100 Best Songwriting Books of All Time
We've researched and ranked the best songwriting books in the world, based on recommendations from world experts, sales data, and millions of reader ratings. Learn more
1
The Must-Have Guide for Songwriters
Writing Better Lyrics has been a staple for songwriters for nearly two decades. Now this revised and updated 2nd Edition provides effective tools for everything from generating ideas, to understanding the form and function of a song, to fine-tuning lyrics.
Perfect for new and experienced songwriters alike, this time-tested classic covers the basics in addition to more advanced techniques.Songwriters will discover:
- How to use sense-bound imagery to enhance a song's emotional impact on listeners
-... more
Writing Better Lyrics has been a staple for songwriters for nearly two decades. Now this revised and updated 2nd Edition provides effective tools for everything from generating ideas, to understanding the form and function of a song, to fine-tuning lyrics.
Perfect for new and experienced songwriters alike, this time-tested classic covers the basics in addition to more advanced techniques.Songwriters will discover:
- How to use sense-bound imagery to enhance a song's emotional impact on listeners
-... more
2
The Art of War meets "The Artist's Way" in this no-nonsense, profoundly inspiring guide to overcoming creative blocks of every kind. less
James AltucherWhen a writer or an entrepreneur, or a manager, or an employee, or a…whatever…sits down to get to work, he or she is often met by “the resistance”. The excuses that come up: I can’t do this. I am too old. I don’t have enough money. I’m scared. “The War of Art” is the guide to getting through that block. The comfort zone is papered up and cemented shut by our excuses. Learn to blast through that... (Source)
Seth GodinAlso hard to find on audio. I find Steve's voice to be fascinating, and even before I knew him, I was fascinated by listening to him speak his own work. The War of Art is one of those books, at least for me when I finally was exposed to it, I said, 'Why wasn't I informed? Why did it take this long for this book to land on my desk?'... You need to be clear with yourself about what you are afraid... (Source)
Brian KoppelmanTalks about resistance. (Source)
3
Infuse your lyrics with sensory detail!
Writing great song lyrics requires practice and discipline. Songwriting Without Boundaries will help you commit to routine practice through fun writing exercises. This unique collection of more than150 sense-bound prompts helps you develop the skills you need to:
tap into your senses and inject your writing with vivid details
effectively use metaphor and comparative language
add rhythm to your writing and manage phrasing
Songwriters, as well as writers of other genres, will benefit from this... more
Writing great song lyrics requires practice and discipline. Songwriting Without Boundaries will help you commit to routine practice through fun writing exercises. This unique collection of more than150 sense-bound prompts helps you develop the skills you need to:
tap into your senses and inject your writing with vivid details
effectively use metaphor and comparative language
add rhythm to your writing and manage phrasing
Songwriters, as well as writers of other genres, will benefit from this... more
4
“It’s not that I don’t love you, and my tears are yet to dry. But you can’t go back and forth forever and we’ve already said goodbye.”
Through these words, a young poet unearths his musical soul while severing ties with the woman he loves after her stunning betrayal. Unknowingly, in writing this ballad of liberation, he will soon evolve as one of the fastest rising stars on the pop music landscape.
The year is 1991; the place, New York City. Here we meet Johnny Elias, a college student from Brooklyn with boundless adoration for two things in life: timeless popular music,... more
Through these words, a young poet unearths his musical soul while severing ties with the woman he loves after her stunning betrayal. Unknowingly, in writing this ballad of liberation, he will soon evolve as one of the fastest rising stars on the pop music landscape.
The year is 1991; the place, New York City. Here we meet Johnny Elias, a college student from Brooklyn with boundless adoration for two things in life: timeless popular music,... more
5
The classic collection of candid interviews with the greatest songwriters of our time, including Bob Dylan, Brian Wilson, Patti Smith, Paul Simon, Tom Petty, and dozens more
This expanded fourth edition of Songwriters on Songwriting includes ten new interviews--with Alanis Morissette, Lenny Kravitz, Lou Reed, and others. In these pages, sixty-two of the greatest songwriters of our time go straight to the source of the magic of songwriting by offering their thoughts, feelings, and opinions on their art. Representing almost every genre of popular music, from blues... more
This expanded fourth edition of Songwriters on Songwriting includes ten new interviews--with Alanis Morissette, Lenny Kravitz, Lou Reed, and others. In these pages, sixty-two of the greatest songwriters of our time go straight to the source of the magic of songwriting by offering their thoughts, feelings, and opinions on their art. Representing almost every genre of popular music, from blues... more
6
Immensely helpful and illuminating to any aspiring writer, Stephen King’s critically lauded, classic bestseller shares the experiences, habits, and convictions that have shaped him and his work.
