Let’s face it: Singapore still has a long way to go when it comes to emphasising creativity. Most schools don’t teach you how to write choruses and verses, and how to synthesise them into songs. So for those looking for their big break in the music industry, you can count on critically-acclaimed local musician Charlie Lim to help with a songwriting and production workshop called The Hit Academy Asia! And throughout most of the course, you won’t even need to leave your home to meet fellow aspiring artists from all over the world.

“Am really looking forward to help contribute where I can and help budding artists find their voice in the process,” shared Charlie Lim, further adding that The Hit Academy Asia is bringing a grounded, practical curriculum that he wished was available when starting out his career. He’s also keen to show a few examples of his own approach to songwriting, and give students new tools for completing their own songs.

Charlie Lim is a singer-songwriter with two #1 albums on the local iTunes charts under his belt. Newly inducted as a Young Artist Awardee in 2021 by the National Arts Council, the highest award for young art practitioners, he is also the music director of Indiego; an online radio station that supports local and independent music. In short? That means you’re in good hands.

Different creative minds are working together to create The Hit Academy Asia, with Charlie teaming up with other mentors like British keyboardist Sister Bliss and Singapore music producer Tat Tong. Publishing company Prolific Songs and UK-based music education hub Tileyard Education are running the whole course.

Running from August to September, the six-week-long Hit Academy Asia will take you through live online songwriting, production and image branding sessions. Classes take place from 5 to 7pm on Monday and Wednesday, as well as from 10 to 12pm on Saturdays.

All lesson content is applicable to real-world projects – lyricists-to-be will attempt to write live song briefs that international record labels might accept. You’ll also get one-on-one mentoring too, with a three-day songwriting camp on 21-23 October at Noivil Studios, Singapore, capping it all off.

At the moment, fees stand at S$5,888. Although it is rather pricey considering that almost the whole course is online, star-studded guest speakers will step in – like Sacha Skarbek, who helped to write hit songs with James Blunt and Miley Cyrus. The Hit Academy’s track record is pretty impressive too. After all, alumni from past iterations of the programme have signed deals with renowned production companies.

“There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to songwriting, and many great songs are born out of happy accidents, but a lot of the work is about problem-solving in order to get it across the finish line,” reflected Charlie. “Yet there’s no better feeling in the world than finishing a song you’re proud of.”