From January 2026 – March 2026, I ran the first safe + sound school – a creative short form audio course.
The course was online, with 18 international participants from many different disciplines – from drag artists to news reporters. Over 12 weeks, through workshops, 1-1 mentoring sessions, special guest Q&As and peer support spaces, I taught all aspects of producing creative short form audio.
By the end of the course, participants were invited to produce a 3-10 minute piece on the theme of MOVEMENT. We ran a special safe + sound event to celebrate the course graduates and their pieces, and they were broadcast on Resonance FM.
The next safe + sound school will happen from September! Keep your eyes on our socials for updates.
Full Course Breakdown:
Monday 12th January
- Online workshop 6.30pm – 8.30pm
- How do you tell stories in sound?
Monday 19th January
- Online workshop 6.30pm – 8.30pm
- Idea Development and playing with structure
- Matching a format with a story
Monday 26th January – Friday 30th January
- Online Listening Session 6.30pm – 8.30pm
- Guest listening session & Q+A with Arlie Adlington
- Peer support session
- Ideas development week
- 30 minute 1-1 with Jesse
Monday 2nd February
- Online workshop 6.30pm – 8.30pm
- Creative approaches to interviewing
Monday 9th February
- Online workshop 6.30pm – 8.30pm
- Interviewing with Integrity
Monday 16th February
- Online Listening Session 6.30pm – 8.30pm
- Guest listening session & Q+A with Tej Adeleye
- This week, participants record their interviews
Monday 23rd February
- Online workshop 6.30pm – 8.30pm
- Cutting Tape: Hands on workshop
Monday 2nd March
- Online workshop 6.30pm – 8.30pm
- Creative approaches to editing
Monday 9th March
- Online Listening Session 6.30pm – 8.30pm
- Guest listening session & Q+A with Nicole Kelly
- Peer support session
- Editing week
- 30 minute 1-1 with Jesse (arranged for a time that suits you)
Monday 16th March
- Online workshop 6.30pm – 8.30pm
- Making People Feel Things: Sound Design
- Group feedback session
Monday 23rd March
- Online workshop 6.30pm – 8.30pm
- Sound design 2: Manipulating Sound
Monday 30th March
- Online Showcase! 6.30pm – 8.30pm
- Final session and showcase listening party!
Tuesday 18th May
- safe + sound @ New River Studios – Graduation event & fundraiser ❤
JESSE LAWSON 