Songwriting Masterclass with Boo Hewerdine 13th February

'Boo Hewerdine has been writing songs for the last 30 years. His songs have been recorded by, among others, kd Lang, Eddi Reader, Heidi Talbot, Paul Young, Chris Difford and 2 (!) Spice Girls. He has also made several critically lauded solo albums. All in all four hundred songs of his have been recorded. For the last ten years he has been running workshops so that he can share some of his songwriting knowledge. He has found that best way of improving one’s writing is to write as much as possible. Some of the best songwriters in the world work to deadlines and briefs. By setting exercises touching on honing lyrics, understanding chord sequences, song form, rhyme schemes etc he will give you the tools you need. So, when that moment of inspiration comes you are “match fit” and you are able to write the best  song you can. '

2012: a year of musical opportunity

2012 will be a year to remember. The Olympics coming to London will be a spectacular showcase and Hertfordshire is playing its part, being a host county for the white-water canoeing in Broxbourne. The Olympics are creating opportunities for the Music Service as well, with a number of projects, including events around the torch relay, being planned.

It will be a busy year for our music centres, particularly in the north of the county with the refurbishment of North Herts Music School in Hitchin continuing and the much anticipated new music centre, in Stevenage, part of Nobel's rebuilding  programme, due to complete at the end of the year. 2012 will also see the Hertfordshire Schools' Gala once again at the Royal Albert Hall on Sunday 13th May.

The new funding arrangements for Music Hubs is now published and Hertfordshire Music Service is currently writing its bid to the Arts Council to be lead partner for the Hertfordshire Music Hub. We have a substantial number of partners from across the county whose work, investment and committment to music education is being reflected in our application.

And finally, it will be another year of opportunity for our young musicians; whether they are starting their musical journey in an early years music group, learning an instrument for the first time through a wider-oportunities programme, participating in one of the hundreds of music centre activities, or playing in the county youth orchestra; 2012 will again see the Music Service's committment to music in our schools, music centres and communities provide a packed calendar of events, activities and opportunties.

Songwriter 2012 at the Royal Albert Hall and ROTW Showcase Opportunities

Songwriter 2012 at the Royal Albert Hall and ROTW Showcase Opportunities

Do you want to play at the Royal Albert Hall in May, or at Rhythms of the World Hitchin in July?

Check out http://www.hertsmusicservice.org.uk/prizes-sponsors/ for info, and make sure you have your best songs uploaded, and that your contact details are on your account!

You might also be interested in the 'More Opportunities' page of the Songwriter 2012 Website, http://www.hertsmusicservice.org.uk/more-opportunities/, which includes chances to play at Hop Farm Festival in Kent, or the Strawberry Fair in Cambridge!

Princess Alexandra Hospital - HMS

Hertfordshire Music Service - Christmas Carols at Princess Alexandra Hospital

On Saturday 17th December, around 40 pupils, parents and teachers went to the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow to play Christmas Carols.  We spent the morning going round the wards playing and singing for patients and staff and trying to spread a little happiness at a time of year when it's especially tough being in hospital.  Everyone seemed to really enjoy the morning, and we had some lovely comments from patients, staff and visitors.  The commitment shown by everyone was amazing-it was the first free Saturday since October (and the last Saturday before Christmas) and yet everyone gave their time and energy so generously.  The NHS trust have already invited us back next year and have sent lovely letters and emails thanking everyone for their hard work and professional attitude. (Rosemary Richardson Head of Bishop's Stortford Music Centre) read more click here

'Songwriter 2012 Ambassador Sarah from Watford Grammar School for Girls

'Songwriter 2012 Ambassador Sarah from Watford Grammar School for Girls has written and uploaded a great new Christmas Song to the Songwriter Chart. Click on here to hear it.

As well as prizes donated by Digital Village, entrants to the chart can win the chance to perform at showcases at The Royal Albert Hall Gala in May 2012, Rhythms of the World Festival in July 2012, and just announced, the Heart of Flame Olympic event in July 2012.

See http://www.hertsmusicservice.org.uk/prizes-sponsors/  for information on these and more opportunitires and http://www.hertsmusicservice.org.uk/how-to-enter/  for how to be considered for them.'