"Long live the King" hailed Entertainment Weekly upon publication of Stephen King’s On Writing. Part memoir, part master class by one of the bestselling authors of all time, this superb volume is a revealing and practical view of the writer’s craft, comprising the basic tools of the trade every writer must have. King’s advice is grounded in his vivid memories from childhood... more
"Long live the King" hailed Entertainment Weekly upon publication of Stephen King’s On Writing. Part memoir, part master class by one of the bestselling authors of all time, this superb volume is a revealing and practical view of the writer’s craft, comprising the basic tools of the trade every writer must have. King’s advice is grounded in his vivid memories from childhood... more
Mark MansonI read a bunch of books on writing before I wrote my first book and the two that stuck with me were Stephen King’s book and “On Writing Well” by Zinsser (which is a bit on the technical side). (Source)
Jennifer RockIf you are interested in writing and communication, start with reading and understanding the technical aspects of the craft: The Elements of Style. On Writing Well. On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft. (Source)
Benjamin Spall[Question: What five books would you recommend to youngsters interested in your professional path?] On Writing: A Memoir Of The Craft by Stephen King, [...] (Source)
7
(Berklee Guide). Veteran songwriter Pat Pattison has taught many of Berklee College of Music's best and brightest students how to write truly great lyrics. His helpful guide contains essential information on lyric structures, timing and placement, and exercises to help everyone from beginners to seasoned songwriters say things more effectively and gain a better understanding of their craft. Features examples of famous songs for study, including: Be Still My Beating Heart * Can't Fight This Feeling * It Was a Very Good Year * Tickle Me * and more. less
8
Webb brings his insider's knowledge, experience, and star power to the ultimate guide for aspiring songwriters. With a combination of anecdotes, meditation, and advice, he breaks down the creative process from beginning to end--from coping with writer's block, to song construction, chords, and even self-promotion. Webb also gives readers a glimpse into the professional music world. less
9
Here are 126 Shortcuts that will take your songs from good to great! Discover the melody and lyric writing techniques of today's top songwriters and learn how you can use the very same secrets to give your songs the power and edge that will make listeners want to hear them over and over again. You'll learn... 38 proven strategies for creating powerful, unforgettable lyrics, 30 simple ways to make your melody fresh, exciting, and memorable, how to use hit songs as "ghost songs" to get quick results. Plus, there are 58 more Shortcuts to help you lay the groundwork, pick the perfect structure,... more
10
(Berklee Press). This book has a very specific purpose: to help you find better rhymes and use them more effectively. Rhyme is one of the most crucial areas of lyric writing, and this guide will provide you with all the technical information necessary to develop your skills completely. Make rhyme work for you, and your lyric writing will greatly improve. If you have written lyrics before, even at a professional level, you can still gain greater control and understanding of your craft with the exercises and worksheets included in this book. Hone your writing technique and skill with this... more
Don't have time to read the top Songwriting books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
- Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
- Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
11
There has never been a music book like this. Hooktheory II is a smart, fun, skill-building journey that concretely teaches you how to craft melodies and chord progressions like professional musicians, and gain a deep understanding and intuition for how music works. Validated by 16,435 musicians like you, Hooktheory I and II are the best selling how-to music books for instrumentalists, songwriters, producers, and DJs around the world for a reason.
This how-to journey on melody and chord creation is fun to read, easy to understand, and teaches you practical knowledge that will take... more
This how-to journey on melody and chord creation is fun to read, easy to understand, and teaches you practical knowledge that will take... more
12
You don’t need to be a genius, you just need to be yourself. That’s the message from Austin Kleon, a young writer and artist who knows that creativity is everywhere, creativity is for everyone. A manifesto for the digital age, Steal Like an Artist is a guide whose positive message, graphic look and illustrations, exercises, and examples will put readers directly in touch with their artistic side. less
Seth GodinBreezy and fun and yes, scary. Scary because it calls your bluff. (Source)
Ryan HolidayPart of ambition is modeling yourself after those you’d like to be like. Austin’s philosophy of ruthlessly stealing and remixing the greats might sound appalling at first but it is actually the essence of art. You learn by stealing, you become creative by stealing, you push yourself to be better by working with these materials. Austin is a fantastic artist, but most importantly he communicates... (Source)
Chase JarvisSuper small, fast read. (Source)
13
The bestselling Emotion Thesaurus, often hailed as “the gold standard for writers” and credited with transforming how writers craft emotion, has now been expanded to include 55 new entries!
One of the biggest struggles for writers is how to convey emotion to readers in a unique and compelling way. When showing our characters’ feelings, we often use the first idea that comes to mind, and they end up smiling, nodding, and frowning too much.
If you need inspiration for creating characters’ emotional responses that are personalized and evocative, this ultimate... more
One of the biggest struggles for writers is how to convey emotion to readers in a unique and compelling way. When showing our characters’ feelings, we often use the first idea that comes to mind, and they end up smiling, nodding, and frowning too much.
If you need inspiration for creating characters’ emotional responses that are personalized and evocative, this ultimate... more
14
Librarian's Note: This is an alternate-cover edition for ISBN 9780985681005
This is the music theory / songwriting book you’ll love. Hooktheory is an intuitive, modern take on music theory that answers the questions you care the most about: Why do certain chords fit together easily, and others not so easily? How can I get from this chord to that chord? How can I create a great sounding melody?
The concepts we teach are applicable to all types of music, but examples are drawn... more
This is the music theory / songwriting book you’ll love. Hooktheory is an intuitive, modern take on music theory that answers the questions you care the most about: Why do certain chords fit together easily, and others not so easily? How can I get from this chord to that chord? How can I create a great sounding melody?
The concepts we teach are applicable to all types of music, but examples are drawn... more
15
(Berklee Guide). Write songs that sell! Hit-songwriter/educator Andrea Stolpe shares time-tested tools of commercial songwriting. Her ten-step process will help you to craft lyrics that communicate heart to heart with your audience. She analyzes hit lyrics from artists such as Faith Hill and John Mayer, and reveals why they are successful and how you can make your own songs successful too. Stolpe advises on how to: streamline and accelerate your writing process; use lyric structures and techniques at the heart of countless hit songs; write even when you're not inspired; more! less
16
"What most songwriting guides won't tell you is that success as a songwriter - however you define it - is as much about how you live your life and the way you see the world as it is about your skill with words and music."
The Art of Songwriting is a comprehensive guide to life, art and making great songs.
It's not about chasing a hit song. It's not about theories that are interesting but no use filling the blank page. And most of all - it's not just about the craft of songwriting.
It's about how to create, think and live like... more
The Art of Songwriting is a comprehensive guide to life, art and making great songs.
It's not about chasing a hit song. It's not about theories that are interesting but no use filling the blank page. And most of all - it's not just about the craft of songwriting.
It's about how to create, think and live like... more
17
"I'd come from a long ways off and had started a long ways down. But now destiny was about to manifest itself. I felt like it was looking right at me and nobody else." So writes Bob Dylan in Chronicles: Volume One, his remarkable book exploring critical junctures in his life and career.
