Friday 4 September 2026 · Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

Calling all songwriters! The Sodajerker Songwriting Lab is a one-day songwriting workshop at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, and our special guests are Sacha Skarbek and Ben Parker.

Sacha is an Ivor Novello and Grammy-winning songwriter and producer whose songs have been recorded by Adele, James Blunt, Miley Cyrus and Lana Del Rey. Ben is an acclaimed songwriter, producer and session musician with more than 25 years in the industry: one half of the transatlantic folk duo Sons of Town Hall, a million-selling author of music instruction books, and co-founder with Sacha of the Skarbek Songwriting Academy.

The morning opens with a live Sodajerker interview with Sacha and Ben, so you’ll hear how they approach craft, collaboration and careers before you write a note. Then you’ll move into small-group writing workshops in the Conservatoire’s studios, with Sacha and Ben offering guidance and feedback as the sessions unfold. The last part of the day features groups sharing their work, a chance to pick up final feedback from the guests, and a wrap-up. Lunch and refreshments are included.

Places are limited, so everyone gets proper time with the guests. No qualifications needed; the Lab is for practising and aspiring songwriters at any level, from hobbyists to students and semi-professional writers. If you listen to the podcast, you will feel right at home.

Enrolment is open now via Birmingham City University’s short course website: https://www.bcu.ac.uk/courses/sodajerker-songwriting-lab