Music is a universal language that can touch hearts and bring encouragement when it reaches the right ears.
The art, however, lies in packaging your message in such a way that as many people as possible hear it and share it with others.
If you’ve always wanted to write a song or perhaps refine this skill, now is your chance!
Maroela Media and Akademia’s writing school, Skryfnet, boast an exciting course aimed at anyone who wants to create meaningful music.
SKRYF ’N LIEDJIE, which is taking place for the second time this year, is a unique learning program that kicks off online on 6 May 2024, and concludes with a two-day practical workshop on 7 and 8 June 2024, at Maroela Media’s offices in Pretoria.
The course content was developed by Clive Ridgway and was adapted and is presented by the popular musician and songwriter, Deon Meiring.
Deon started writing his first songs in primary school. He thought it would help with his struggling romantic life. It didn’t, but he kept writing anyway. Today, he is married, and his songs are played across South Africa with his established solo project and groups Glaskas and Dans Dans Lisa. This talented musician’s music has been used in films and on TV, and he has guided numerous aspiring songwriters to refine their skills. He still regularly writes and releases new music.
Throughout the four-week online session, Meiring will guide participants in turning their ideas into compelling lyrics.
“During last year’s songwriting course, we witnessed how a handful of songs emerged like fireflies from glass bottles. There were also a few caterpillars we had to feed or patiently wait for. Initially, I began writing songs because blissfully I had no idea it could be difficult as well. Every time I get the chance to work with new songwriters, I relearn the habit of struggling. Then we experience together how magical it can be to give those scribbles in the notebook a chance to be sung and heard. Some of the writers who showed up last year have released songs that can be heard on the radio and TV. I look forward to getting to know more new songs and their creators this year,” he says.
At the weekend’s practical (in-person) session, where he will be assisted by the popular singer Jako Meyer, all the new creations will be set to music and finalized into a workable song that can be submitted for a demo recording. Esteemed publicity agency, Starburst Promotions, will also join the session to discuss the importance of proper marketing and publicity for a career in music.
Meyer is a popular singer and musician who, aside from his solo career, has been part of various groups such as Flip a Coin, Die Rotweilers, Moses Metro Man, and Die Wyndigters (with Deon Meiring). He has released several radio hits as well as two studio albums.
Participants will also have the opportunity to share their music with the rest of the group in a convivial atmosphere, and there will be a prize for the best song.
He adds: “It’s a great privilege for me to be part of this year’s course again. Last year, there were so much talent who, with a bit of guidance and encouragement, pushed their own boundaries to become better writers. I would recommend that any songwriter use this course to take their confidence in songwriting to the next level.”
Skryfnet’s first songwriting course took place in May 2023 and produced a song and music video, Om myself te vind, by 21-year-old Elsje du Toit by the end of the year. Another participant, Weco van Basten, released the rock single Lê my neer under his stage name Victor Bravo in February 2024.
If you also want to realize your songwriting and musical dreams, register here. Participants who complete the course will receive a certificate from Akademia.
Registrations close on 3 May 2024. The cost is R5 300 per person and includes afternoon snacks and a braai on the Friday evening of the practical session. However, participants must arrange their own transportation and accommodation, and a list of nearby facilities will be shared with participants.
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skryfnetprojek
Instagram: @skryfnet_projek
Website: www.skryfnetco.za
