CreaTeME supported trip to International Writers Camp in Haarlem 2024
This October, from October 21st to 24th a group of talented songwriting students traveled to Haarlem, Netherlands, for a CreaTeME-funded opportunity to participate in the International Writers Camp. The camp immersed students from various music disciplines in intensive training, collaborative creation, and networking with some of the industry’s top professionals. The event offered a platform to explore creativity, craft, and experience the music industry’s demands and dynamics firsthand.
Day 1: Masterclass & Inspiration
The camp commenced with an Inspiration Day on Monday, providing a lineup of masterclasses by experienced professionals from different sectors of the music industry. These sessions gave students insights into the creative and business aspects of music, with practical tips on songwriting, production, and performance techniques. Beyond mere theory, the masterclasses covered how to approach songwriting for different genres, maximize studio time, and navigate the evolving landscape of music publishing. The sessions set the stage for the intensive creative work that would follow, energizing students with new ideas and professional insights.



Days 2 and 3: Collaborative Songwriting
From Tuesday onwards, students were divided into small teams, combining their diverse skill sets to work on original tracks. Each team was tasked with crafting a song based on real-world briefs provided by renowned publishers, including Sony, BMG, CTM, Strengholt, and Armada. These briefs guided the creative direction of each song, presenting students with an authentic industry challenge: creating work that meets professional standards while staying true to artistic vision.
Coaches were available throughout the two days to support and guide students, offering expertise in songwriting, lyricism, and music production. The students received valuable one-on-one feedback on their ideas, arrangements, and recording techniques, giving them room to refine their craft under the guidance of accomplished mentors.
Tuesday Jam Session
Tuesday night featured a lively jam session at a local bar in Haarlem. This event allowed participants to break away from their structured teams and freely engage in a spontaneous, musical exchange. The jam session encouraged students to try out new musical ideas and connect informally with one another, building friendships and collaborative ties that extended beyond the classroom environment.
Day 4: Feedback & Closing Session
The camp concluded on Thursday with a feedback day, where representatives from Sony, BMG, CTM, Strengholt, and Armada listened to the students’ tracks and provided professional critique. For many, this feedback session was a transformative experience, providing constructive guidance and industry-specific insights from seasoned professionals. Students had the chance to ask questions and discuss the future potential of their songs, gaining a deeper understanding of what industry professionals look for in commercially viable music.
The closing session brought the group together to celebrate their hard work and achievements. Students walked away with a wealth of knowledge, fresh connections, and the rewarding experience of seeing their music reviewed by respected publishers.
The CreaTeME-funded opportunity for this trip underscores its commitment to nurturing emerging talents in songwriting and music production. For students, the camp offered a rare chance to work under real-world conditions and directly engage with the industry, bridging the gap between academic learning and professional practice. Through this camp, participants were able to expand their creative potential, leaving Haarlem with a renewed vision and a collection of valuable new songs.
The International Writers Camp was a milestone for these young songwriters, marking a experience that will likely shape their future musical careers. CreaTeME’s support has not only enabled a deeper exploration of their craft but also paved the way for meaningful industry connections and creative growth.
Photo by Nina Ugland



