Are your natural talents decided at birth? Is songwriting skill written into your genetic destiny? …
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Art of Daily Practice announcement
Want some help getting your daily practice routine back on track? Announcing: The Art of Daily Practice online course, with new revisions and updates. …
Diane Warren on Writing 1 Great Song Per Week
Yes, I talked to legendary songstress Diane Warren last night. That's Diane to the right, me in the upper left. Even if you think you're unfamiliar with Diane, you've heard at least one of her songs. …
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How to Disappoint Your Audience (in the Best Possible Way)
When writing lyrics, you want your listener to feel something. But unfortunately for us, a lyric as simple as "I'm disappointed and sad, you guys" won't move an audience. Too bad—that'd make our jobs …
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Unravel the Methods of Master Lyricists with an Ordinary Notebook
Becoming a master lyricist takes years, even decades of study and practice. But the good news is: you can get a meaningful start today. If you've got a little free time, you can start now. …
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Your songs are not for everyone. Here’s why that’s a good thing.
Your music is not for everyone. That's a good thing. …
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Maybe We Only Have to Hear You Once
Do you want us to listen to your songs over and over? Are you sure? This bit of radio wisdom--that heavy rotation is better--is something we often take for granted. And of course it's really taken …
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Where the Concept of Bridge Sections Came From–and What That Might Mean for the Future of Songwriting
In the 1800's, the music industry moneymaker was sheet music. If you wanted to hear a particular song, you'd wander to the store, buy a book of sheet music, and someone in your …
Want Faster Progress? Practice Slowly.
In the long run, going slowly is the fastest way to learn. Thoroughly absorbing complex songs, music theory concepts, songwriting tactics, and instrumental techniques-all of this takes time. True …
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The Mix Tape is Dead. Long Live the Mix Tape.
Sean O'Kana from California wrote in to ask about the art of making mix tapes that have a running theme. …
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Dave Brubeck isn’t dead. He’s not even retired.
How to Give a Spot-On Song Critique
Welcome back to part 2 of song written's series about giving and receiving song critiques. In case you missed it, you can read part 1 here. Giving critiques is a delicate art. In this post I'll be …
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