305: How to Teach Songwriting to Music Students with Simon Rushby

Today, we’re going to unpack our brand new, 9-module course, The Complete Guide to Songwriting, and meet the creator and instructor, Simon Rushby. He has written songs that have charted for artists in Europe and Asia. His compositions have been used worldwide for TV shows and commercials. As a performer, Simon remains busy as a pianist, keyboard player, and a musical director. In this episode, you will hear about his intention of writing this songwriting course, overviews of the course modules, and what you can learn from them. Simon also shares great tips and advice for teaching your students.

• Who is Simon Rushby?
• Simon’s intention of writing this songwriting course.
• Making connections between music.
• Bobby McFerinn’s Video on the Pentatonic Scale
• Quick overview on the modules of the course and what you can learn from each one.
• Talking about Elton John’s Oven song.
• The story of how Simon started as a songwriter.

Guest Link

• Simon Rushby Website

Links Mentioned

• Bobby McFerrin's Video on the Pentatonic Scale
• Elton John Oven Manual Song
• Stickey Notes Seller Online Store
• topmusic.co/episode300

Today's Guest

Simon Rushby is a music education expert, teacher, performer, composer, an ABRSM examiner, and author who taught music in schools across the South-East of England. With over 30 years of experience in leading UK schools as a Director of Music, he’s worked with many students of all levels. He’s published several educational resources, including Discovering Music Theory, an ABRSM exam prep series. As a composer, Simon has written songs that have charted for artists in Europe and Asia. His compositions have been used worldwide for TV shows and commercials, including BBC, ITV, Sky and BT Sport in the UK. He’s been the lead on two albums for Alexander Shulgin, which have topped the charts in Russia. As a performer Simon remains busy as a pianist and keyboard player and has been musical director for productions of shows such as Sweeney Todd, Carousel, The Producers, Les Miserables, Anything Goes and West Side Story. He also plays keyboards in a number of highly respected pop, rock and jazz bands. And he has conducted performances of a vast range of choral and orchestral music, both with student and adult ensembles and choirs.

Thank you for tuning in!

Consider implementing the ideas from this podcast by writing several actionable steps for your teaching practice if it’s inspired you. If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, which helps other teachers find our show. Stay updated by subscribing to this show, and get automatic delivery to your device every time a new episode goes live! We publish on Fridays weekly.