Are you perfectly content performing the pieces of famous composers and lyricists… or do you want to make your own contribution? If you want to learn how to become a songwriter, check out this guest post by teacher Eric C...
The world of music is as vast as the world that we live in. Some genres have existed for thousands of years, while others are still being created today. This is all because music is constantly evolving.
The evolution of music comes from songwriters and composers taking musical ideas that are common and then going a different direction. Other songwriters and composers seek to help a musical genre reach its perfection as they put their own spin on it.
Whether you are reinventing a genre, replicating a genre, or creating a completely new genre, it’s important to remember the value of songwriting, and why it matters. Here are a few things to keep in mind, as a composer:
1) Songwriting is important for the benefit of music as a whole.
Music is a constantly evolving field, and new songs and styles encourage this evolution. There will always be room for new, fresh ideas, as people’s interest in music changes as time goes on.
The only obviously incorrect ways to write music would be to completely copy another person’s song, or to not write at all. But when it comes down to it, there’s no right or wrong way to write a song if you’re writing your own original material. If you’re writing your own melody and/or words, you’re well on your way to becoming a composer — and pushing the music industry along!
2) Writing original music is important to yourself, as a composer.
Every song is a work of art, and a completed song is a measurement of your work. Songwriting is also a way to express yourself as an artist, and it can get you through difficult times (all music can). So when you think about it, writing music is good for your health!
As you continue to write songs, your style will develop and show through your music, and it will ultimately set you apart from others. Your writing style will also become more efficient and neater. This is an important skill that makes you more marketable and sought after as a musician and songwriter.
3) Finally, writing music is important to your audience.
An audience doesn’t have to be at a concert — it’s everyone who listens to your music. And sharing the story behind a song you wrote is a great way to connect you with that audience. It helps the audience relate to you and understand you better.
Similarly, when you sing a song you wrote, it’s like breaking off a piece of yourself and giving it to the audience. If you look at popular music today, the lyrics of most hit songs are clear and relatable. For example, Taylor Swift has several songs about breakups and the feelings associated with them. She has been very successful with connecting herself with her audience, because the thousands of teen girls going through breakups can relate to what her songs are about (and a catchy beat and melody helps, too).
As you can learn from Swift, sharing stories from your life through music is a very effective tool for aspiring songwriters. So, keep your audience in mind the next time you sit down to write a song!
How to Become a Songwriter
If you’re interested in songwriting as a career, just remember it will take some time. Even those who are proficient can sometimes struggle with coming up with song ideas.
If you’re feeling stuck, just sit down and start singing or playing an instrument, and try to make something up. It may not be a masterpiece, but sometimes writing something simple or off the top of your head can get the creativity flowing through your brain!
You can also study with a songwriting teacher to help get you started as well. When you study with a songwriting teacher, the goal is to help you figure out your “creative style,” give you more tools and ideas, and find a way to get YOUR music onto paper. There’s still plenty of room in the world of music for new ideas, so why not share yours?
Continue learning: Check out these 10 must-read tips for aspiring singer-songwriters!
Post Author: Eric C.Eric C. teaches saxophone, singing, songwriting, and more in Upland, CA. He mostly performs jazz and has played saxophone for more than a decade. Eric is currently attending Azusa Pacific University to pursue a degree in Saxophone Performance. Learn more about Eric here!
Suzy S.