Learn how to become a professional songwriter with guidance from our chart-topping mentors
Course Instructors
Jeff Franzel
DIRECTOR TSA NEW YORK
Martin Sutton
FOUNDER & HEAD COURSE INSTRUCTOR
Jeff Franzel
DIRECTOR TSA NEW YORK
Jeff Franzel is a multi talented songwriter jazz pianist with over 35 years experience in the music business and is currently living in NYC.. He began as a jazz pianist and toured with many groups including The Hues Corporation (Rock The Boat) and Les Brown big band. Jeff accompanied such artists as Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr, and Mel Torme.
Jeff has over 250 of his songs recorded and has sold over 30 million records. He has had over 20 top ten singles internationally and travels to London, Sweden, LA and Nashville to co-write with artists and songwriters.
Jeff’s first big hit was “Don’t Rush Me” which was #2 pop hit. He has written songs for such diverse artists as Josh Groban, Placido Domingo, “NSYNC (2 Christmas songs) , Shawn Colvin (two film songs including Never Saw Blue Like That), Clay Aiken, Louise – (All That Matters), The Temptations and Dianne Reeves.
Jeff has had a number of his songs in film and TV including Runaway Bride, Serendipity, De Ja Vu, Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen and Barbershop 2.
Jeff currently has songs coming out with Rhys Lewis on Decca Records, Hayley Westenra, Persons of Interest, Elvis Blue-South Africa , Falipa-South Africa, and BoA – Japan.
Jeff is a Yamaha artist and performs solo piano regularly in NYC.
Martin Sutton
FOUNDER & HEAD COURSE INSTRUCTOR
Martin Sutton is the founder of The Songwriting Academy and multi-platinum songwriter and producer. Starting as a young busker on the streets of Norwich, he spent years developing the craft of songwriting, traveling the world to work with other writers, learning about the music business and honing his production skills. He is now a successful songwriter/producer and has sold millions of records in nearly 50 countries around the world.
His work includes Backstreet Boys, LeAnn Rimes, Celine Dion, Gary Barlow, Pixie Lott, Mark Owen, Olivia Newton-John, Andrew Roachford, Brian McFadden, Lulu, Mike & The Mechanics, K-Pop superstars Super Junior and X-Factor/Idol winners worldwide.
His teaching methodology and ethos have been described as “life-changing” by many of his students and over the years he has shared his knowledge and experience with thousands, opening their eyes to the world of professional music making. His diverse programming and production skills are widely sought after, from orchestration for Celine Dion and Andrew Lloyd Webber to quirky programming and beat-making for K-Pop/J-Pop artists, and rich country productions for artists including LeAnn Rimes.
The Artist Co-op 500, W 52ND STREET, 3W NEW YORK, NY 10019, USA
Schedule: 9:30am – 5:00pm
Free Course Places For ASCAP Members
October will see The Songwriting Academy holding courses in 4 x incredible cities worldwide! To celebrate we are offering members of ASCAP the opportunity to attend the ‘Introduction To Songwriting’ course for FREE! There are a limited number of places available throughout 2018 – please use coupon code ASCAPSONG at the checkout along with your membership details if applicable:
Please note: We will present an offer for our Songwriting Bootcamps: as an ASCAP member you are under no pressure to purchase. Entry is by interview only as places are limited.
The Songwriting Bootcamp course usually costs ¢995 but for attendees who are ASCAP members we will offer a special discounted price of ¢595.
About the ‘Introduction To Songwriting’ course
Want to learn the secrets to becoming a professional songwriter? Want to get your songs into the charts?
Our one-day Introduction To Songwriting course, led by Jeff Franzel, is your first step into learning how the professionals make money from their music. Jeff is the Director of The Songwriting Academy, New York and has sold millions of records worldwide with artists such as Josh Groban, Placido Domingo, NSYNC and Shawn Colvin. Jeff will teach you the techniques and fundamental songwriting lessons you need to know to write better, catchier, more popular songs.
You’ll also learn how and who to contact to get your music out there and heard by different labels and businesses. Thanks to our decades of industry experience and music network, we’ll even point you in the right direction if we think we can help you.