Through Dylan's eyes and open mind, we see Greenwich Village, circa 1961, when he first arrives in Manhattan. Dylan's New York is a magical city of possibilities -- smoky, nightlong parties; literary awakenings; transient loves and unbreakable friendships. Elegiac observations are... more
Through Dylan's eyes and open mind, we see Greenwich Village, circa 1961, when he first arrives in Manhattan. Dylan's New York is a magical city of possibilities -- smoky, nightlong parties; literary awakenings; transient loves and unbreakable friendships. Elegiac observations are... more
Greil MarcusDylan has had a career of extraordinary richness and variety. Yet here he is writing a memoir that completely ignores everything which made him a world figure. It ignores all of his most famous songs, it ignores all the periods in which he was a great star. It’s all about times when he was trying to learn, when he was confused and lost but absolutely alive with the thrill of discovering new... (Source)
18
What’s the secret to writing a hit song? It’s as simple as 1-2-3-4-5-6! Innovative, practical, and inspiring, Six Steps to Songwriting Success presents a surefire step-by-step approach to mastering the elements consistently found in hit songs. Author Jason Blume, a songwriter with the rare distinction of having had songs on the Country, Pop, and R&B charts simultaneously, has packed this book with such key aids as the three-step lyric writing technique used by the pros; lyric, melody, and demo checklists; and tools for self-evaluation–plus many other exercises that work. Blume’s... more
20
This simple-to-use, exceptionally complete reference work has been updated, expanded and redesigned to meet the needs of today's most demanding wordsmiths. Included here are over 10,000 new entries--over 60,000 in all, sight, vowel, consonant, and one-, two-, and three-syllable rhymes. less
Don't have time to read the top Songwriting books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
- Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
- Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
21
(Berklee Guide). Melody is a subject too often neglected in the teaching of music. This unique resource gives melody that attention it deserves, and proves that melody writing is a skill that can be learned. Through proven tool and techniques, you will learn to write interesting melodies, how melodic rhythm influences rhyme, what makes harmony progress, and the many dynamic relationships between melody and harmony. This clear and comprehensive approach to songwriting unlocks the secrets of popular songs, revealing what really makes them work. Examples of great songs by such notable... more
22
Successful author and songwriter, Davis provides a complete guide to writing words for and to music, showing how to create lyrics with universal appeal. less
23
Stephen Sondheim has won seven Tonys, an Academy Award, seven Grammys, a Pulitzer Prize and the Kennedy Center Honors. His career has spanned more than half a century, his lyrics have become synonymous with musical theater and popular culture, and in Finishing the Hat—titled after perhaps his most autobiographical song, from Sunday in the Park with George—Sondheim has not only collected his lyrics for the first time, he is giving readers a rare personal look into his life as well as his remarkable productions.
Along with the lyrics for all of his musicals from 1954 to... more
Along with the lyrics for all of his musicals from 1954 to... more
Recommended by Charles Isherwood, and 1 others. Charles IsherwoodStephen Sondheim’s appeal cuts across cultural hierarchies – he elevated the art form. He has never been immensely popular. A lot of his shows haven’t been very successful, financially. But he is the living master of American musical theatre. (Source)
24
Whether you're just starting out as a songwriter, you're an experienced songwriter or just looking for a new perspective on the beautiful craft of songwriting, Song Maps – A New System to Write Your Best Lyrics offers fresh insights to help you write your very best lyrics.
Does any of the following sound familiar?
- You worry that the lyrics you write just don't deliver their full potential but can't figure out why, even though technically they tick all the right boxes.
- You have great ideas but your finished lyrics somehow fall short of the emotional impact you... more
Does any of the following sound familiar?
- You worry that the lyrics you write just don't deliver their full potential but can't figure out why, even though technically they tick all the right boxes.
- You have great ideas but your finished lyrics somehow fall short of the emotional impact you... more
25
The Barnes & Noble Review
Was there really a Polythene Pam? Where are Strawberry Fields? What connection does the actor Peter Fonda have with the song She Said She Said? In this book music journalist Steve Turner shatters some well-worn myths and reveals many unknown stories behind every Beatle Song, from "I Saw Her Standing There" to Abbey Road's "The End." The lyrics that have been etched in our collective memories take on new meaning as the ordinary people and events behind each song are revealed. Arranged chronologically by album and packed with color and black and white... more
Was there really a Polythene Pam? Where are Strawberry Fields? What connection does the actor Peter Fonda have with the song She Said She Said? In this book music journalist Steve Turner shatters some well-worn myths and reveals many unknown stories behind every Beatle Song, from "I Saw Her Standing There" to Abbey Road's "The End." The lyrics that have been etched in our collective memories take on new meaning as the ordinary people and events behind each song are revealed. Arranged chronologically by album and packed with color and black and white... more
26
In Great Songwriting Techniques, veteran composer and teacher Jack Perricone shares years of experience in the art, science, and pedagogy of songwriting to teach readers the craft. Whether they write for a small group of friends or in the hopes of creating a smash hit, aspiring songwriters can learn how to focus on topics essential to their success in this competitive field; every songwriter must be aware of audience, thick-skinned enough to handle rejection and competition, and most importantly have the confidence to master the craft of composing and producing. Perricone teaches... more
27
Discover The Songwriting Technique Used In 97% Of All Hit Songs How To Use Subtle Psychological Triggers To Captivate ANY Audience. Writing Pop, Rock, RnB or Hip Hop has never been easier or more fun. Master The Art Of Writing Addicting Songs Music is a tough industry to break into. With production gear being affordable for the first time in history, it seems like EVERYONE is making music these days. Getting noticed in the continuous stream of information that is the internet seems almost impossible. BUT: There is a technique designed specifically to captivate and hook an... more
28
This work examines the actual songwriting techniques of John, Paul, George and, occasionally, Ringo. Packed with examples of The Beatles' music, it explains the chord sequences, structures and harmonies that created one of the most influential sounds of the 20th century. less
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What rhymes with Google, or BeyoncE, or better yet, what rhymes with ORANGE? This book full of words that rhyme together has all the answers! With over 50,000 rhyming entries, this essential reference tool will help songwriters, poets, and advertisers overcome writer's block and quickly find the right rhyming word. It features slang, phrases, idioms, and pop-culture terms, not just dictionary words. Compiled using Family Rhyme and Slant Rhyme, it gives you far more rhyme options than traditional Exact Rhyme. This allows; ORANGE, FOREIGN, WARREN, and FLORENCE to rhyme together. Pick up this... more
