Writing to the Beatles

Session dates and times:

• Thursday 8th January, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
• Thursday 15th January, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
• Thursday 22nd January, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
• Thursday 29th January, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
• Thursday 5th February, 2:00pm - 3:30pm

Course tutor:

Mark Crees

This course will explore the music and influence of The Beatles through creative writing. Each session will explore a different period of The Beatles music and will involve photographs as well as music and literary texts. Learners will also be invited to write their own responses to the music.

What will this course cover?

Why does the music of The Beatles continue to tug at so many of our deepest memories, hopes and desires? On this course, we will be listening to The Beatles - and exploring where the music takes us. As well as writing your own pieces, there will also be time to read what other writers have to say about their favourite band, from Hanif Kureishi, to Hunter Davies, Adrian Mitchel and many more. This course offers you the opportunity to see what lies beneath this music, and how these remarkable recordings continue to resonate with writing and literature today. The tutor, Dr Mark Crees is the drummer in the 60s band, The Hurdy Gurdies.

What will I get out of this course?

+ Teaching will be conducted in seminars, so you will have the opportunity to share your own ideas with other students.

+ Other art forms, including photography and music, will be used to compliment discussion.

+ You will learn skills of close reading, picking up on the telling details with which writers manage to convey so much.

+ Each week, you will be given the opportunity to share your own writing about one aspect of The Beatles work.

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

This is an entry level course - no experience is needed, just an interest in The Beatles, music and writing.

What do I need to bring with me?

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

Since 1903 the WEA have been delivering on our charitable mission - to bring lifelong learning within reach of everybody who needs it.

Today, we continue to empower adults by delivering great teaching across England and Scotland, reaching tens of thousands of learners each year.

We believe in keeping group sizes down, making it easier for you to speak up, get to know your fellow learners and get actively involved in learning and sharing your own expertise.