What will I learn on the course?
The introduction to songwriting course will teach you a variety of techniques, including:
How to create genuinely unique and interesting song ideas
Four key ways to connect with your audience
The three different melodic forms that are essential to every great song
How to keep your listener from skipping the track, even until the very end
How to write memorable lyrics that stand out from the rest
How to use powerful hooks that make your song irresistible
How to make money from music and your songs
What you need to do to get your songs noticed by the right people
Ways to make A&R people notice and love your songs
The easiest way to double your creative output and productivity
The seven most common mistakes that songwriters make
Is this the right course for me?
Everybody stands to gain something from this course. Fledgling writers and hardened musicians will find this course useful as it teaches the basic fundamentals of songwriting, mixed with the experience and expertise of multi-million record selling mentors. Even veteran songwriters who have written hits in past know that there is something new to learn from other musicians and songwriters, and this course is the perfect opportunity to meet them.
Musicians with their own material
Fed up of open mic nights? Thought so. This course will show you how to go a step beyond the local pub and into the charts. We’ll show you what you need to do to make your songs irresistible to the labels and who you need to contact when you’re done.
Songwriters
If you want to become a professional songwriter for major label artists, we can show you how. We’ve already written hits that were performed by artists such as Beyonce, Celine Dion, Kylie Minogue and many more, so we have first-hand experience of the steps you need to follow to do the same.
Professional songwriters
Already written a hit or two? We find that there’s still lots to learn from other musicians, even beginners, which is why we welcome other professional writers into the courses we host. Polish up your skills, find out how the industry is moving and learn what you can do to write your next hit.
Producers
Producers have one of the most important roles in the music industry. Whether creating their own or another’s work, they need to know the information that’s important to a successful track. This course gives you the tools you need to catch the mistakes that can make or break a song, so you can boost a track to new heights.
Songwriting “hobbyists”
Music shouldn’t always be used purely to make money and we understand that, sometimes, you just want to play music for the love of it. If you’re in it for the creative output alone, this course will help you get more from your songs.
Frequently asked questions
Should I bring a guitar to the course?
The lessons taught throughout the day are based on practical songwriting exercises, but they don’t require you to bring an instrument at all. Bring enthusiasm, an open mind and a desire to write better songs!
I can’t sing. Should I miss this course?
Not at all! Many extremely successful songwriters sing about as well as a pack of cats, but their ability to write killer hooks and stunning melodies has taken them extremely far in the industry. The key to songwriting is collaboration, so if you need a vocalist, you’ll find one!
Is this just for pop and chart music?
Absolutely not. We believe it’s essential that every songwriter maintains their artistic integrity so the techniques we teach can be used on all styles of songwriting and composition. We’ll give you incredible musical tips that will make your melodies stick in people’s minds whether your style is singer/songwriter, pop, folk, rock country and more. Our groundbreaking lyrical tuition will ensure you never get writer’s block and will show you how to say exactly what you want to say whilst ensuring everyone that hears your song is captivated by the message in it.
What next?
Although the Introduction To Songwriting course will teach you how to give your songs a new and improved feel, our three-day songwriting bootcamp is the next step towards focusing on your music career as a whole. You’ll get a creative break away from the world to learn more detailed information about the industry and write new songs in collaboration with other writers and our professional mentors.Find out more https://thesongwritingacademy.co.uk/songwriting-bootcamp-new-york/
(Note: The Songwriting Academy is not associated with Song Arts Academy)
Thank you Martin Sutton for your continued excellent support during the monthly 1:1’s, general encouragement, and kicks up the rear to keep on improving.
Anne Marie S
Just had an amazing mentoring session with Charlie Dore. Great suggestions and inspiration, along the lines of possibly becoming a ‘superwoman’!
Steph E
Thought the course was so good and inspiring, have signed up for the Platinum Mentoring Program!
Anna H
So enjoyed my mentoring session with Mark Cawley yesterday – from now on I will be hanging out in bookshops looking shady – thanks mark x
Kevin J
Excellent thought provoking and inspirational
Tim
10/10 – Well worth the travel. I would do it all over tomorrow. I feel a lot more confident now with what I’ve learned.
