From Recreation to Profession: A Heuristic Inquiry into the Learning and Development of Early-Career Songwriters

This research explores the experiences of early-career songwriters in Australia as they transition from writing recreationally to professionally within the music industry. Combining heuristic inquiry with collective case study research, this study examines how early-career songwriters learn and develop their practice, what skills and knowledge they need to write songs, and what factors enable or constrain their development. The findings contribute to a more holistic understanding of songwriting practice, offering valuable insights into how songwriting can be learned and taught within tertiary education settings.