Minister, Simon Harris with Luan Parle and Teachers and students of Coláiste Chill Mhantáinat at the official lauch the single 'Your Love Still Guides My Way' by the students which reached number 1 in iTunes on the day with proceeds in aid of The Irish Heart Foundation and The Alzheimer Society of Ireland. The song was written during an IMRO songwriting workshop with Luan Parle. (Pic Michael Kelly)

Students & Staff of Coláiste Chill Mhantáin pictured with An Taoiseach Simon Harris

"Luan's passion for music and songwriting shone through in every aspect of the workshop, inspiring our students to explore their creativity and express themselves through the art of song. The techniques and insights shared have not only enriched their understanding of songwriting but have also ignited a newfound enthusiasm for music among them. We were particularly impressed with the way you engaged with each student, providing them with individual attention and encouragement. It was truly a joy to witness the transformation in their confidence and skills over the course of the workshop" - Anita Cullen, Music Teacher, Enniscorthy Community College, Co Wexford

"As part of its outreach and education programme, IMRO has had the pleasure of partnering with Luan Parle to deliver highly successful 'Songwriting in the Classroom' workshops to schools and colleges across Ireland over the past several years. The programme has not only fostered creativity but also produced songs that have achieved Top 10 chart positions in Ireland, underscoring both the exceptional quality of the music and the deep level of student engagement. Luan's immense talent as a songwriter, combined with her ability to connect positively with students and teachers alike, highlights her professionalism and dedication to music education. Her workshops leave a lasting impact, inspiring the next generation of songwriters."  Keith Johnson, Director of Marketing & Membership Development IMRO

"Luan was an absolute joy to work with during our Creative Schools programme. She was wonderfully professional, engaging, and thoughtful in her approach. The pupils were captivated by her enthusiasm (and skill!), and she struck the perfect balance between fun and creativity. Her ability to connect with the students, through a shared musical experience, and bring out their very best resulted in some truly outstanding work, including two songs that continue to be loved here. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience" -  Barry O' Leary, Principal, St. Kevin's National School, Sallynoggin, Co. Dublin

"Our school wanted to compose a school anthem. Having previously had the pleasure of having Luan visit our school during the IMRO Schools Programme, it was a very easy decision when choosing someone to lead a songwriting workshop. Luan’s approach to songwriting is engaging, inclusive and incredibly enjoyable. Luan visited our school for one day to do the songwriting workshop. By the end of the day, Luan and the girls had composed  our new school anthem with vocals, harmonies and full instrumentation. It is truly outstanding what the girls were able to achieve in one day and that is all thanks to Luan. Thank you so much Luan, we cannot wait to work with you again in the future" - Erin McGill, St Louis Monaghan

"The students had the opportunity to practice their collaboration skills during the songwriting workshop, but most importantly were able to engage in a masterclass in the art of songwriting. Luan did a wonderful job of making sure everyone felt involved and included in the experience. They completed and performed their original song at the end of the session and the students have been asking non-stop since if they can perform it for others" - Bridget Cody, Music Teacher, Goatstown ETSS, Co Dublin

In addition to performing, I am passionate about bringing creativity to peoples' lives and, for the past 17 years, I have been successfully delivering songwriting and performance workshops & songwriting masterclasses to people of all ages, in particular in primary schools, secondary schools, colleges & festivals throughout Ireland.

Through my workshops, I continue to work alongside a number of organisations, including IMRO (Irish Music Rights Organisation), The Department of Education, Music Generation, Waltons New School of Music, Creative Schools, TAP,  Blast, Sing Ireland, Oide, JCT & have hosted songwriting workshops at numerous festivals including The International Literature Festival Dublin, Cobh Readers & Writers Festival & The Five Lamps Arts Festival. I was a voluntary director of the Irish Association of Songwriters, Composers and Authors (IASCA) for 10 years. After many years of teaching songwriting and witnessing an abundance of creativity in young people, I brought a proposal to IMRO to introduce songwriting and creativity to the secondary school music curriculum in Ireland. Following years of hard work alongside IMRO and the Department of Education, my proposal came to fruition. In 2019, the pilot scheme, Me and my Music, was launched in Irish secondary schools and was a phenomenal success. This was the first time songwriting became an integral part of the junior cert curriculum. Students are now afforded the ability to create and express themselves through music alongside their rote learning activities.

In 2019, I presented ‘Ireland’s Favorite Folk Song’, an RTÉ TV series and national campaign in association with IMRO, the Irish Music Rights Organisation to identify and celebrate the songs that define us as a people. As part of RTE's search for Ireland's Favorite Folk Song, I visited secondary schools to deliver songwriting workshops and interview some of Ireland’s much loved folk musicians, including Mundy & Luka Bloom.

My songwriting workshop with the transition year students at Presentation Secondary School Clonmel led to their song titled ‘My Hero’ being released for charity & topping the iTunes charts. It also reached No. 7 in the Official Irish Charts. Paddy Power was even taking bets on it for a Christmas No. 1.

Another songwriting workshop I hosted at Coláiste Chill Mhantáin (pictured above) also resulted in their song ‘Your Love Still Guides My Way’ going straight into the No. 1 position on the iTunes chart in Ireland. The single performed by the students was launched by the then Minister for Health & now Taoiseach, Simon Harris, with all proceeds being donated to the Irish Heart Foundation and The Alzheimer's Society of Ireland. Both of these workshops had a total of a 3 hour duration.

In 2019, 3 schools where I held songwriting workshops; the Central Remedial Clinic School in Clontarf, St Paul’s in Raheny, and Tallaght Community School had the opportunity to perform their original compositions at Leinster House for the then Minister for Education, Joe McHugh. An incredible achievement (see picture below).

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION 

The duration of the workshop can be tailored to suit your class, school, venue and needs. This could be a 3 hour workshop in which participants will learn about the entire songwriting process and have a fully composed song by the end of the workshop or it could be over a longer period. This can be decided between the teacher and myself. The ability to play an instrument is not necessary.

WHAT'S COVERED

  • Choosing a song's theme and approach
  • Structuring a song
  • Putting together lyrics, melody and rhythm
  • Collaboration
  • Transforming ideas into a fully composed song
  • Performance and arrangement of the song

If you would like me to visit your school and facilitate a songwriting workshop, or help students write a school anthem, you can contact me at: [email protected]

Browse videos below from previous songwriting workshops.

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Pictured at Government Buildings with IMRO Chair Eleanor McEvoy, IMRO CEO Vicotor Finn, IMRO's Keith Johnson, Ethel Glancy & students from the Central Remedial Clinic School in Clontarf, St Paul’s in Raheny, and Tallaght Community School

Coverage on RTÉ One Nationwide

Songwriting Workshop at Trinity College Dublin with group suffering from Tinnitus

IMRO Taking Songwriting to the Classroom Series

Songwriting Workshop at Yellow Furze National School 

RTÉ Big Music Week with Presentation Secondary School Clonmel

Songwriting with Colaiste Chill Mhantain

 RTÉ Ireland's Favourite Folk Song