Budding young songwriters in Hertfordshire can find a platform and an audience for their music via a new website launched by Hertfordshire Music Service, part of Hertfordshire County Council.

The brand new website offers musicians the chance to connect with other young songwriters in their area, discover new music, get feedback on their songs from professional musicians and have a win some prizes.

David Williams, Hertfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for education, says: “The new website offers young songwriters a wonderful opportunity to showcase their work, hone their craft and learn from other musicians.”

Young people can upload their songs to an online chart and are encouraged to share their music with family and friends to see if they can get to the number one spot.

The site also features videos showcasing local young songwriters and top tips from artists such as Boo Hewerdine, a singer-songwriter known for his work with Eddi Reader and the song Patience of Angels.

Prizes on offer include the chance to win a performance spot at the Hertfordshire Schools’ Gala at the Royal Albert Hall in March 2018.

To support the website, Hertfordshire Music Service has launched a year-round programme of workshops for those aged eight to 18, taking place in school holidays, which launched successfully this week, giving young people the chance to write and record a song with the help of professional musicians.

For details of future workshops and to book a place go to songwriteronline.co.uk