Students at Shireland Collegiate Academy took part in a Focus Day songwriting workshop led by Matt Cominotto, lead singer of The Mercians, whose music has reached number one in the alternative charts. He has also toured with artists including Jess Glynne.
During the session, students experimented with a range of songwriting techniques, from crafting lyrics and developing melodies to arranging chord progressions. Under Matt’s guidance, they worked collaboratively to shape their ideas into original compositions, gaining hands-on experience of the creative process and learning how professional musicians structure and refine their work.
School Principal Thomas Daly said: “Bringing professionals into school makes a real difference to how students engage with their learning. This was an excellent opportunity for our students to learn from someone with direct experience of the music industry. It was amazing to see the high-quality work they produced, as they developed their ideas and gained a deeper understanding of the creative process.”
The Mercians have built a growing following, selling out venues including the O2 Academy Leicester and attracting more than half a million streams on Spotify. Their music draws on personal experience as well as wider social themes.
Alongside their work in music, the band has spoken openly about mental health and promoted messages of inclusion and respect, encouraging young people to value difference and support one another.
The workshop formed part of the Academy’s wider Focus Day programme, which provides students with opportunities to engage with external speakers and gain insight into creative industries. The session not only supported the development of students’ musical skills but also highlighted the role of music as a platform for self-expression and meaningful conversation.
