ABOUT US
We understand the value of a personal story and the transformation songwriting can bring to an individual’s sense of wellbeing.
Song Conversations offers songwriter residencies, creative workshops, and tuition.
Writing a song is an expressive outlet that fosters personal growth and presents meaningful opportunities for self-reflection and contemplation.
MEET THE FOUNDERS
Kiri Eriwata
Co-founder
Ngāti Toa, Ngāti Raukawa, Te Ati Awa, Scotland
Kiri is a songwriter, vocal coach, recording artist and music industry consultant. She has a passion for fostering projects that connect songwriters with their community and the music industry. She has written and released her own music and supported an array of other songwriters in the studio and on stage.
Kiri taught vocal performance, songwriting and music industry studies at the University of Auckland’s School of Music, a role she held from 2011 – 2019.
She currently holds the role of General Manager for Te Whai Community Trust, Mangawhai.
Stephen (Tīpene) Matthews
Co-founder
Heretaunga, Aotearoa
Stephen is a composer, songwriter and educator. He is passionate about helping songwriters explore and discover new things and we’ve discovered he has quite a knack for teaching online.
Stephen’s creative work explores the deep connections between people and the land, water and sea. Much of his work discusses issues to do with social justice and sustainability.
For twenty years Stephen has taught and mentored all the songwriters advancing their craft at the University of Auckland’s School of Music.