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Songwriting articles & Resources

Songwriting resources, articles and tips for beginner and beyond

The Controversy of Creating a Vocal Range Chart

There are many singing methodologies out there, and each teacher has their own way of teaching.  Some methods use a vocal range chart, while others forego this tool. So, what's the controversy?  Let's take a look at the pros and cons of using a vocal range chart in order to help you make a decision for your own singing.  What Are the 5 Voice Ranges? A vocal range chart highest to lowest ranking will generally include these five voice ranges: Soprano Mezzo-Soprano Alto Te

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Lyrically Stuck? Think Like Eddie Vedder to Learn How to Write Song Lyrics

Earlier this week, Eddie Vedder announced the venues for his upcoming solo tour, stopping in 13 cities to promote his 2011 album "Ukelele Songs." The tour begins on April 11th in Las Vegas, and then works across the country, ending on May 16th in Orlando.  Pearl Jam embarks on its European tour just one month after. Vedder's passion-filled lyrics, ranging in topics from personal to political, have made him one of the most prominent songwriters of the rock-and-roll genre. Pair that with hi

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Resources for Creating Your Own Sheet Music | TakeLessons

As you develop your musical skills, you may become interested in writing your own music. While learning to play an instrument and being able to play others’ music is a wonderful skill, nothing compares to the ability to make sheet music full of your own compositions! Once you have a strong music foundation, you can let your musical creativity run wild.  As a budding songwriter, you’ll need to add some additional skills to your repertoire. Writing music can be as simple as putting a pen

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How to Write a Song TODAY | TakeLessons

Writing a song is an art form. Your first song will probably not be your best, but you can’t write your greatest hit if you don’t get started. Just like any art form, you will get better with time. There is no one size fits all formula for writing a song, and there are no fixed rules.  There are several methods that are utilized by songwriters all over the world. When you are in a band you might write a song as a group. Each member being responsible for their own part that fits into t

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How to Write a Song: A Step-By-Step Beginners Guide to Songwriting

Looking for information about how to write a song? If so, you’re in the right place! In this guide, we’re going to share everything you need to know. If you’ve already tried your hand at songwriting, you probably know how amazing it feels to create your own music and express yourself through lyrics, chords, and melodies! As you learn how to make a song, you may notice that every tutorial is a bit different. That’s normal, as the process of writing music is different for ev

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Logic Pro Tutorial: How To Create An Audio Slow-Down Effect

Want to add a cool slow-down effect to your music? Learn how in this Logic Pro tutorial from Brevard, NC teacher John C... If you've listened to popular radio in the past several years, and I’m guessing you have, you've heard either a vocal melody line or an instrumental part of a song make a particular effect. Listen to the following Fall Out Boy song and pay attention to the music in the background at 00:27 seconds, again at 1:27, and once again at 2:27: Did you hear it? That's the

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Quiz: What Should You Write Your Next Song About?

Are you curious about whether you have songwriters block - and what to do about it? Chances are, if you’re any kind of creative professional - be it a songwriter or a novelist - you’re going to struggle with writer’s block at some point in your career or another. Fortunately, songwriting writer’s block is something you can conquer - and once you know how to deal with it, you’ll be able to continue writing creative, inspiring songs many years into your career.  In this post,

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Female Songwriters to Inspire You

Ooh, girl.  Full honesty here, I read my topic for this week and I whisper-screamed “YES!!” in my little home office. As a female singer/songwriter, I have found inspiration from many a woman, from many a genre, known, and unknown. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy my favorite article to date.  Let’s start with the queen herself, Dolly Parton.  She has written more than her fair share of hits, including ones you probably had no idea that were her creations. (Hannah Montana theme song?

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How Do Songwriters Get Paid? Guide to Keeping Your Song Rights

Writing a song is a huge accomplishment. It takes a lot of patience, perseverance, hard-work, knowledge, and sometimes sheer luck. There are many expenses that go into writing and releasing a song as well. Will you hire musicians as session artists? Are you recording at home or in an established studio? Will you mix and master your song or are you hiring someone else to do it? Either way, each one costs time, money, or both. In this article, we will explore different the question, "how do songwr

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Songwriting Prompts to Spark Your Creativity

Songwriting is a seemingly mystical process by which some universal truth is almost subconsciously dictated through you as an empty vessel on to a blank page. It often - but not always - takes a form. It often - but not always - has a rhyme schema. And frequently - though not always - can follow a formula. Whether you're just starting as a singer/songwriter, or you're a veteran musician, the songs that make their way onto our hearts are not written so much as they are discovered. Songs happe

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