In this two-hour seminar, Songwriting, Poetry and The Heart of the Performer, seasoned musicians Brenda Liddiard & Mark Laurent share their deep knowledge of songwriting and performance, built over decades of making music together.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your craft, this session offers practical tools, creative insight, and plenty of inspiration. With performing careers that span from city streets to concert halls and major festivals, Brenda and Mark bring a rich mix of grassroots authenticity and professional polish. Their songs have appeared on multiple albums, been covered by other artists, won awards, and featured in film soundtracks.

In this session, you'll explore:

What makes a song work—and how to shape your own
Ways to tap into your own voice and tell stories through song
Techniques for engaging an audience with authenticity and presence

Come prepared to listen, learn, and connect with the deeper purpose of songwriting: to share something real

Saturday 14th March 2026
10 am - 12 pm, in the Parnell Room.
Cost: $30

Tutor: Brenda Liddiard and Mark Laurent

Brenda Liddiard and Mark Laurent are a seasoned singer-songwriter duo with decades of experience performing, recording, and touring throughout New Zealand, Australia, and the UK. Drawing from folk, alt-country, blues, and acoustic traditions, they craft original songs that are rich in lyrical depth and musical nuance. Brenda is known for her emotive vocals and poetic storytelling, while Mark brings expressive guitar work and a wide-ranging musical palette. Together, they create intimate, heartfelt performances that blend strings, songcraft, and spoken word—offering a unique, grassroots approach to music that resonates deeply with audiences.

About Our Classes:

The Village Square Trust runs an exciting programme of Community Classes and Activities at Parnell Community Centre.

Learn a Language

Start as a beginner or join us to improve your grammar and conversation! We offer multi-level language classes in French, Italian, Spanish, Arabic, Japanese and Te Reo.

Stay in great shape

Our Healthy Body & Mind Classes are among the most popular held at Parnell Community Centre. Classes in Hatha Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, Move and Meditate, Senior Swans, SpinPoi and Dance with Donna.

Get creative

Discover a hidden talent as you learn or build on your skills from our classes in drawing, painting, embroidery, artistry of flowers, writing, and dance.

Be sociable and join in activities at Parnell Community Centre

Join in one of our fun social groups. One $15 annual fee covers your membership for all social activities, then pay a small fee ($3-$8) per session, which includes tea, coffee and biscuits.

For further details about our community classes and activities, see our website at https://villagesquare.org.nz/classes or contact Abigail on 09 555 5164

Most classes and activities are held in the Parnell Community Centre (Jubilee Building) at 545 Parnell Road. You’ll find details of all our classes in the digital flyer linked below or at https://villagesquare.org.nz/classes

Parnell Community Centre | 545 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland

Session Dates & Times

This activity runs on these dates and times:

March 2026
Saturday, 14 March 2026 (10:00am to 12:00pm)

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	Session name	Total
	Songwriting and Strings	$30.00

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Terms & Conditions for Parnell Community Centre

Last updated on Monday, 22 September 2025, 3:57pm

Parnell Community Centre Classes and Activities

Terms & Conditions

FEES/PAYMENTS

You must enrol and pay for your class before it begins. (Tutors cannot accept enrolments or payments.)
Our class and activity fees include GST.
A 10% discount applies for senior citizens (65+) and people with a Community Services Card.
No discounts for casual attendance activities or annual membership fees.
Please note, if you choose to pay by credit card, a credit card transaction fee will be added to your total.
Material costs are not included, unless otherwise stated.
Children enrolled in classes and activities under the age of 16 years old must have a parent or guardian onsite.

CONFIRMATION

Many classes and activities require a minimum number of enrolments before they can proceed.

We will contact you to confirm your enrolment and any requirements 3-5 days prior to commencement.

TRANSFERS

A $10 fee is charged for each transfer between courses, before the activity commences.

CREDITS

You will get a 100% credit on your account if we cancel the class or activity.
You will get a 100% credit on your account if you withdraw at least ONE WEEK before the activity start date.
You will not receive a credit if you withdraw after the class has started.

Credits are only carried forward for the next term.

REFUNDS

A $15 fee is charged for the refund of a credit note on your account.

CANCELLATIONS / DATE AND TIME CHANGES

Parnell Community Centre reserves the right to cancel any activity at any time and to change any course dates and times.

DOGS/ANIMALS

As an Auckland Council community venue, no animals are permitted on site, other than guide dogs for the visually impaired, registered companion animals or official animals of the NZ Police.

COURSE EVALUATION

We welcome and value your feedback. Participants will be invited to complete a survey emailed at the end of the term.

PHONE USE DURING CLASS

As a courtesy to your Tutor and fellow classmates, we ask that phones be kept on silent during your class/workshop or that phone calls be taken outside the room.

HEALTH & SAFETY

When attending a class/activity/workshop, you are responsible for ensuring you are familiar with Emergency Procedures which can be found in each room and bathroom in the building.

EMERGENCY CONTACT

When attending a class/activity/workshop, we require a contact name and phone number in case of an emergency.

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2026 Term 1 Songwriting, Poetry and The Heart of the Performer Workshop

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