As the weather turns colder and the nights draw in, we’re looking for ways to offer warm and welcoming spaces to get together, learn something new, share ideas with others, and boost wellbeing. Whether you want to take the time to explore your own creative voice, or you want to do something practical with your hands, there may be something for you in these courses.
CFINE Community Music Project: Community Songwriting Courses
These courses are designed to offer a safe space to explore your creative voice, and we encourage you to come along if you’ve ever thought about being creative but have hesitated to take the first step. If you would like a platform to get your voice heard, and let the world know how things look through your eyes, then please come along and give this course a go.
As well as the course sessions, you will have the opportunity to go to a recording studio with some of the material you’ve worked on, and to be part of a music video.
When and where?
There are three locations for the upcoming courses:
Torry – with tutor Alec Thompson-Miller
Fridays from 2-4pm, 8th November – 13th December (excluding 15th November), Greyhope School and Community Hub with access to Tullos Community Garden.
Seaton – with tutor Rebecca Dunn
Tuesdays from 1-3pm, 12th November – 10th December, North Sea Court Common Room with access to SNUG Community Garden.
Tillydrone – tutor TBC
Dates and times to be confirmed. Indoor space likely at Tillydrone Community Campus with access to Earth & Worms Community Garden.
When you click to register, you will be guided to choose which location works best for you. More information about the Tillydrone location will be available soon.
What’s involved?
The sessions will explore different ways to get inspired by our surroundings, including trips to the nearby community garden to spark ideas. You will learn how to turn those ideas into music by working together on songs, melodies, and lyrics. Even if you’ve never picked up an instrument or written a song before, you’ll be guided step by step in this friendly, supportive environment.
Why do it?
This course is not only about learning to write songs but also about bringing people together to celebrate their stories, experiences, and creativity. Plus, you’ll get the chance to work alongside a local tutor who will share their expertise and help you find your voice through songwriting.
The tutors
Alec Thompson-Miller
Alec is the founder of ACE Voices, an initiative focused on intergenerational music and storytelling. An experienced community music facilitator, Alec has worked across a range of settings, from schools to community choirs, bringing people of all ages together through song. His passion lies in helping participants find their own voice and share their stories through music, and he brings warmth, expertise, and a collaborative spirit to the project.
Rebecca Dunn
Rebecca is a folk singer, songwriter and performer known for her ethereal vocals and unique approach to storytelling through music. With extensive experience in community arts and music education, Rebecca’s projects often explore themes of nature, culture, and connection, blending music with elements of visual and community art.
How to sign up
Booking is required. Please register here https://forms.office.com/e/rZ9Qc98tXM
These free courses are open to all, for participants of all levels, no experience necessary! Whether you're already on your songwriting journey, or just curious to try something creative, this is a relaxed and welcoming space to express yourself through music.
Grow Food Indoors
For those who would like to learn gardening skills, how to grow edible produce on your own windowsill, and what you can grow during the winter months, our free Grow Food Indoors course might be for you!
CFINE & One Seed Forward Grow Food Indoors is a 5-session programme designed to be budget-friendly and for all levels, teaching you the basics of growing food over a series of different methods for indoor growing in the welcoming indoor space located at CFINE. The course also features the opportunity to try food growing technologies.
When and where?
Dates: Tuesdays, November 12th – December 10th
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: CFINE, The Simmers Centre, 2-4 Poynernook Rd, Aberdeen, AB11 5RW
Please note, this course will likely run again in January/ February 2025, so if you can’t attend this time but are interested in future then look out for updates or get in touch to find out more.
What’s involved?
This hands-on course will teach you about growing your own food indoors. You’ll learn practical skills, including:
- Setting up your indoor garden
- Seed planting and propagation
- Caring for plants in indoor spaces
- How to make the most of grow lights and natural light
- Harvesting your own fresh greens!
The course will also feature the unique Cube of Perpetual Light, which will allow you to compare growing with natural sunlight versus artificial light - giving you an understanding of how to grow year-round.
Why do it?
This course is for you if you’re interested in growing food indoors - whether you live in a flat, have limited outdoor space, or want to learn a new skill. This is also a great opportunity to meet new people and connect with others in the community.
How to sign up
Complete the form to register interest for the Grow Food Indoors course: https://forms.office.com/e/5gAG1pEL1R
Spaces on all these courses are limited, so please book your spot to secure your place. You can register as an individual or as a referral for someone else.
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions, email Rebecca Dunn at rdunn@cfine.org or call 01224 596156.