Learn Songwriting your way with a TakeLessons expert

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

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 comp

richcano / E+ / Getty Images Want to get started writing music of your own, but you're not sure where to begin? Arlington TX music teacher Ric F. shares his secret to composing interesting and meaningful music: start with the rhythm. Follow Ric's great advice and start sharing your music with the world! Like any subject, songwriting has techniques that can be learned and mastered. Songwriting mainly involves these musical elements: Rhythm Melody (pitch applied to rhythm) Harmo

Self-promotion is one of the most important (and difficult) processes that musicians and entrepreneurs experience. As a musician and songwriter, it is challenging sometimes to even get the confidence to put yourself out there in the first place. Once you establish that you are ready, where is the best place to start?  The internet contains a wealth of information about a lot of different things; sometimes helpful, sometimes confusing and conflicting. The good news? You don’t need a hug

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

Feeling stuck? Get back on track with these helpful tips for writing a song, courtesy of Perth Amboy, NJ teacher Jeff S...   One of the most frequent problems that songwriting students encounter is pushing past writer's block and generating ideas for new songs. So here are several tips for writing a song that will help you overcome a creative dry spell and get you back to creative productivity. Start With A Title Think of some interesting subjects that you think would make good s

Think you're ready to write your own song and record it? Songwriting can be an arduous process - but seeing the final product is an amazing feeling. Read on for a helpful pre-recording checklist from Perth Amboy, NJ teacher Jeff S...   Whether you're singing your own song or hiring a vocalist to sing on your demo or master, there are many layers of preparation needed to ensure optimum results. Some songwriters like to wing it and hope that things will magically work out because they

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?

What's in a name? If you're looking for songwriting tips as you pen your next tune, check out this advice from Perth Amboy, NJ teacher Jeff S...   There is not one "right" or preferred way to write a song. It's a very individual choice. Some songwriters start out with a patch of melody or a line or two of lyric as their creative catalyst. Others will initiate the songwriting muse with a unique and instantly-captivating song title or writing from their emotions. And in this ever-crowd

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