El Dorado Hills, CA Songwriting Lessons

Songwriting is often made out to be difficult, it's not! We will write several songs in your first lesson. The trick to it is finding inspiration and bridging that inspiration with your knowledge of music. Chord progression, melody, literature, the spoken word and studying how other songs are written are some of the things we'd work on. Whether you already play an instrument and want to learn to write songs or would like to integrate songwriting with your current instrumental studies, it is worthwhile regardless and can actually help you better understand your instrument as well as music as a whole.

Many people would like to learn to make up songs. Some aspire to include lyrics and communicate to the world. This can start with trying it out with a teacher. Lessons can provide an excellent bridge between the initial stages of gathering your musical tools and actually delivering a song to others with a recording or performance.

These lessons are meant to impart the basic concepts used in the rich American songwriting tradition. Prior knowledge of music is not required but helpful.

I've been writing rock songs for 14 years and have played in numerous bands during that time. I can help guide you through many of the trappings that come with writing songs, such as: writing music that strengthens the song not your ego, creating a your own style, avoiding repetition in form, applying advanced harmony to melody, using odd time signatures, and a variety of other options to make your music really stand out.

Contrary to popular belief, creativity is teachable. If you understand the inner workings of music, then you'll be better equipped to write effective songs.

How many times have you heard a song that took you back to a moment? When was the last time one made you cry? That is what Songwriting is all about. I want to help you learn to tell your story through lyrics and melody!

In addition to my musical experience, which includes having a degree, I wrote music for a band I was in, Eden's Requiem. I am happy to teach about how to get over songwriting writer's block, methods of songwriting, and to work on your songs with you!

Dan S holds a diploma in Modern Guitar Performance from La Musique Academy International and a Bachelors of Music in Guitar Performance and Jazz from Montclair State University. Dan Has been teaching since 2008 and brings both structure and a fully customizable approach to teaching, making sure you learn what you want and what you need to know to accomplish any musical dream. Dan has extensive experience working with children and teens as well as adults.

Learn new ways to approach songwriting so that you can intelligently work through your creative processes. Yes, it's good to write from emotion and passion but sometimes that isn't enough to make a truly memorable song. I can be your objective guide and help you find your unique voice as a songwriter whether you're writing as a hobby or writing seriously.