Mike’s Minute:  Songwriting At SAE

There is much to absorb and engage with in the disestablishmentarian quarter of life.
Songwriting is very difficult. To write a song is very easy.
But to write a song that thousands of people enjoy and grow to love is very, very difficult. Ain’t that the troof.

Songwriting at SAE

On entering the Auckland offices of the School of Audio Engineering (SAE), there is an immediate impression of the merging of creative adventure, technical expertise, and the collaboration of many imaginative forces. I was there to talk to two of their premier executives – Dr Suzette Major (Campus Director) and Dr Stephen Small (Head of Songwriting and Academic Operations). The timing was right as SAE has recently introduced courses for a Diploma in Songwriting and a Bachelor of Songwriting. In my view, this is a revolutionary step towards embedding songwriting within creative environments at secondary schools, thereby leading young songwriters into tertiary placement.

‘This is a gas!’ I hear you say.

Indeed. And so, let me summarise our discussion.

SAE’s new qualification in songwriting is a natural fit with its other music-related courses. The programme was developed swiftly after consultations with music teachers who recognised a need for tertiary-level songwriting instruction in New Zealand. SAE’s songwriting qualification is unique and may be the only standalone programme of its kind globally. While some Australian music performance courses include songwriting components, SAE’s programme appears ahead of the pack.

The programme is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the songwriting process, from the initial idea to the finished product. Students in the programme are all both music writers and lyricists, focusing primarily on the written word rather than chord progressions. In their first year, students take classes in songwriting, music production, audio production, and screen production. As they progress, they are encouraged to collaborate with each other, leading to writing partnerships, production collaborations, and even band formations. Some students have already released music on Spotify. SAE hopes to host a mini-festival where students can perform live, work as crew, and produce events.

The programme attracts a diverse range of students, from recent high school graduates to mature students in their early 30s. They come from various backgrounds and bring unique approaches to creativity and language. Yet, they are all united by their passion for the magical union of words and music. While most current students are from Auckland, SAE expects to see broader representation from across New Zealand. Suzette and Stephen’s vision is widespread.

Starting in 2025, students will have the option to write in te reo Māori or a Pacific language. This groundbreaking initiative aims to preserve and promote these languages. SAE is committed to supporting students in this journey, bringing in experts to help with lyric writing. The goal is not fluency but to allow students to explore their cultural heritage. This initiative aligns with Play It Strange’s mission to promote multilingual songwriting. Previous entries have featured Korean, French, Fijian, Chinese, Farsi, and other languages.

SAE believes that songwriting is an essential part of the music industry. The school is dedicated to equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed as songwriters and hopes its programme will foster a new generation of talented songwriters in New Zealand.

Let’s hear some quotable quotes from Suzette and Stephen as we bring this "Mike’s Minute" to a close.

Partnerships: Many students have formed writing partnerships, and some have even developed production partnerships. For example, a writer might collaborate with an audio production or music production student, resulting in a studio buddy for recordings. This collaboration has led to the release of songs on Spotify.

The Songsmith: When students focus on lyric writing, SAE pairs them with experts who can support them in their language. It’s groundbreaking, especially for Pacific languages, to integrate lyrics within a tertiary setting, offering a qualification that includes writing in a Pacific language. That is beautiful.

The Wide View: The appeal of SAE is that it’s small enough to foster close relationships with students, understanding who they are, their backgrounds, and aspirations. We support students in pursuing their unique paths, adapting to bring in support as needed.

SAE & Play It Strange: Through our partnership, SAE work-experience students have helped at the Press Play concert and managed events for the Annual Awards.

Mike’s Conclusion: SAE’s mix of musical courses embraces the entire journey of songwriting. Songs are the bedrock—the mysterious fusion of words and music. The future of SAE and its students shines with promise. The framework is a multidimensional world of imagination and teamwork.

Watch this space!