Do you like writing songs, but get stuck when inspiration dries up? Do you enjoy the songs you’ve made, but feel they could be better? Songwriting is both a craft and an art. That’s why I named the category The Craft of Songwriting, so I can help you learn how to write well-crafted songs.
The art happens when ideas seem to come out of nowhere, sometimes coming together like magic. The craft comes in when you look at what you have written and ask yourself, “Hmm… can I make this better?” Then, you use songwriting strategies to sculpt and shape the raw ideas in your song.
Also, how do you defeat writer’s block? It can be a pain when inspiration ditches you. What do you do then?
Let me tell you a story.
Back in 1988, I got my worst case of writer’s block ever. Up to this point, when I wanted to write a song, I just did it. But suddenly, the ideas just would not flow. Dealing with my writer’s block forced me to also work on my craft and actually made my writing a lot stronger.
Fast forward a decade, I became involved with the Boston Songwriter’s Workshop (BSW). I started sharing my starter ideas and writer’s tips in articles for the BSW Newsletter. When I became the director of the BSW, I organized and taught special events as well.
Now I am going to share these starter ideas and writer’s tips with you too in the blog category The Craft of Songwriting.
The Craft of Songwriting blog category obviously focuses on writing lyrics and music. However, the Rock Star series of posts from the Intonation Blog Category has information on playing in alternate tunings that guitarists will find helpful. Singers should check out the Singing in Tune Blog Category.
Cornerstone Category Post:
Songwriting Posts:
Guitar:
Ensemble:
Singing in Tune:
The previous topic lists will be updated periodically. See the post grid below for the full list and full descriptions with featured images.
– Geoffrey Keith
© 2022 Geoffrey Keith
Back to the Successful Music Student Blogs page
Do you get confused about the ways improvisation and composition differ? Would you like to be better at both? Then, you’ve found the right post. Click to learn about improvising vs composing music. Estimated reading time 4 minutes.
Improvising vs Composing Music Read More »
Do you want to write songs, but don’t know where to start? To write a song, you need both imagination and the skill to put your imagination to work. If you see pictures in the clouds and have words and melodies pop into your head, songwriting will be well suited to your abilities. Click to answer the question, “What is required of me to write a good song if I have no experience with songwriting?” Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
What is Required of Me to Write a Good Song if I Have No Experience with Songwriting? Read More »
“What is a parallel mode and how does it work? And how does a parallel mode differ from a relative mode?” Many musicians find the concept of modes confusing. I can help! Click to answer the question, “What is a parallel mode and how does it work?” Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
What is a Parallel Mode and How Does it Work? Read More »
“Can I write a song if I don’t play an instrument? If I have a melody and lyrics in my head, how can I create backing tracks for my song?” Good news! You too can write songs, even if you can’t play an instrument. Click to read, “How can I write a song without an instrument?” Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
How Can I Write a Song Without an Instrument? Read More »
Do you need talent to write music and compose lyrics for a song? Or can you get by using music theory and compositional techniques? We’ll talk about that and a whole lot more in today’s post. Click to answer the question, “Do I need talent to write music and compose lyrics for a song?” Estimated reading time 4 minutes.
Do I Need Talent to Write Music and Compose Lyrics? Read More »
Frustrated that you can’t get the mood of your music and lyrics to match? Do you have problems getting the syllables of your lyrics to work with the music? If you answered, “yes,” you have problems with prosody in your songwriting. Read more to answer the question, “How do I get the music and lyrics to match together in my songwriting?” Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
How Do I Get the Music and Lyrics to Match Together in My Songwriting? Read More »
Have you ever wondered, “Why do minor keys sound sad and major keys sound happy?” Has this phenomenon been hardwired into us, or does culture impact how we perceive scales? In fact, it’s a little bit of both. Read more to learn how this works. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
Why Do Minor Keys Sound Sad to Me? Read More »
Have you ever stared at a blank page, trying to come up with a lyric idea? Do you ever ask, “Where do I get inspiration for my lyrics?” Look no further! I’ll give you three lyric writing starter ideas to help you get the juices flowing. Read more to learn how to get back on track with your writing. Estimated reading time 4 minutes.
Where Do I Get Inspiration for My Lyrics? Read More »
Do you have a melody and need chords to go with it? Do you feel clueless when working with harmonies? This post will explain how to find just the right chords for your song. Read more to learn how to find cool chords for your song. Estimated reading time 5 minutes.
Do You Want Cool Chords for Your Song? Read More »
Are you stuck on how to begin writing your song? Have you been staring at a blank page and need help with structuring your song? You’ve come to the right place! Read on to learn more about 7 songwriting templates to get your ideas flowing. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
7 Songwriting Templates to Get Your Ideas Flowing Read More »