Three local finalists took part in two days of intensive workshops, focusing on crafting original songs for a performance on July 11.

Leigh workshopped the artists’ songs individually, looking at lyrical flow, melody, phrasing, and performance.

"One of the things these great songwriters showed me yesterday is that it’s really hard to get access to lessons that they need, and mentoring in remote areas.”

“Programs like this are rare, to be honest. QMF is fantastic, and Megan has been involved in these programs since 2003.”

Local mentor Megan Sarmardin assisted Leigh in giving feedback to the burgeoning musicians; Bianca Lugo, Lenita Woodsbey and Cath Purcell.

“It’s been a great journey,  to be able to do something like this with other ladies. Passing it all on and helping, that’s a reward,” Megan said.

The finalists said songwriting has been part of their lives for a while.

“Songwriting has been my emotional release and my creative space, to get though a process or to get through a time or to celebrate something,” Lenita said.

Bianca said since leaving her band she has been trying to find her way, musically.

“It’s really good for me to find my own feet and channel what I already know with all these new strategies and techniques,” Bianca said.

Songs That Made Me was developed by QMF director Katie Noonan as a response to low numbers of female singer/songwriters indicated in APRA/AMCOS statistics.

The program covers aspects of the music industry as well as songwriting and performance.

“There’s a lot of support to just follow your own music journey, which is so overwhelmingly helpful. There is no right path, it is your own path. It’s really encouraging to hear that,” Lenita said.

On July 11 one finalist will perform with Hannah Macklin, Clare Bowditch, and Deborah Conway at the Mount Isa Civic Centre.