30
Don't have time to read the top Songwriting books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
- Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
- Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
31
You're a musician. Like most musicians, you write songs. And when you write a song that you're all excited about, you record it, probably mostly at home, perhaps in some local studios too. You may even invite some friends to participate. Then you probably put your new record on streaming sites, band sites, and social media sites, perhaps all of those, because you feel you absolutely killed it, and the whole world needs to hear your new song right now. Some months later, you listen to your record again, only to realize you still adore the song, but the record itself fell short. Just like the... more
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1582974667|9781582974668. Craft and Business of Songwriting 3rd Edition (Craft & Business of Songwriting) published in the year 2007 was published by F&W Media. Incorporated. View 4689 more books by F&W Media. Incorporated. The author of this book is John Braheny . ed page displaying collection of John Drury books here. This is the Paperback version of the title "Craft and Business of Songwriting 3rd Edition (Craft & Business of Songwriting) ". Craft and Business of Songwriting 3rd Edition (Craft & Business of Songwriting) is currently Available with us. less
33
Tens of thousands of songs are needed each year for TV, movies, and commercials. The songwriting techniques and marketing tips in this book will show you how to craft your music and lyrics to give the Film and TV industry what it needs, make broadcast quality recordings, and pitch your songs to today's fastest growing and largest market for music. You'll learn: 16 secrets to writing powerful lyrics that will work in hundreds of scenes, 10 techniques for creating energy, mood, and atmosphere in your songs, 21 strategies for making broadcast quality recordings on a budget, 17 Shortcuts that... more
34
Have you ever been frustrated when people don't get what you're trying to say in your song?
Are you tired of waiting on inspiration to complete your songs?
Are you not getting the response you hoped for from your songs?
Is the songwriting process painful at times?
Song Building will help you:
• Write songs faster
• Avoid getting stuck on second verses
• Generate song ideas and lyrics without waiting for inspiration to strike
• Make your co-writing sessions go faster and easier
• Upgrade your song lyrics to make them communicate better to your... more
Are you tired of waiting on inspiration to complete your songs?
Are you not getting the response you hoped for from your songs?
Is the songwriting process painful at times?
Song Building will help you:
• Write songs faster
• Avoid getting stuck on second verses
• Generate song ideas and lyrics without waiting for inspiration to strike
• Make your co-writing sessions go faster and easier
• Upgrade your song lyrics to make them communicate better to your... more
35
(Instructional). Master chord theory ... in minutes! The Chord Wheel is a revolutionary device that puts the most essential and practical applications of chord theory into your hands. This tool will help you: Improvise and Solo Talk about chops! Comprehend key structure like never before; Transpose Keys Instantly transpose any progression into each and every key; Compose Your Own Music Watch your songwriting blossom! No music reading is necessary. "This is the kind of device that players of any instrument can use to enhance their musical understanding. Chord and key relationships are... more
36
After his acclaimed and best-selling Finishing the Hat (named one of the New York Times 10 Best Books of 2010), Stephen Sondheim returns with the second volume of his collected lyrics, Look, I Made a Hat, giving us another remarkable glimpse into the brilliant mind of this living legend, and his life’s work.
Picking up where he left off in Finishing the Hat, Sondheim gives us all the lyrics, along with excluded songs and early drafts, of the Pulitzer Prize–winning Sunday in the Park with George, Into the Woods, Assassins and Passion.... more
Picking up where he left off in Finishing the Hat, Sondheim gives us all the lyrics, along with excluded songs and early drafts, of the Pulitzer Prize–winning Sunday in the Park with George, Into the Woods, Assassins and Passion.... more
38
The National Book Award-winning author of Year of the Monkey, Just Kids, and M Train offers a rare, intimate account of her own creative process.
A work of creative brilliance may seem like magic—its source a mystery, its impact unexpectedly stirring. How does an artist accomplish such an achievement, connecting deeply with an audience never met? In this groundbreaking book, one of our culture’s beloved artists offers a detailed account of her own creative process, inspirations, and unexpected connections.
Patti Smith first presents an... more
A work of creative brilliance may seem like magic—its source a mystery, its impact unexpectedly stirring. How does an artist accomplish such an achievement, connecting deeply with an audience never met? In this groundbreaking book, one of our culture’s beloved artists offers a detailed account of her own creative process, inspirations, and unexpected connections.
Patti Smith first presents an... more
Recommended by Rob Riemen, and 1 others. Rob RiemenShe’s a phenomenal writer and she’s one of the most erudite people I’ve ever met. (Source)
40
(Book). Songwriter's block can be devastating, stopping even the best songwriters in their tracks. It can have several possible causes and levels of severity. Research shows that a fear of failure is the ultimate cause of most blocks. Fear sets in when numerous attempts to write music fail. But what causes those failures? They usually happen as a result of either a lack of organization, a weakness in songwriting technique, or a misunderstanding of the very nature of writer's block. The evidence is clear that if songwriters are waiting for inspiration to get back to writing songs, they're... more
Don't have time to read the top Songwriting books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
- Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
- Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
41
A 2017 Best Spoken Word Album Grammy Nominee! Confessions of a Serial Songwriter is an amusing and poignant memoir about songwriter Shelly Peiken's journey from young girl falling under the spell of magical songs to working professional songwriter writing hits of her own. It's about growing up, the creative process - the highs and the lows, the conflicts that arise between motherhood and career success, the divas and schemers, but also the talented and remarkable people she's found along the way. It's filled with stories and step-by-step advice about the songwriting process, especially... more
42
The Complete Guide to Modern Songwriting is a FUN, do-it-yourself, teenage - college level, course text/workbook designed to assist readers writing original songs. The Complete Guide to Modern Songwriting addresses all elements of songwriting: lyrical, instrumental, structure, etc, and the downloadable audio suite allows you to hear the examples while you read with just a click! “While slim in stature and fitting into any gig bag, The Complete Guide to Modern Songwriting is the perfect companion for the songwriter on the go! Exposing the surefire formulas found in today’s music, The Complete... more
43
In her first two books, Sheila Davis classified the major song forms and enduring principles that have been honored for decades by America's foremost songwriters. Those books have become required reading in music courses from NYU to UCLA.
