Expert Songwriter Tips

From passion to profit, there are many reasons that musicians – and aspiring musicians – choose to write songs. Of course, we want to be paid for our efforts, but most don’t usually start out with that goal – it goes much deeper than that. For many of us, words and music often come easily to our consciousness. For the average songwriter, help is needed from time to time.

Here are a few expert songwriting tips that can be applied to work through the occasional kink:

• Don’t be a slave to theory. Sure, a sound knowledge of music theory is a great thing, but don’t become locked in battle with it. If it no longer works to your advantage, toss it, and move on to something that feels less forced.
• Don’t criticize other musicians. When you dismiss what other musicians do (or don’t do), you lose your objectivity and miss out on learning something from the person. All musicians can offer something from which others can learn. A songwriting contest is a great way to check out other writers.
• Look to the past for inspiration. No, we’re not suggesting that you steal someone else’s lyrics or music. Instead, look to the old stuff. Music published before 1923 is not protected by copyright. It is considered part of the “public domain,” and can be great fodder for songwriter ideas.
• Just add love. William Shakespeare penned, “If music be the food of love, play on.” Old Bill has it right. Music can set a mood, and love songs are extremely powerful. If you’ve been avoiding writing campy love songs because you think you won’t be taken seriously, look around you. You will find that many professional songwriters today regularly write love songs. Those songs contributed to the fame of the Beatles, the Righteous Brothers, Paul McCartney, Joe Cocker, Elton John, and many others.
• Open your mind to different genres. The best way to approach your music from all angles is to understand other genres. So you write rock music – get a fresh dose of style or lyric writing tips by checking out country, bluegrass or jazz. Listen to hip-hop and rap. Each style of music has some degree of basis in another style.
• Location, location, location. We are all psychologically tuned in to our surroundings. Who can’t relax while sitting at the beach? Your surroundings can help you focus – or make you lose your muse. Set up the area you dedicate to songwriting to help creativity flow.

The above is just a taste of what you can learn at the Songwriter Institute.
Call us at 877 WRITE HITS for more information on how we can help.