MIA PALENCIA
What is the songwriting creative process?
Songwriting is a mysterious and seemingly random form of creativity. As songwriters, we often go through busy periods of inspired writing, and then nothing at all for many weeks and months. When inspiration strikes, we sit down with our instrument and write furiously. Time passes: sometimes minutes, sometimes hours, and when we finally look up, we (hopefully) have a song in our laps and no real idea how it came into being. These magical moments are so rewarding and addictive but can be few and far between.
This 2-day camp is a time to reflect on our creativity, learn the shape of it and get writing! It has been designed as 4 modules for flexibility – stay for the whole 2 days (highly recommended!) or pick and choose what you can commit to (also good!).
Programme
DAY 1
Friday, 17 Jan 2025
10am – 1pm
MODULE 1: The Songwriting Creative Process 1: What is creativity and what does the songwriting creative process look like?
We will start each day learning about Alexander Technique with Penny McDonald.
2pm-5pm
MODULE 2: The Principles of Songwriting 1: Maxims to Write By.
We will finish each day with a Song Circle.
DAY 2
Saturday, 18 Jan 2025
10am-1pm
MODULE 3: The Songwriting Creative Process 2: What is the shape of your creative process, and how can you use this knowledge to get creative and finish more songs?
We will start each day learning about Alexander Technique with Penny McDonald.
2pm-5pm
MODULE 4: The Principles of Songwriting 2: Maxims to Write By continued.
We will finish each day with a Song Circle.
Who can benefit from this songwriting camp?
This camp is designed for songwriters at all stages of their practice. However, it may be advanced for aspiring songwriters who have not yet written any songs. If you have written 5-10 songs and want to get more creative, this is the camp for you. If you have written 50-100 songs and are hungry to diversify, this is also the camp for you. If you have written 500-1000 songs, please come so I can shake your hand and meet you :)
What and who to expect?
Who is Mia Palencia?
Mia Palencia is a wearer of many hats. As a performer, she is firmly established as a well-loved voice in both her home country of Malaysia and her long-time home of Tasmania. With 25 years of performing history and 7 recorded albums under her belt, she continues to enjoy a bustling career across genres, stages and borders.
As an educator, Dr Mia co-ordinates the songwriting programme at the Conservatorium of Music, University of Tasmania, where she also teaches contemporary voice. Mia is a University Medallist and has just completed her PhD research, which focused on songwriting creative process and education.
Additionally, Mia is a highly sought-after composer for musical theatre, film and television. At the start of her songwriting career, she was signed to Warner Chappell, writing music for recording artists in Asia. She has been commissioned to compose three musicals and is currently working on three more. She also works closely with the Derwent Valley Concert Band and Second Echo Ensemble, championing music that celebrates community and collaboration.
What is the Alexander Technique?
The Alexander Technique helps quieten the mind and quieten the nervous system to create space to write with ease, breath and joy. It can help open the mind’s natural creativity as we become centred, grounded and open to exploring with all senses fully alive. We will spend some time moving and aligning the body to allow for a free breath; ideas come with the breath. We will do some exercises to enliven the senses. Finally, we will look at some techniques for when you get stuck or stagnate to shift this overbalance from the brain dominating the process to taking a more embodied approach.
What is a Song Circle?
A Song Circle is where we gather with our instruments in hand and take turns to share our songs. We can offer the song just because, or seek feedback from Mia and the rest of the circle. There is a keyboard and a guitar on site, however songwriters are encouraged to bring their guitar and/or recordings if they would prefer to share a track. We will endeavour to let everyone have a go, so please bring some songs to share!