Poets, Put your Words to Music

 

Whether you’re just starting out, or have written many songs already, it’s worth taking a close look at your songwriting process to see if there are ways to improve or to better organize your work. In this post, we’ll examine the ways Songwriters go about the business of writing a song and offer a step-by-step process you can use to write your own songs. I’ll also offer some action steps you can use to further your songwriting skills and some useful learning resources for Songwriters.

Talent or the education

Many Songwriters claim the talent to write songs is a special gift, which you either have or you don’t. It may be true that at least some talent is required, but it’s also certainly true that the art and craft of songwriting can be taught and learned.

The fact that there are college degrees offered in songwriting is proof of this. Studying songwriting could be an opportunity to develop and refine your natural gift in order to make the most of the talent and ability you have.

Here’s our simple step-by-step for how to write a song:

• Choose a title or decide on your song topic
• Write a hook/chorus on your main instrument
• Choose a song structure
• Write the verses
• Write a bridge (if you want one) and consider modulating, or a breakdown
• Write lyrics
• Record a demo version
• Add other instruments (if needed)
• Listen back and improve on anything that’s not working

Where to Start

It’s easy to say, “just start.” But where? Making a song is like a project, with a beginning, a middle, and an end. Where to start is the first important decision you’ll face.

The beginning

Some artists start with a title, a lyric, or a topic, while others might play around with a chord progression, a melody, and a rhythmic feel or tempo. There really isn’t any right or wrong way to go about it. It comes down to what works best for you. You don’t have to always use the same approach either; you can try different approaches for different songs.

The middle

It’s important to write on a regular basis so you can develop your skills and a body of work. Understand that you will have to write many songs to end up with a few good ones. Most professional Songwriters have catalogues with hundreds of songs, and that doesn’t happen overnight. If you’ve decided you are a Songwriter, you’d best get to work writing songs.

Try putting yourself in a personal space where the inspiration is likely to hit you. For example, if you like to be in nature, or by the seashore, or in a big city, you could have an idea for a song come to you seemingly out of nowhere. Be attuned to these moments and be sure to carry a little songwriting notebook with you where you can jot down any ideas that come to you.

Many accomplished Songwriters say they do this. It could be some words, a phrase, a title, a melody, or chords. Just write it down so you can return to it later.

The ending

That takes us to the ending.   So, now we visit another website that has Poetry Challenge in its title.  Not to worry, there’s also steps to take to end the thing, meaning the song.  Check it out!

Source: careersinmusic.com