Every songwriter has felt it – that moment when a lyric, a melody, or a chorus just clicks. This workshop explores the hidden craft and intuition behind those moments. Together, we’ll unpack how songwriters sense what works and learn to sharpen the instincts that guide creative choices. Supported by sensemaking and creativity theory, we will develop practical tools for shaping ideas into songs that connect. This free, in person workshop is hosted by UNE Music and the Regional Music Research Group and will take place at UNE Tamworth.
Gavin Carfoot is an award-winning songwriter and producer whose work includes Golden Guitar winners ‘Little More Country’ and ‘Same Songs’, an ARIA-certified platinum record, and multiple number-one country hits. In 2021, he launched The Song Muster, a songwriting event with the Australian Institute of Country Music and The Gympie Muster. He holds a doctorate in popular music studies and has taught at the Queensland Conservatorium and QUT, mentoring emerging songwriters. In 2025 he won the CMAA Songwriter of the Year Award.