In "The Songwriters Idea Book," Davis goes one step further, giving you 40 strategies for designing distinctive songs. You'll break new ground in your own songwriting by learning about the inherent relationship between language style, personality type and the brain.
You'll go, step by step, through the creative process as you... more
In "The Songwriters Idea Book," Davis goes one step further, giving you 40 strategies for designing distinctive songs. You'll break new ground in your own songwriting by learning about the inherent relationship between language style, personality type and the brain.
You'll go, step by step, through the creative process as you... more
45
Created exclusively with and for teen musicians, this hands–on, step–by–step guide uses insight, enthusiasm, and humor to guide teens through the processes of brainstorming ideas, crafting effective lyrics, and putting those lyrics to music. less
46
(Berklee Guide). Learn the nuances of music notation, and create professional looking scores. This reference presents a comprehensive look at contemporary music notation. You will learn the meaning and stylistic practices for many types of notation that are currently in common use, from traditional staffs to lead sheets to guitar tablature. It discusses hundreds of notation symbols, as well as general guidelines for writing music. Berklee College of Music brings together teachers and students from all over the world, and we use notation in a great variety of ways. This book presents our... more
49
A well-written song gives you the power to touch, teach, and reach deep into a person's soul. But when you hit a creative wall, it can feel like the power has gone out.
In those moments, who would you turn to in order to get your writing back on track?
How about a songwriter who's worked with legendary artists and coached thousands of songwriters in person, online, over the phone, and in workshops all over the world?
Mark Cawley has had hits in the pop, country, jazz, R, and dance genres, and with his first book, Song Journey, he gives you a firsthand look... more
In those moments, who would you turn to in order to get your writing back on track?
How about a songwriter who's worked with legendary artists and coached thousands of songwriters in person, online, over the phone, and in workshops all over the world?
Mark Cawley has had hits in the pop, country, jazz, R, and dance genres, and with his first book, Song Journey, he gives you a firsthand look... more
Don't have time to read the top Songwriting books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
- Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
- Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
51
Write the songs that make the whole world sing.
A step-by-step guide to writing music, this book shows musicians how to compose simple chord progressions and melodies, and leads them through more advanced compositional techniques and musical forms. Designed for composers of all types of music, it includes instruction on composing stand-alone melodies, using different scales and modes, themes and variations, orchestration, and composing for film, theater, and videogames.
-Perfect complement to The Complete Idiot's Guide to Music Theory and The Complete... more
A step-by-step guide to writing music, this book shows musicians how to compose simple chord progressions and melodies, and leads them through more advanced compositional techniques and musical forms. Designed for composers of all types of music, it includes instruction on composing stand-alone melodies, using different scales and modes, themes and variations, orchestration, and composing for film, theater, and videogames.
-Perfect complement to The Complete Idiot's Guide to Music Theory and The Complete... more
52
Proven techniques for songwriting success
This friendly, hands-on guide tackles the new face of the recording industry, guiding you through the shift from traditional sales to downloads and mobile music, as well as how you can harness social media networks to get your music "out there." You get basic songwriting concepts, insider tips and advice, and inspiration for writing -- and selling -- meaningful, timeless songs.
Songwriting 101 -- get a grip on everything you need to know to write a song, from learning to listen to your "inner voice" to creating a "mood"... more
This friendly, hands-on guide tackles the new face of the recording industry, guiding you through the shift from traditional sales to downloads and mobile music, as well as how you can harness social media networks to get your music "out there." You get basic songwriting concepts, insider tips and advice, and inspiration for writing -- and selling -- meaningful, timeless songs.
Songwriting 101 -- get a grip on everything you need to know to write a song, from learning to listen to your "inner voice" to creating a "mood"... more
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Isle of Noises features brand-new, exclusive, in-depth conversations with twenty-seven of the UK’s greatest living musicians. Artists discuss their individual approach to writing, the inspiration behind their most successful songs, and the techniques and methods they have independently developed. It is an incredible musical journey spanning fifty years, from ‘Waterloo Sunset’ by Ray Davies to ‘The Beast’ by Laura Marling, with many lyrical and melodic secrets revealed along the way.
Original handwritten lyrics from personal archives and notebooks (many never-before-seen)... more
Original handwritten lyrics from personal archives and notebooks (many never-before-seen)... more
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Stop pulling out your hair and crumpling up paper The Frustrated Songwriter's Handbook blasts away your
mental roadblocks so you can tap into your deepest creative resources. Whether you're a total novice or a seasoned
pro, whether you're a pencil-and-paper songwriter or a gearhead with way too much recording equipment, whether you
just want to go further as a songwriter or throw out everything and start over, The Frustrated Songwriter's
Handbook will revolutionize the way you write music. It outlines a radical new system Immersion Music Method
designed to... more
mental roadblocks so you can tap into your deepest creative resources. Whether you're a total novice or a seasoned
pro, whether you're a pencil-and-paper songwriter or a gearhead with way too much recording equipment, whether you
just want to go further as a songwriter or throw out everything and start over, The Frustrated Songwriter's
Handbook will revolutionize the way you write music. It outlines a radical new system Immersion Music Method
designed to... more
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Learn songs faster. Build confidence in your playing. Really know your fretboard. Take your playing to a whole new level!