Kristian V
Just completed my first mentoring session with Mr Martin Sutton … got direction .. critique ..structure .. ongoing goals and targets …lots of advice and a real motivation boost !!! AWESOME !!!
Kevin J
Had a great and informative mentoring session with Mark Cawley, nice guy, had some interesting left of field ideas for me to try. Thanks Mark
Megan F
Great mentoring session with Luc Floreani last night! Really encouraging and so many good tips for upcoming events!
Gustav P
Dominic King… Absolutely Inspirational!!!! Almost did not take up this session, wanted to play it save, but thank God I didn’t !!! Risk aversion you’re a bloody thief. Thanks
Kristy
rocket fuel for the soul
Amanda R
I have had the most amazing mentoring session with Martin Sutton. So inspirational and energizing! Thank you Martin, you Rock!
Laura E
Thanks for a great day & for inspiring me to #makeithappen along with discovering some crazy improve skills!
Gustav P
epic PR mentoring session with Luc Floreani last night!!!!!
Laura T
Very engaging, high energy and motivating content and delivery. I would highly recommend to anyone.
Amanda R
Just had my first mentoring session with Martin Sutton, what an amazing experience, so grateful and ready to face my first exercise. Thank you Martin.
Dominique G
If I hadn’t have come I don’t think I would have believed in myself. you and the course have inspired me and sparked something inside of me to pursue my dream.
Mike
Great atmosphere and great for meeting other writers
Catherine
Wonderful uplifting day restoring faith in my path
Anna T
It is an amazing academy you have established with a true ethos of care and support coming straight from the top and filtering down through its ever increasing family – I am so proud to be part of it !
Thank you so much for an amazing Platinum year !- I have loved every minute or it, have learnt so much and feel very excited for 2018.
Lisa S
Fantastic mentoring session with Martin Sutton today, thank you Martin! Great feedback as always
Mark
10/10 – Excellent and superbly presented, fulfilling, educational and inspiring
SiiLHOUETTE
Another superb mentoring session today with @lovesongwriting “I really like the emotion and honesty in the song” 🙂
Luciano A
I’ve finally found myself and my confidence has come back! That is down to what The Songwriting Academy has done for me and given me the boost I needed. I can’t thank you enough
An enormous amount of information and tips to take away, digest and act upon!
Pari S
Feeling so blessed to be a part of this songwriting family! Thank you for creating this wonderful community, a place for us all to be creative, passionate, supportive and talented!
Annabel
10/10 – I really enjoyed the day and look forward to the Bootcamp
Chris
Brilliant. Entertaining. Humorous. Good for business.
Luciano A
Just had a fantastic mentoring session with Martin, my first on my platinum membership! Feel completely boosted and grinning away ready to take this year by the horns! Positivity all the way
Hugh W
I also had a great 1:1 session with Charlie Dore. Very helpful practical advice and thoroughly lovely person 🙂
Tom R
Just had an amazing mentoring session with Danny Roberts. He knows his stuff. So much for me to go away and get started on!
Gustav P
What an incredibly life changing experience, on sooo many levels!!! It’s so difficult to put it all into words!!!!! Beautiful friendships gained and definitely the beginning of something monumental.
Victoria C
I was going to write “you can’t beat Martin Sutton”, but that would sound all wrong. 🙂 So just saying am very happy with mentor session from Superstar Sutton. Virtual hugs all round.
Joey B
l’ll never forget this songwriting experience. I’ve learned so much from everyone. It was great meeting all these talented lovely people
Ray D
Just finished an awesome mentoring session with Charlie Charlie Dore what an inspiration you are Charlie. Thank you for all the excellent advice and guidance.
Amber V
10/10 Excellent! Really informative and enjoyable
Katherine E
Such a great day enjoyed meeting everyone and learned so much!
Amanda
The day went far too quickly
Charlie A
Great first mentoring session with Martin. Really encouraging, helpful in establishing focus and with so many things to takeaway.
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The Artist Co-op 500, W 52ND STREET, 3W NEW YORK, NY 10019, USA
Musicians with their own material
Songwriters
Professional songwriters
Producers
