Daniel Padgett

Songwriting & Composition Lessons with Daniel:

As someone who has composed for visual media, produced for other artists, and released my own work, I understand music making from multiple perspectives. My background in both experimental composition and commercial production means I can help you—whether you want to write the next indie hit or create something completely unconventional.

I believe the best lessons are conversations, so sharing ideas and discovering what makes your musical expression unique will be at the forefront of our time together.

My lessons blend practical songwriting craft with compositional exploration, informed by my professional experience of having my works performed at London contemporary music nights ('Music We'd Like to Hear' - St. Mary-at-Hill, 2024 & the 'Eternal Series' - The Swiss Church, 2025).

My scores for film have made rounds across international film festivals and my recent collaboration received a grant from the Future of Film is Female organisation and was screened at MoMA in 2024.

With a First Class Honours in Music from Goldsmiths University and currently pursuing a degree in Critical and Experimental Composition at the University of Leeds (MMus), I bring both fresh academic perspectives and real-world industry knowledge to every session.

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Lesson Format:
*One-to-one sessions tailored to your individual goals and musical style. Whether you are completely new to creating music or looking to refine your existing skills, I am open to adapting my teaching to meet you where you are in order to help you find your niche!

Sessions can be catered more towards songwriting or composition and typically include:

*Hands-on composition work: We'll write and develop pieces together in real-time.
*Technical skill building: Learn how to express emotions and ideas through song construction and lyrics.
*Creative exploration - Experiment with different genres and innovative approaches to composition.
*Industry insights - Basic guidance on recording, production, & notation software when applicable.

What Makes My Lessons Worthwhile?
*My professional experience spans multiple contexts—from scoring films to producing artists and self-releasing albums. This gives me unique insight into music making across a variety of genres. I've worked with artists in both New York and London, collaborated with major labels like Domino Records, and successfully navigated the independent music landscape for nearly a decade.

**As I specialise in rethinking inherited music norms, I'm particularly eager to work with those who may struggle with traditional classical notation or more 'typical' ways of music making.

Lesson Content & Dynamics:
*Each session is collaborative. We might start by expanding a simple idea you've been working on or dive into the lyrics of your favorite song. I use Ableton Live to demonstrate production techniques, but we can work with whatever tools you're comfortable with (even if that's just voice and piano/guitar).

Above all, I want to help you develop your musical sense of self and move towards a sustainable creative practice!