Mr Ford, the host of The Music Show on ABC Radio National, said he was inspired by the similarities and differences between songs across civilisations and time.

“I wanted to see what is similar and what is different between songs from centuries ago and songs from today,” he said.

The Australian Chamber Orchestra and the London Sinfonietta are amongst the organisations to have played Mr Ford’s music.

Mr Ford said every human civilization has used music to accompany their achievements, celebrations and events.

“People have made up tunes and put words to them or thought of a note and put some notes to them,” he said.

“We’ve used songs to help us lull babies to sleep, haul the sails of tall ships, pick cotton, fight wars, worship our gods and cheer on our sporting heroes.”

“What nearly all songs share is that they are short, self-contained and - in the case of the best ones - extremely memorable,” he said.

Mr Ford first conducted a session at the Robertson CTC earlier this year that asked the question: “What is a symphony?”

He was encouraged by attendees to return with a follow up session, and chose to focus on songs.

“I was particularly drawn to thinking about songs,” he said.

“On the face of it, there is a world of difference between Schubert and Springsteen but there are a great number of similarities.”

The composer nominated the length of most songs, the interaction between music and lyrics and the emotional attachment as significant similarities.

“I don’t want to give a history lesson,” he said.

“What is most interesting is the similarities and differences.”

Mr Ford promises a variety of music, from folk songs and Elizabethan lute music through to the great Lieder of Schubert and Schumann to the mèlodies of Faurè and Debussy.

Mr Ford will also detour through the music of the Beatles and Van Morrison, and promised some other surprises along the way.

The speaking sections will be illuminated with recorded excerpts of the tracks and some parts played by Mr Ford on the piano.

Mr Ford’s Amazing Musical Journey will take place at the Robertson CTC on Sunday from 10am to 4pm. The cost is between $50 and $70 and includes morning and afternoon tea and lunch.

For bookings, email info@robertsonctc.org.au or phone 4885 2665.