Q&A for How to Be a Good Songwriter

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  • Question
    What does it take to be a good songwriter?
    Tanisha Hall
    Tanisha Hall
    Vocal Coach
    Tanisha Hall is a Vocal Coach and the Founder and Executive Director of White Hall Arts Academy, Inc. an organization based in Los Angeles, California that offers a multi-level curriculum focused on fundamental skills, technique, composition, theory, artistry, and performance at a conservatory level. Ms. Hall's current and previous students include Galimatias, Sanai Victoria, Ant Clemons, and Paloma Ford. She earned a BA in Music from the Berklee College of Music in 1998 and was a recipient of the Music Business Management Achievement Award.
    Tanisha Hall
    Vocal Coach
    Expert Answer
    It's important to put your ideas down on paper whenever they strike you. Also, just listen to as much music as you can in the genre that you're writing songs. For example, if you want to be a great folk songwriter, listen to a ton of folk music! It also helps to step back on occasion and really remind yourself why you're pursuing this goal.
  • Question
    Is it a must to always use complex, nicer literary words in lyrics?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    In songwriting, there are no rules; it's just what sounds the best. If the right word is simple, don't try to make it more complex.
  • Question
    How can I become a lyricist?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Write down lyrics as they pop into your head, looking to your surroundings and personal life for inspiration. Listen to great lyricists to learn from their styles, then practice putting your lyrics together into a story that can be sung.
  • Question
    How can I develop a songwriting career?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Try to get in touch with people in the music community. If producers like your work, they may agree to sign a contract. Try writing and singing online. If you get lots of views (in the thousands, at least), then you can make a good point that lots of people listen to you online, to help further infuence the producer to sign you.
  • Question
    Can I successfully pursue both acting and songwriting, or is it too difficult to do both?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can pursue both acting and songwriting. Your success will largely depend on your dedication to each discipline and how effectively you manage your time and energy between them. It is certainly possible to do both with the right mindset and effort.
  • Question
    How can I tell if a song is too short?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    The average pop song is 3:30, but a song can be any length. There is no written rule.
  • Question
    How can I write a song about playing softball?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Write your song about whatever aspects of softball you'd like, but use a lot of metaphors so that your song can serve as a song for many different types of situations beyond sports.
  • Question
    How can I write songs that consistently align with my intended genre?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    To align your songs with your desired genre, continue writing regularly. Actively revise by adapting the instrumentation and melodic elements to fit your target style. For example, if you aim for electronic music, prioritize synthesizers and drum machines over acoustic instruments. Incorporate techniques and structures common to your chosen genre throughout your creative process.
  • Question
    What if I don't know how play an instrument?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You don't have to know how to play an instrument. If you have really good lyrics and you know that it will sound great with the notes you have written, then the song can be great. You could even ask a friend or family member who plays and instrument to play the song as you go along writing it.
  • Question
    How can I make sure my songs are good if I don't want to sing them myself?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Have a friend or family member sing the song for you. They could even give you suggestions to make the song better.
  • Question
    How do I sell my written songs?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    If you want to be on Spotify, then go to places like DistroKid or TuneCore. If you want to sell CDs, then burn a blank CD with some song you recorded and go to a local music store and ask an employee if you could sell the CD there. Or, if you just want people to hear, go to a local music store and ask an employee if the owner would play it there. Try to do both because people could hear it and think that is a good song and want to buy it.
  • Question
    I want to write a song, but I am terrible at writing the lyrics. What do I do?
    Caden Wayne Ajero
    Caden Wayne Ajero
    Community Answer
    Don't give up. it takes a few days or a few hours to write a song. If you don't know how to write a song, then you can make any theme of the song like love songs or rap songs just think about words for any song theme like love words, rap words and vibe songs.
  • Question
    How do I not waste time writing a song that's not any good?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Ask for feedback! Even if you’re not finished with a song, sharing bits and pieces of it can help you to grasp an understanding of what’s to keep.
  • Question
    What should I write in a music notebook?
    RandoFactWiz
    RandoFactWiz
    Top Answerer
    You can write lyrics, song titles, sketches of album covers, instrumental parts, band names, ideas for songs, and anything else music-related!
  • Question
    What is a typical song pattern?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    There are many song patterns, but the most common one is verse, chorus, verse, chorus, bridge, chorus. Sometimes, this pattern includes the chorus at the beginning as well.
  • Question
    How can I make my voice better?
    Starlight Melody
    Starlight Melody
    Community Answer
    To improve your voice, first identify your vocal range by finding your lowest and highest notes. Then, choose songs that suit your voice and practice daily, whether planned or just for fun.
  • Question
    What should I do if I want to write a song but feel I have no songwriting talent?
    RandoFactWiz
    RandoFactWiz
    Top Answerer
    While practice is important, it's not the only step. First, identify your genre, as the music you listen to might not be what you're best at writing. Understand that a song you or someone else dislikes might still be appreciated by others. As a beginner, continue to practice to build confidence in your skills and in yourself. Your first song might not be perfect, but don't expect to create magic immediately—it takes time.
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