{children’s}
Songwriting
Workshops
Work as a class to write, perform, and record an original song with award-winning singer/songwriter Ashley Fayth. Incorporate a STEAM or curriculum subject, campaign for a cause, or just get silly and have fun! Designed for KS1 & KS2.
“Ashley expertly guided the children and took all their ideas on board to weave together a superb song that hit the brief brilliantly. An added sprinkle of humour and smiles ensured that the sessions were a success. We loved it so much that we will be booking again next term!”
Mr David Wearing
Head, Kelsall Primary
Learn through
Songwriting!
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Award-winning singer/songwriter and children’s author Ashley Fayth will turn your classroom into a songwriting retreat, and in just one day we’ll write, perform, and record an original song together!
Workshops usually take place over the course of one full school day (morning and afternoon sessions). Usually we use the morning session to plan and compose a brand new song, and the afternoon session to practice, perform, and record.
It is also possible to split the workshop into 2 half-days, though this will incur a small charge.
We are currently taking bookings for term time in 2024/25.
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That’s entirely up to you!
You can choose a topic that reflects a STEAM/curriculum topic, supports a cause, or reflects your school ethos. Or you can just get silly!
Here are some ideas other schools have had:
• Anti-bullying
• The history of Mount Vesuvius
• Sustainable Palm Oil
• Deforestation
• Spooky Halloween
• Saving Polar Bears
• Voting & democracy
You can listen to some past songs here!
Please note that you’ll need to notify us of your chosen theme at least 2 weeks prior to your scheduled workshop. -
Songwriting Retreats are suitable for KS2, KS3, and KS4 children of all abilities. Classes may be mixed ages as long as the total number of participants does not exceed 30. If you’re looking to introduce songwriting to a KS1 or EYFS group, check out my workshops for younger children.
You’ll also need access to . . .
• a room (or outside area) where we can make lots of noise
• a whiteboard, smart board, or flip-chart and paper
• lots of energy! -
Songwriting is a fun and engaging way of learning about a particular subject.
You’ll draw upon literacy, numeracy, music, science and history skills. This interdisciplinary art-form requires flexibility and problem solving, and depending on your theme, might also incorporate community and civic responsibility.
Songwriting in a group setting encourages teamwork and cooperation, and a sense of collective achievement when you get to share a song with the world.We also discuss how songwriting (and art, in general) is a useful and important tool, both personally and socially - for the greater good.
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The cost of a full-day retreat is £225 plus applicable travel expenses.
Travel is calculated at 56p per mile from CH2 (Chester, Cheshire).
Workshops split over two days will incur a £25 fee.
Discounted rates are available for schools/groups booking multiple workshops.
These rates are in accordance with the Musicians Union Teaching Rates of Pay.
Join these Songwriting Schools
Kelsall Primary• Childer Thornton Primary • Moorfield Community Primary • St Kentigern’s Primary• St Alphonsus Primary • Higher Openshaw Community School • St Augustine’s C of E • Briscoe Lane Academy • Adswood Primary • Saviour C of E • Armitage C of E • Old Hall Drive • Dial Park • Platt Bridge • Cherry Grove Primary • Westminster Primary • Frodsham Manor House • The Oaks Primary • The Lache Primary
Share your song
with the world!
About Ashley
Ashley Fayth is a singer/songwriter, children’s author, and educator from faraway Newfoundland, Canada.
Her original songs have garnered awards from Universal Music and the Canadian Songwriters’ Association. She has performed on BBC Radio 2, CBC RadioCanada, and on major international stages including South by Southwest (Austin), CMJ (New York), CMW (Toronto), The BluebirdCafé (Nashville), Sound City (Liverpool),and Festival No.6 (Portmeirion). Her debut children’s album Gingersnap is set for release in Spring 2024, and features 17 songs inspired by the changing of seasons.
Her new kids book, The Sniger & the Floose, was included in the Canadian Globe & Mail's Top Ten Books for Children 2023, and called it “a perfect read-aloud. Even in its silliest moments, [it is] a gentle reminder to respect and preserve the beauty of the natural world around us, and a joyous celebration of imagination." Her first lyrical storybook Blueberry Bay is a colourful cautionary tale heralding the dangers of plastic in oceans, and was showcased by the Canadian Government as part of their 2021 World Oceans Day celebrations.
She lives in Chester, England, and spends most of her time at the playground with her 4 year-old Taylor Swift-obsessed daughter.