The Western term for music comes from the Greeks. The ancient Greeks thought that the arts were inspired by a collection of nine gods called the Muses.
This is understandable, because when a songwriter creates a song, it can feel as if it has come from an outside source. However, it has really come from the intuitive part of the songwriter’s brain.
The idea in mythology was that the Muses channeled creative ideas to singers and instrumental performers, and they in turn created their art.
On the other hand, some cultures lack an equivalent word for music. For instance, in some parts of the world the word for singing remains the same as the word for praying.
For most of the world’s history, songs have been about more than just entertainment. It helped pull people together and bind them as a community. It would be hard to imagine a church service, sporting event, or school rally without songs.
Songs have often had important roles in life cycle events: births, deaths, seasonal songs, coming of age, work songs, and holidays.
Composers and songwriters sculpt sound into compositions. In Western culture, we usually view it as entertainment. This mostly likely results from the structure of free market societies, which always looks for ways to monetize products and services.
The Music Archive includes posts on different ways of learning to sing, play instruments, and compose. However, the list below focuses on songwriting posts.
Songwriting Posts on Melody and Harmony Composition:
See the posts below for full descriptions.
– Geoffrey Keith
© 2022 Geoffrey Keith
Would you like to sound good when you play? Do you need help with your clarinet intonation? If you’ve ever had a hard time staying on pitch, or felt discouraged about bum notes, this post has you covered. Click to learn how to play your clarinet in tune. Estimated reading time 4 minutes.
How to Play Your $@?% Clarinet in Tune Read More »
Do you want to know what the word tempo means? Do you need to understand how tempos work? Understanding how tempos work in music is a critical skill, because picking the right speed can breathe life into your music. Click to learn how to play musical tempos from adagio to allegro. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
How to Play Musical Tempos from Adagio to Allegro Read More »
Do you love musical theatre? Do you want to sing Broadway theatre songs? If you do, you’ll need both crisp diction and good vocal technique. Click to learn how to sing powerful Broadway songs. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
How to Sing Powerful Broadway Songs Read More »
Did you just buy a guitar, but it didn’t come with anything to carry it in? Do you need some advice on what type of case to buy? A guitar case makes it easier to carry your instrument, and it also protects your guitar as you transport it. Click to learn how to choose the best guitar case for you. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
How to Choose the Best Guitar Case for You Read More »
Do you want to be able to play your cello or double bass in tune? Do you need help learning the necessary skills for accurate string intonation? The following post will give you bowing, fingering, and ear training tips that will help you master your instrument’s intonation. Click to learn how to play your cello in tune. Estimated reading time 4 minutes.
How to Play Your $@!% Cello in Tune Read More »
Are you new to playing piano? Do you want (or do you want your child) to learn an easy version of the song? Written in 1939, “The Wheels on the Bus” is a beloved children’s standard that’s had popular staying power. Click to learn how to play “The Wheels on the Bus” – easy piano version. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
How to Play Wheels on the Bus – Easy Piano Read More »
Do you need advice on how to write kids’ songs? Writing music for children is a fun way to motivate, teach, and entertain them. Having said that, writing for kids is similar to writing for adults but with a few differences. Click to learn how to write kids’ songs. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
How to Write Cool Kids’ Songs Read More »
Are you having issues with singing in tune? Do you want help improving your choir intonation? One of the main features of choir music is the beautiful harmonies. However, they only stay beautiful when you sing in tune. Click to learn how to improve your choir intonation. Estimated reading time 4 minutes.
How to Improve Your Choir Intonation Read More »
Are you a musician or want to be one? Are you looking for new and fun ways to interact with the “Successful Music Student” blog? I’m excited to announce that I’ve officially launched my Instagram page, which has the same name as my blog. Click to learn how it works and what it has to offer. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
Success Music Studio’s Expert Advice Is Now on Instagram Read More »
Do you want to know what the panic factor of music is? Do you need help dealing with performance pressure? The stress of an upcoming performance can have both positive and negative impacts. This is why there’s no substitute for playing in front of people, because you’ll never see the positives or learn how to deal with the negatives if you never try. What is the panic factor of music? Click to learn more. Estimated reading time 3 minutes
What Is the Panic Factor of Music? Read More »