Silver Tongues & Golden Lines: A Free Songwriting Workshop for Older Adults in Canberra
- Ben Drysdale
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
Have you ever found yourself humming a tune while watering the garden, or staring at an old photograph and wishing you could capture that feeling in more than just words? Maybe you’ve listened to a classic song on the radio and thought, “I have a story just like that.”
Well, I have a secret for you: Everyone has a story, and anyone can write a song. 🎶
I’m Ben Drysdale, and I’ve spent years performing, touring, and writing, but some of my most rewarding moments haven’t been on a big stage, they’ve been in a room full of people discovering their own creative voices for the first time. That’s why I am so incredibly excited to announce a very special event happening right here in Canberra.
In partnership with COTA ACT’s UPSTAGEING festival, I’m hosting a free workshop titled "Silver Tongues and Golden Lines." It’s a 1.5-hour "Elements of Songwriting" session specifically tailored for older adults. Whether you’ve never picked up an instrument in your life or you’re a secret shower-singer with a notebook full of poems, this workshop is for you.
Why Songwriting? (And Why Now?)
Oftentimes, we think of songwriting as something reserved for the “professionals” or the young folks with heartbreaks and guitars. But the truth is, the best songs come from lived experience. They come from decades of laughter, loss, triumph, and the simple beauty of everyday life.
As we get older, finding new ways to express ourselves isn’t just a hobby, it’s a powerful tool for well-being. Writing music and lyrics does some pretty amazing things for our brains:
✅ Stimulates Memory: Recalling stories and fitting them into a rhythmic structure keeps the gears turning.
✅ Boosts Mood: There is an undeniable "creative high" that comes from finishing a verse or finding the perfect rhyme.
✅ Builds Connection: Sharing a story with others in a supportive group reminds us that we aren't alone in our experiences.
✅ Enhances Language Skills: Playing with metaphors and similes is like a workout for your vocabulary!
You can read more about how music impacts our mental health over on my blog post about songwriting and self-expression.
What We’ll Be Doing: No Musical Experience Necessary!
I hear it all the time: "But Ben, I can't read music!" or "I don't play an instrument!"
My answer is always the same: That doesn't matter.
In this workshop, we aren't going to get bogged down in complex music theory or sheet music. Instead, we’re going to focus on the "Elements of Songwriting" in a relaxed, casual, and supportive environment. Here’s a little sneak peek at what the 90 minutes will look like:
1. Finding Your Theme We’ll start with the heart of any great song, the story. I’m asking everyone to bring a story about the best thing that’s happened to you recently. It doesn’t have to be winning the lottery; it could be a great cup of coffee, a visit from a grandchild, or a beautiful sunset over the Brindabellas.
2. Lyric Construction We’ll look at how to turn those stories into "Golden Lines." We’ll explore how simple phrases can become powerful lyrics when we focus on imagery and emotion.
3. Rhythm and Melody I’ll show you how the natural rhythm of our speech can actually dictate the rhythm of a song. We’ll play with melody in a way that feels intuitive and fun.
4. Live Examples (The Classics!) To make things even more engaging, I’ll be performing a few timeless classics from the era of our youth. We’ll use these familiar songs as "real-world" examples to deconstruct how the greats did it. It’s amazing how much you can learn about songwriting just by listening to a song you’ve loved for 50 years with fresh ears!
The UPSTAGEING Festival Connection
This workshop is a proud part of the UPSTAGEING festival, presented by COTA ACT (Council on the Ageing). COTA does incredible work in our community, ensuring that older Australians are heard, valued, and given opportunities to shine.
The UPSTAGEING festival is all about celebrating the creativity and talent of older adults. It’s about proving that the "silver" in our hair reflects the "gold" in our lines. I am honored to be a part of this initiative and to bring Songwriting for Non-Songwriters to the Hughes Community Centre.
Workshop Logistics: The Nitty Gritty
If you’re ready to join me, here are the details you need to know:
When: Tuesday, March 24th
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Where: Hughes Community Centre Hall, Canberra
Cost: Completely FREE! (But registration is essential)
Register Here:Humanitix Registration Link
What should you bring? Honestly, just your curiosity and an open mind. I will be providing a printed worksheet for everyone that covers all the elements we talk about and has plenty of space for your own exercises.
I’ll have pens available, but if you have a "lucky" pen or a favorite notebook that makes you feel extra creative, please feel free to bring it along!
Creating a Supportive Space
I know that trying something new can feel a little daunting, especially something as personal as songwriting. I want to reassure you that this workshop is a judgment-free zone.
We aren't here to write the next #1 hit for the radio (though, hey, you never know!). We are here to explore, to play, and to connect. There is no such thing as a "bad" song in my workshops. There are only stories waiting to be told.
If you're feeling a bit nervous, you might want to check out some reviews from previous workshop participants. You'll see that most people walk in feeling a bit unsure and walk out feeling inspired and accomplished.
A Message to My Canberra Neighbors
Canberra has such a vibrant arts scene, and I’ve always felt that our older community is a massive part of that heartbeat. Your stories are the history of this city and this country. They deserve to be set to music.
Whether you want to write a song for your partner, your grandkids, or just for yourself, this 1.5-hour session will give you the tools to start.
How to Get Involved
Since this is a free event and part of a popular festival, spots tend to fill up quickly. If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, I encourage you to grab your ticket as soon as possible.
Steps to join us:
Click the registration link: Silver Tongues & Golden Lines Registration.
Mark Tuesday, March 24th on your calendar.
Start thinking about that "best thing that’s happened recently" story!
Head over to the Hughes Community Centre at noon on the day.
If you have any specific questions about the workshop or the venue, please don't hesitate to reach out to me through my contact page. I’m happy to chat and make sure you feel comfortable about coming along.
Final Thoughts
Songwriting has been my life's work, but my passion is helping others realize that they have the same creative spark inside them. You don't need a golden voice to have a golden line. You just need the courage to put pen to paper.
I can’t wait to see you at the Hughes Community Centre. Let’s make some music, share some laughs, and celebrate the incredible stories that only you can tell.
See you there!
: Ben Drysdale
For more information about my music, upcoming gigs, or other workshops, feel free to explore the rest of the site at www.bendrysdalemusic.com. You can also check out my latest musical projects like East Row Rabble or listen to my latest releases.
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