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Elbow singer Guy Garvey to teach songwriting course at Manchester Metropolitan University

'I'm looking forward to working with names that everyone will come to know in a city that has nurtured some of the very best'

Eleanor Busby
Education Correspondent
Friday 27 April 2018 00:09 BST
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Elbow frontman Guy Garvey will help students learn how to write song lyrics
Elbow frontman Guy Garvey will help students learn how to write song lyrics (Getty Images)

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Elbow frontman Guy Garvey will swap his microphone for the lectern to help teach university students how to write songs.

The singer is joining the Manchester Metropolitan University as a visiting professor of songwriting.

Garvey will conduct a masterclass in writing lyrics to creative writing students later this year.

The Manchester Writing School, which is part of the university’s English department, hopes Garvey’s expertise and guidance will help it develop new courses and units on writing for music.

Garvey, who is from Bury, in Greater Manchester, said: “I’m really looking forward to working with young songwriters at Manchester Metropolitan University.

“I’ve never had a conversation with another writer that hasn’t in some way informed my own work.”

The award-winning musician added that he had “been lucky enough to learn from some of the best ever” including Robert Plant, Sir Elton John and Peter Gabriel.

“Those are some names people will know. I’m looking forward to working with names that everyone will come to know in a city that has nurtured some of the very best,” he said.

With Elbow – whose hits include “One Day Like This” and “Grounds For Divorce” – Garvey has picked up Ivor Novello and Brit awards, as well as the Mercury Music Prize.

In 2012, Garvey was awarded an honorary Doctor of Arts by Manchester Metropolitan.

The musician also presents a weekly show on BBC Radio 6 Music, and released his debut solo album – Courting the Squall – in 2015.

Poet Adam O’Riordan, academic director of Manchester Writing School, said: “Guy joining the Manchester Writing School feels very special. And we are all delighted to welcome him home.

“As the foremost lyricist of his generation and one of our city’s most celebrated and well loved native sons, he will bring a wealth of experience, passion and wisdom which will no doubt have a huge influence on the culture of the Manchester Writing School and the unique creative atmosphere that exists here in the city.”

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