Literature: Music, Memory and Writing

Session dates and times:

• Thursday 12th February, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
• Thursday 19th February, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
• Thursday 26th February, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
• Thursday 5th March, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
• Thursday 12th March, 2:00pm - 3:30pm

Course tutor:

Mark Crees

This course will explore how music can provide a vital stimulus to creative writing. To this end, you will be encouraged to dig into your own record and CD collection to find those tracks which release the written word. You will also listen to a range of music and see where that mood takes your writing. There will also be the opportunity to study how other writers have used music as a vital creative stimulus.

What will this course cover?

There has always been a strong link between music and the written word. This island, as Shakespeare said, ‘is full of noises’ - so why not get yourself into the groove and see where the noise takes you? Music not only resounds with the rhythms of speech, but it has the added ability to unlock memories, many of which are ripe for poems and stories.

On this course you will be encouraged to reflect upon those musical moments which have always meant the most to you. You will also take inspiration from other writers - both old and new - who have used music and rhythm as a vital starting point in their work.

As the course unfolds, you will be encouraged to listen to a range of music and discover what kinds of noises get you into the writing groove.

What will I get out of this course?

+ recorded music as a stimulus for your own creative writing

+ how writers across all ages have related to music.

+ the link between music and memory

+ new creative writing techniques while listening to music

+ the link between rhythm and writing, especially with regards to sentence construction and poetic form.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills or experience?

This is an entry level course, all are welcome and no prior experience is needed - just an interest in music and writing.

What do I need to bring with me?

You do not need any equipment but you may wish to bring a pen and notepad to write down your thoughts and reflections.

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