Grammy Winning Songwriter Gives Online Masterclass

Speaking live from Virginia Beach in the United States, Grammy Award winning singer, songwriter and producer Juanita Wynn delivered an uplifting online masterclass for students at both Ealing Green College and Hammersmith and Fulham College.

Juanita guided learners through her creative approach, explaining how to write authentically by using one’s own voice, heart and lived experience. She encouraged students to recognise writing as a skill that can be developed with consistent practice and dedication.

She also shared the story of her rise in the music world. Early recognition from Quincy Jones Music Publishing led to her first two year contract, followed by a five year agreement with Sony ATV Music Publishing. These milestones opened the door to collaborations with major artists, including writing with Beyoncé and contributing to the tracks “If” and “Free” on Destiny’s Child’s Destiny Fulfilled album.

Her lyrics are rooted in a life shaped by challenge and resilience: from preacher’s daughter, to teenage runaway, to homelessness, and later to counsellor before becoming an acclaimed musician. During the session she asked students to clasp their own hands, explaining that her personal philosophy centres on the belief that each person carries two sides within themselves, and that personal growth comes through uniting them.

The question-and-answer session that followed was lively and wide ranging, with students asking about writer’s block, her favourite current artists, the realities of the music business, what she seeks when hiring instrumentalists, and her guidance for emerging talent stepping into the industry.

Juanita also demonstrated how she uses AI as a creative companion in songwriting. She noted that while such tools can spark ideas and extend possibilities, they can never replace imagination, originality and the human spark behind meaningful artistic expression.

Marina Clark, Head of Foundation Learning and Business, said: “Opportunities like this are incredibly valuable for our students because they allow learning to extend beyond the traditional classroom setting. Hearing directly from creative professionals helps our learners build confidence, broaden their ambitions and begin to see themselves as emerging artists and storytellers in their own right.”