Elbow front man Guy Garvey to become Professor of Songwriting at Manchester Metropolitan University

The Bury musician will offer masterclasses in songwriting.

Author: Victoria GloverPublished 27th Apr 2018

Elbow frontman Guy Garvey is branching out in a new career direction - as he prepares for life as a professor at Manchester Metropolitan University.

The singer is joining the Manchester Writing School as a visiting professor of songwriting.

As part of his role, Garvey, from Bury, will offer a masterclass in writing for music later this year.

He said: "I'm really looking forward to working with young songwriters at Manchester Metropolitan University. I've never had a conversation with another writer that hasn't in some way informed my own work.''

He added that he had "been lucky enough to learn from some of the best ever'' citing names such as Robert Plant, Sir Elton John, Lianne La Havas and Peter Gabriel.

"Those are some names people will know. I'm looking forward to working with names that everyone will come to know in a city that has nurtured some of the very best.''

With Elbow - whose hits include One Day Like This and Magnificent (She Says) - Garvey has picked up accolades including Ivor Novello and Brit awards, and the Mercury Music Prize.

In 2012, he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Arts by Manchester Metropolitan.

Poet Adam O'Riordan, academic director of Manchester Writing School said: "Guy joining the Manchester Writing School feels very special. And we are all delighted to welcome him home.

"As the foremost lyricist of his generation and one of our city's most celebrated and well-loved native sons, he will bring a wealth of experience, passion and wisdom which will no doubt have a huge influence on the culture of the Manchester Writing School and the unique creative atmosphere that exists here in the city.'