Stewart said that the experience had been invaluable for the students who participated.
"The kids have really come out of their shells and have taken to the experience so beautifully" Mrs Stewart said.
The workshop was made possible with support from Create NSW and the Office of Regional NSW.
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