The Missing Method for Guitar Note Reading Series is your step-by-step guide to learning how to read guitar music. Many guitarists learn how to play by reading TAB, others learn by ear, and some learn by copying others. While each of these methods can be effective, when you learn to read the notes, you can better understand what you are doing and why you are doing it, thereby developing your overall musicianship.
This first book in The Missing... more
The Missing Method for Guitar Note Reading Series is your step-by-step guide to learning how to read guitar music. Many guitarists learn how to play by reading TAB, others learn by ear, and some learn by copying others. While each of these methods can be effective, when you learn to read the notes, you can better understand what you are doing and why you are doing it, thereby developing your overall musicianship.
This first book in The Missing... more
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Twenty–five years after publishing his original groundbreaking collection of insight and advice from the greatest songwriters to ever grace the airwaves, Paul Zollo releases the much–anticipated follow–up volume. The sequel to the bestselling Songwriters on Songwriting features new, revealing interviews with Leiber & Stoller, James Taylor, Aimee Mann, Stephen Stills, Paul Simon, Elvis Costello, Rickie Lee Jones, Randy Newman, Brian Wilson, and dozens of other music legends. Once again crossing genres to cover the breadth of popular music over the past decade and a half,... more
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Rodgers and Hammerstein's beloved song from The Soundof Music has captured hearts for generations. Now acclaimed illustrator Renée Graef's heartwarming illustrations give it new meaning. Complete with its score, My Favorite Things is perfect for reading and sharing. less
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The Penguin Rhyming Dictionary is an indispensable reference companion for anyone who writes verse - whether lyric poet, songwriter or composer of limericks or jingles. Clearly arranged and easy to use, it offers an astonishing wide range of suggestions for rhyming words, from the common and everyday to the more difficult and obscure. less
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Revised 2013 About the Book Achieving "hit writer" status has always been a formidable goal for any songwriter. Never more so however than in the 21st century. Catching the ear of the monumentally distracted, fragmented listener has never been more difficult. Getting their attention, inviting them in to your song and keeping them there for long enough for your song to become "their song" requires more than being just a "good" songwriter. Murphy's Laws of Songwriting "The Book" arms the songwriter for success by demystifying the process and opening the door to serious professional songwriting.... more
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An intimate, revealing look at one artist’s journey from self-censorship to full expression
As one of the most celebrated musicians of our time, Alicia Keys has enraptured the nation with her heartfelt lyrics, extraordinary vocal range, and soul-stirring piano compositions. Yet away from the spotlight, Alicia has grappled with private heartache—over the challenging and complex relationship with her father, the people-pleasing nature that characterized her early career, the loss of privacy surrounding her romantic relationships, and the oppressive expectations of female...
moreDon't have time to read the top Songwriting books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
- Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
- Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
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At last, an orchestration book tailor-made for the classroom musician on a budget. Any teacher, student or professional musician, whether a composer, orchestrator, arranger, performer or enthusiast will find this thoroughly comprehensive dictionary full o less
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(String Letter Publishing). With this unique and informative guide, you'll discover new ideas and inspirations for crafting your own songs and making the most of your instrument. You'll gain a better understanding of chord progressions, melodies, alternate tunings and other subjects through a series of expertly designed workshops, and you'll find tips and techniques offered by top singer-songwriters, such as Paul Simon, James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Don McLean, Patty Larkin, David Wilcox, Dave Matthews and more. less
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A great tool for all songwriters looking for creative resources. 1000 Songwriting Ideas is a handy book of creativity exercises that stop writer's block and spark the fire of your imagination. It offers concepts to ponder as starting places for lyric writing, along with some of the most provocative and inspirational examples you may encounter anywhere. Authored by a pro, these proven exercises are for moving the creative lyrical self, the soul, the real tool of songwriting and the real object of a song's intention. less
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(Book). Now anyone can write and play their own songs on the guitar with no prior training! This inspirational handbook teaches readers how to play guitar, while providing a solid foundation in songwriting techniques, using well-known songs as examples, easy-to-follow text, and graphics that explain and demonstrate lyrics, melody, harmony and rhythm. This book's straightforward style will have even those who've never played a guitar or written a song making music with ease. less
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This updated edition of John Braheny's classic book is essential reading for anyone contemplating a career as a professional songwriter. He shares the insider secrets that help songwriters make their work competitive in an overcrowded marketplace. Readers will learn how to: Develop a songwriter's consciousness in picking out original ideas; Overcome barriers in the creative process; Discover what subjects work best for them, from novelty to message songs; Know what their audience wants; Focus on one idea when writing lyrics, ensuring the greatest impact; Handle the business of demos and... more
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(Music Pro Guide Books & DVDs). Today, musical composition for films is more popular than ever. In professional and academic spheres, media music study and practice are growing; undergraduate and postgraduate programs in media scoring are offered by dozens of major colleges and universities. And increasingly, pop and contemporary classical composers are expanding their reach into cinema and other forms of screen entertainment. Yet a search on Amazon reveals at least 50 titles under the category of film music, and, remarkably, only a meager few actually allow readers to see the music... more
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Every great song has a fascinating backstory. In Anatomy of a Song, based on the ongoing Wall Street Journal column, writer and music historian Marc Myers brings to life five decades of music through oral histories of forty-five transformative songs woven from interviews with the artists who created them.
