Youngsters can hit the right notes with Boo this summer

Budding young songwriters have the chance to work with one of the country's top professional singer-songwriters this August.

Hertfordshire Music service, part of Hertfordshire County Council, will hold a two-day summer school to develop the musical talent of young people.

The summer school is part of the Songwriter project, an online community and competition for aspiring musicians and will feature a masterclass from one of Britain’s leading singer-songwriters Boo Hewerdine.

Best known for his band The Bible and his work with legendary Scottish musician Eddi Reader, Boo will work with budding songwriters on all aspects of creating a song, with a particular focus on lyrics.

The summer school will end with an informal gig so that family and friends can come along and hear songs that have been created.

The Songwriter project offers an opportunity for young people to learn how to write, perform, record and promote their own songs.

It includes coaching and feedback from professional musicians as well as performance opportunities.

Songwriter has been highly effective in identifying and nurturing original and creative talent, and supporting young people who are not within mainstream education.

David Williams, cabinet member for Education, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for young people in Hertfordshire with musical talent and will enable them to develop their songwriting abilities.

“It reflects Hertfordshire County Council’s dedication to helping creative young people in the county reach their potential.”

The Songwriter Summer School is open to young people aged eight to 18 who live or go to school in Hertfordshire, and is suitable for complete beginners or those who are already writing their own songs.

Over the two days, the aspiring songwriters will spend time crafting their songs with help from Hertfordshire Music Service tutors and will learn how to record them so that they can be uploaded to the Songwriter online chart.

It runs at Mid Herts Centre for Music and Arts in Hatfield from 9.30am to 3.30pm on Wednesday, August 10 and Thursday, August 11 and costs £15 to attend with some bursaries available.

Bookings can be made online at www.musicnet-east.org.uk/summer