Since 2002
“Jacques, you run a great workshop program that empowers budding songwriters. I am impressed by your perseverance over the years in the songwriting craft. Your voice and harmony sense is better than ever. Congrats on the APRA/ASA acknowledgement — a tough nut to crack — but rewarding industry validation for your focused and persistent work. Your father would be proud of your guardianship of the family musical flame.”— Joe Dolce (“Shaddap You Face”)
Jacques M. Gentil — Award-Winning Songwriter & Mentor
Jacques M. Gentil is an award-winning songwriter, international songwriting mentor and founder of Magesongs School of Songwriting. Since founding Magesongs in 2002, he has helped aspiring and experienced songwriters develop the skills to write songs that connect, inspire and endure.
In 2026, Jacques represented Australia and won the Commonwealth Song Contest with Should Words Fail, adding to a career that includes being named APRA/ASA Australian Songwriter of the Year (2013) and receiving multiple national and international songwriting awards.
As a songwriter, publisher and ASCAP member, Jacques combines real-world industry experience with more than two decades of teaching and mentoring. Former students have gone on to win major songwriting awards, secure publishing opportunities, and build successful songwriting careers in Australia and overseas.
Whether you are writing your very first song or refining your craft at an advanced level, Jacques' practical, structured approach will help you write songs with greater impact, stronger melodies and lyrics that truly connect.
Career Highlights
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Winner — Commonwealth Song Contest 2026, representing Australia with Should Words Fail.
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APRA/ASA Australian Songwriter of the Year (2013).
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Founder and mentor of Magesongs School of Songwriting since 2002.
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Mentored songwriters who have gone on to win national and international songwriting awards.
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ASCAP Writer & Publisher member since 2002.
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Collaborated with Grammy-winning songwriter Diane Warren, Joey Kibble (Take 6), Joe Dolce and Nashville hit songwriter Trey Bruce amongst others.
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Performed internationally throughout Australia, the South Pacific, USA and Canada.
Awards & Recognition
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Commonwealth Song Contest — Winner (2026)
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APRA/ASA Australian Songwriter of the Year (2013)
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Multiple ASA National Songwriting Awards
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UK Songwriting Contest — Winner
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Songsalive! Australia Song Comp — Winner
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ASCAP Writer & Publisher Member
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Member — The Guild of International Songwriters & Composers
Philosophy
"Great songs are rarely written by accident. They are crafted. My mission is to help songwriters master the timeless skills that transform ideas into songs that connect, inspire and endure."