Bringing readers inside the making of a hit, Anatomy of a Song includes the Isley Brothers' memorable song "Shout," Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love," Janis Joplin's "Mercedes Benz," and R.E.M's "Losing My Religion." After receiving his discharge from the army... more
Bringing readers inside the making of a hit, Anatomy of a Song includes the Isley Brothers' memorable song "Shout," Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love," Janis Joplin's "Mercedes Benz," and R.E.M's "Losing My Religion." After receiving his discharge from the army... more
Don't have time to read the top Songwriting books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
- Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
- Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
71
Instant Songwriting is the ultimate how-to book for musical improvisers and an excellent resource for songwriters. With over two decades of musical improv experience, Nancy Howland Walker guides you with clear, logical and fun step-by-step exercises, from the very basics of putting a song together, to highly advanced song techniques. Whether you are new to the art form or experienced, your songs are improvised or written, or you do this for fun or profit, Instant Songwriting helps you take your song skills to the next level. Musical tracks are available to download for each exercise - to... more
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(Guitar Recorded Versions). 12 hard rock tunes from this 2005 release have been transcribed note-for-note for this songbook. Includes: Attack * Dreaming * Holy Mountains * Kill Rock 'n' Roll * Lonely Day * Stealing Society * Tentative * U-Fig * and more. less
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(Harp). 50 wonderful traditional and contemporary Irish melodies arranged by Sylvia Woods for both beginning and advanced hard players. Songs include: The Castle of Dromore * Cockles and Mussels * Danny Boy * The Gartan Mother's Lullaby * Killarney * Limerick Is Beautiful * My Wild Irish Rose * Sweet Rosie O'Grady * Warin' o' the Green * When Irish Eyes Are Smiling * Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral * and more. Also includes an alphabetical index and an index of first lines. Spiral bound. Playable on both lever harps and pedal harps. less
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Writing great songs is not enough. To make money, songwriters need a firm, realistic grasp of how songs generate income, and how the songwriting business works. This Business of Songwriting is the first book to demystify the process of doing business as a songwriter. Author Jason Blume is a songwriter, music publisher, and educator whose songs are on albums that have sold more than 50 million copies, topped international charts, and are in top television shows and movies. He starts by defining terms and explaining the mechanics of how songwriters generate and collect royalties. The functions... more
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In this book you will discover: Transcribing techniques. How to maximize your creativity and productivity. How to develop your craft by consolidating techniques. How to read music with your ears. How you can write music without using an instrument. How to write music spontaneously, as your ear guides your hand. How to communicate accurately through music notation. Why you don't need "perfect pitch." Tools to develop your music perception. 140 exercises, many music examples--models for a lifetime of study. Resources for composing, orchestrating, film scoring. Working in the music business.... more
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"George," he said, "I don't know if you'd be interested, but there's a chap who's come in with a tape of a group he runs. They haven't got a recording contract, and I wonder if you'd like to see him and listen to what he's got?"
"Certainly," I said, "I'm willing to listen to anything. Ask him to come and see me."
"O.K., I will. His name's Brian Epstein..."
All You Need Is Ears is the story of George Martin, the man who spotted the Beatles' talent, who recorded and produced them from the start, and who brought their musical ideas to life. In this witty... more
"Certainly," I said, "I'm willing to listen to anything. Ask him to come and see me."
"O.K., I will. His name's Brian Epstein..."
All You Need Is Ears is the story of George Martin, the man who spotted the Beatles' talent, who recorded and produced them from the start, and who brought their musical ideas to life. In this witty... more
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Packed with literally hundreds of hints, tips, and inside information only a working writer would know, The Art of Writing Great Lyrics demonstrates proven, no-fail methods for everything from communicating through song, defining styles, and collaborating with a partner to studying the market, making a great demo, and getting started on a career. Includes a handy A to Z checklist for reviewing new songs. less
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"I remember when I first got to Nashville," says Tom T. Hall. "I would have like to have had a book like this. It would have saved me a lot of time finding answers to questions."
To help other songwriters, Tom T. Hall has put the answers in this book. "Songwriting is as much a craft as it is a talent," he says. "In order to write songs, you have to be able to recognize what a song is. You have to recognize the importance of something that is entertaining, and you have to say what you want to say very briefly."
In this down-to-earth handbook, the Storyteller teaches the... more
To help other songwriters, Tom T. Hall has put the answers in this book. "Songwriting is as much a craft as it is a talent," he says. "In order to write songs, you have to be able to recognize what a song is. You have to recognize the importance of something that is entertaining, and you have to say what you want to say very briefly."
In this down-to-earth handbook, the Storyteller teaches the... more
80
Don't have time to read the top Songwriting books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
- Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
- Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
81
With over 200 lessons, guitar licks, exercises and scales-over chords concepts, this new edition book and streaming video course is all you will ever need for learning guitar scales and how to apply them in a musical context to make your playing more expressive! Damon Ferrante, guitar instructor and music professor, guides you through step-by-step lessons and streaming videos that will teach you guitar scales and how to use them in your guitar solos, licks, and music making. The lessons are designed to improve your guitar technique, musicality, creativity, understanding of music theory, and... more
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"A wonderful and educational book that every serious songwriter should pick up and read." --Diane Warren, hit songwriter for Michael Bolton, Celine Dion, Elton John, and many others This book is for everyone who dreams of placing a song on the Top-40 charts. From the musical basics through the completed song, Josefs reveals the hit-making mixture for rock, country, R&B, and theatrical forms. Illustrated with over 100 real-world examples. less
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Now in its 2nd edition, How Music REALLY Works!: The Essential
Handbook for Songwriters, Performers, and Music Students, is the
classic "how-to" manual for anyone interested in playing, singing, or writing
emotionally powerful music.
The book focuses on specific techniques a player, vocalist, or songwriter
can use to seize the attention of listeners and move them emotionally.
For the benefit of the majority of musicians (amateur and pro) who do not
read music, the book contains no music notation. Instead it provides
in-depth,...
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Lyrics sheds light on all aspects of lyric writing for music and will make songwriters feel more confident and creative when they tackle lyrics. It's perfect for all songwriters: those who don't like their own lyrics and find them difficult to write, experienced writers looking for a creative edge, and those offering lyrics to set to music in a partnership. Topics include channeling personal experiences into lyrics, overcoming writer's block, the right lyrics for a bridge, the separation between lyrics and poetry, exploring imagery and metaphor, avoiding clich�s, and more. The book also... more
87
Capturing the music scene of the 60s, this book is about 14 songwriters who created some of rock 'n' roll's first entries great classics - such as Elvis Presley's 'Jailhouse Rock'. It is a chapter in American popular culture, evoking a period when fear and frivolity, sputniks and hula-hoops girdled the globe. less
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Originally published in the 1940s, Paul Hindemith's remakable textbooks are still the outstanding works of their kind. In contrast to many musical textbooks written by academic musicians, these were produced by a man who could play every instrument of the less
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One of the finest achievements of Western culture is its brilliant heritage of classical music. A Gift of Music looks at the lives of the greatest composers who have given us this heritage, and especially at how their music was shaped by their beliefs.
