The Next Verse Songwriting Program

The workspace of a modern songwriter: guitar strings vibrating, notes being written.

Calling all budding songwriters. Step into The Next Verse Songwriting Program - a six-week creative journey led by acclaimed Australian artist Charles Jenkins.

This inspiring program is designed to take your songwriting to the next level. Across six hands-on workshops, you’ll dive deep into music creation, melody, lyrics, harmonies, arrangement, sound engineering and performance, gaining practical skills and creative confidence along the way.  

The program culminates in a live showcase performance at the Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre, giving participants the chance to share their work on a professional stage.

About Charles Jenkins

Charles Jenkins is a Melbourne-based songwriter, musician and educator with over 30 years’ experience in the Australian music industry.

He has released 24 albums, toured internationally, received two ARIA Award nominations with Icecream Hands, and won The Age / Music Victoria Award for Best Folk/Roots Album in 2014.

An engaging and generous facilitator, Charles teaches songwriting at Box Hill Institute and mentors emerging artists through the Port Fairy Folk Festival Youth Program.

Find more information

Workshop dates and performance schedule

  • Saturday 9 May, 2–4pm –  Workshop with Charles Jenkins
  • Saturday 16 May, 2–4pm –  Workshop with Charles Jenkins
  • Tuesday 26 May, 6-8pm – Sound Engineering Workshop with Light and Sound
  • Saturday 30 May, 2–4pm – Workshop with Charles Jenkins
  • Saturday 6 June, 2–4pm – Workshop with Charles Jenkins
  • Saturday 13 June, 2–4pm – Roundtable Performance and Feedback Session
  • Saturday 20 June, 2–9pm – Soundcheck & Performance

Whether you’re just starting out or already writing songs and looking to refine your craft, The Next Verse is an exciting opportunity to learn, connect, and perform. Participants must be over 15 years of age and have a strong connection to the City of Whittlesea.

This program is heavily subsidised by the City of Whittlesea, the fee for participants is $50. All workshops are to be delivered in South Morang and there are a limited number of places, so please apply.

Expression of Interest (EOI)

EOI now open until Thursday, 30 April 2026.

Submit your EOI

Location

South Morang, 3752

Event Snapshot

Cost

$50

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