The result is a remarkable and inspiring book, showing the importance of Christian faith for many composers, and the effect of this upon their music. But it also shows how the lack of faith has brought profound change in the meaning and form of contemporary music.
Thus A Gift of Music seeks to open up a whole new world of... more
The result is a remarkable and inspiring book, showing the importance of Christian faith for many composers, and the effect of this upon their music. But it also shows how the lack of faith has brought profound change in the meaning and form of contemporary music.
Thus A Gift of Music seeks to open up a whole new world of... more
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Abbey Road studios have been on the cutting edge of recording for eighty years, hosting some of the biggest names in music over the decades: the Beatles, of course, who immortalized it with the title of their 1969 album; Pink Floyd; Kate Bush; Duran Duran; Radiohead; Florence and the Machine. Any number of albums made here have gone gold or platinum, picking up Grammys and other awards along the way.
Famed producers and sound engineers at the studios have developed groundbreaking new techniques, including automatic double tracking at the instigation of John Lennon. And it's also... more
Famed producers and sound engineers at the studios have developed groundbreaking new techniques, including automatic double tracking at the instigation of John Lennon. And it's also... more
Don't have time to read the top Songwriting books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
- Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
- Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
93
You've written what you think is a great melody, what you hope is a strong lyric, and you've cut what sounds to you like a killer track. But how do you know if it's a hit? And what do you do with it if it is? Your only option is How to Be a Hit Songwriter, essential reading for advanced songwriters. Molly-Ann Leikin is the award-winning songwriter/songwriting consultant who helps good songwriters all over the world become hit songwriters. Whether your work just needs a little rewriting, polishing or some strong connections, Leikin will guide you step by step to the top of the charts. In How... more
94
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and songwriting legend Cynthia Weil's extraordinary YA debut opens the secretive doors of the Brill Building-the hit factory that changed history. Part Mad Men, part Grace of my Heart, part murder mystery, I'm Glad I Did is a coming-of-age story at an unforgettable cultural tipping point: the summer of 1963.
JJ Greene, a gifted 16-year-old songwriter, defies her lawyer parents by secretly applying for a job in the famed Brill Building-the epicenter of songwriting for a new genre called rock-n-roll. But their warnings about the evils of the music industry... more
JJ Greene, a gifted 16-year-old songwriter, defies her lawyer parents by secretly applying for a job in the famed Brill Building-the epicenter of songwriting for a new genre called rock-n-roll. But their warnings about the evils of the music industry... more
95
Theory is a six-letter dirty word to most musicians, but hey, musicians love dirty words, right? And just like all the other dirty words, theory is easy to learn and fun to use! After studying 'popular' and 'classical' music theory, Ray Harmony created a unique approach that he uses to compose his songs, which feature multi-platinum Grammy winners Serj Tankian (System of a Down), Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine), and many more. Ray Harmony is an award-winning music lecturer and multi-instrumentalist, who is now sharing his top-secret music theory and songwriting hacks through this book... more
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(P/V/G Composer Collection). All of the finest from this vastly talented composer. Includes: An American in Paris * But Not for Me * Embraceable You * A Foggy Day * Funny Face * I Got Rhythm * I've Got a Crush on You * Lorelei * Love Is Here to Stay * The Man I Love * Nice Work If You Can Get It * Rhapsody in Blue * Someone to Watch Over Me * Swanee * Sweet and Low-Down * 'S Wonderful * They Can't Take That Away from Me * more! less
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(Berklee Guide). Essential for anyone interested in the business, process and procedures of writing music for film or television, this book teaches the Berklee approach to the art, covering topics such as: preparing and recording a score, contracts and fees, publishing, royalties, copyrights and much more. Features interviews with 21 top film-scoring professionals, including Michael Kamen, Alf Clausen, Alan Silvestri, Marc Shaiman, Mark Snow, Harry Gregson-Williams and Elmer Bernstein. Now updated with info on today's latest technology, and invaluable insights into finding work in the... more
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Why not write your own songs?
You've learned the basics and rehearsed other musicians' pieces-now you want to try your own hand at writing. But it can be hard to get started...and sometimes even harder to know when to stop. The Young Musician's Guide to Songwriting is an ideal resource, designed specifically for guiding the young musician through the songwriting process-from idea generation to completed song.
It is also a refreshing tool for music teachers, private instructors, and parents of musicians, who have a young artist in need of some rails to guide them... more
You've learned the basics and rehearsed other musicians' pieces-now you want to try your own hand at writing. But it can be hard to get started...and sometimes even harder to know when to stop. The Young Musician's Guide to Songwriting is an ideal resource, designed specifically for guiding the young musician through the songwriting process-from idea generation to completed song.
It is also a refreshing tool for music teachers, private instructors, and parents of musicians, who have a young artist in need of some rails to guide them... more
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Proven techniques for songwriting success This friendly, hands-on guide tackles the new face of the recording industry, guiding you through the shift from traditional sales to downloads and mobile music, as well as how you can harness social media networks to get your music "out there." You get basic songwriting concepts, insider tips and advice, and inspiration for writing -- and selling -- meaningful, timeless songs.
Songwriting 101 -- get a grip on everything you need to know to write a song, from learning to listen to your "inner voice" to creating a "mood" and... more
Songwriting 101 -- get a grip on everything you need to know to write a song, from learning to listen to your "inner voice" to creating a "mood" and... more
Don't have time to read the top Songwriting books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
- Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
- Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.