Songcraft: Exploring the Art of Song Writing


Book Description

Are you passionate about worship? Do you long to write songs that touch God's heart and bless His people? Based on his years of experience, Matt McChlery explores the elusive art of song writing in a practical and inspirational way. 'Songcraft' is packed full of tips and techniques for the Christian songwriter. It will put valuable tools into your hands, and will ignite and inspire the creativity within you.




The Elements of Song Craft


Book Description

An effective new songwriting vocabulary supported by ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC. The Elements Of Song Craft does for songwriters what William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White’s The Elements Of Style did for English language students and writers alike; gives an all-in-one definitive manifesto for contemporary songwriters in every genre to organize, understand, and practice the rules, principles, definitions, forms, and song craft needed to create good songs, songs of undeniable creative power and beauty, songs that last. The Elements of Song Craft beelines directly to the most important aspect of writing good songs—identifying the key emotion living at the heart of the song—then offers a step-by-step process to harnessing that singular emotional power. Additionally, a dozen other strategies, formulas, perspectives, and exercises are offered in the book. The Elements of Song Craft introduces, for the first time to a general songwriting audience, an effective new songwriting vocabulary utilized by songwriters taught in the SONG ARTS ACADEMY method and supported by ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC, the world’s leading Performance Rights Organizations at the heart of the songwriting business, as well as at NYU Steinhardt’s and The New School’s songwriting programs, for over sixteen years. Thousands of song arts participants, including hit songwriters and The Voice and American Idol contestants, have been trained in this method.




Songcraft: Exploring the Art of Christian Songwriting (Revised and Updated)


Book Description

Are you passionate about worship? Do you long to write songs that tough God's heart and bless His people? Based on his years of experience, Matt McChlery explores the elusive art of songwriting within a Christian context in a practical and inspirational way. 'Songcraft' is packed full of tips and techniques for the Christian songwriter. It will put valuable tools into your hands and will ignite and inspire the creativity within you.




The Craft of Songwriting


Book Description

(Berklee Guide). Take your songwriting to the next level! This book breaks down the processes used by hit songwriters and dives deeply into the craft of songwriting. Discover the tools and techniques for melody, harmony, lyrics, and form behind so many great songs. You will access the magic and come out more connected to your heart and craft. Online audio tracks illustrate these techniques in context, showing how they affect your song's overall impact.




Writing Worship


Book Description

In Writing Worship: How to Craft Heartfelt Songs for the Church, the Christian songwriter will explore the depths of the heart, immersing in relationship with God before learning practical worship songwriting skills. Award-winning songwriter Krissy Nordhoff helps lyricists and musicians sharpen their skills in starting songs, adding dimension, removing distractions, maintaining momentum, and co-writing. Songwriters and worship leaders are challenged to trust the Lord with their gifts as they put their new skills into practice. They also have access to: Links to video with examples A songwriter personality assessment Podcast episodes for every songwriter personality Access to special downloads, including a leader’s guide for group learning and an audiobook with extra content from Krissy




How to Write One Song


Book Description

There are few creative acts more mysterious and magical than writing a song. But what if the goal wasn't so mysterious and was actually achievable for anyone who wants to experience more magic and creativity in their life? That's something that anyone will be inspired to do after reading Jeff Tweedy's How to Write One Song. Why one song? Because the difference between one song and many songs isn't a cute semantic trick—it's an important distinction that can simplify a notoriously confusing art form. The idea of becoming a capital-S songwriter can seem daunting, but approached as a focused, self-contained event, the mystery and fear subsides, and songwriting becomes an exciting pursuit. And then there is the energizing, nourishing creativity that can open up. How to Write One Song brings readers into the intimate process of writing one song—lyrics, music, and putting it all together—and accesses the deep sense of wonder that remains at the heart of this curious, yet incredibly fulfilling, artistic act. But it’s equally about the importance of making creativity part of your life every day, and of experiencing the hope, inspiration, and joy available to anyone who’s willing to get started.




Saved by a Song


Book Description

"A handbook for compassion... a Must-Read Music Book.” —Rolling Stone Country "Generous and big-hearted, Gauthier has stories to tell and worthwhile advice to share." —Wally Lamb, author of I Know This Much Is True "Gauthier has an uncanny ability to combine songwriting craft with a seeker’s vulnerability and a sage’s wisdom.” —Amy Ray, Indigo Girls From the Grammy nominated folk singer and songwriter, an inspiring exploration of creativity and the redemptive power of song Mary Gauthier was twelve years old when she was given her Aunt Jenny’s old guitar and taught herself to play with a Mel Bay basic guitar workbook. Music offered her a window to a world where others felt the way she did. Songs became lifelines to her, and she longed to write her own, one day. Then, for a decade, while struggling with addiction, Gauthier put her dream away and her call to songwriting faded. It wasn’t until she got sober and went to an open mic with a friend did she realize that she not only still wanted to write songs, she needed to. Today, Gauthier is a decorated musical artist, with numerous awards and recognition for her songwriting, including a Grammy nomination. In Saved by a Song, Mary Gauthier pulls the curtain back on the artistry of songwriting. Part memoir, part philosophy of art, part nuts and bolts of songwriting, her book celebrates the redemptive power of song to inspire and bring seemingly different kinds of people together.




Harmonic Horizons


Book Description

Embark on a Melodic Odyssey: The Pathway to Masterful Song Composition At the core of every beat pulsing through the speakers and every tune humming in our heads lies the intricate art of songwriting--a journey where sound meets soul, melodies mingle with emotions, and chords capture stories. Harmonic Horizons is not simply a book; it's a compass pointing towards the untapped musical landscapes within you. Start with the seed of an idea; let it grow and flourish as you delve into the Essence of Songwriting. Understand the delicate balance between the craft and the artistry that forms the blueprint of unforgettable songs. As you turn each page, you are guided to harness your musical imagination, turning whispers of creativity into roars of symphonic triumph. The journey continues with the essential Building Blocks of Melody. Structure the skeleton of your tune into a framework of awe, guiding you to compose melodies that resonate and endure. The exploration pushes further into the enigmatic world of Harmony and Chord Progressions, where the hands of harmony paint the canvas of your listeners' souls. The quest for the perfect tune is rhythm's dance, and Rhythm and Groove are the steps to mastering this dance. Understand the backbone that propels your song into the hearts and onto the feet of your audience. Then, venture into the soul of your song with Lyricism and Storytelling; where each word, each verse, becomes a confidant to the tales you yearn to tell. Delve into the array of Song Structures and Forms, discovering the architecture behind the music. From the bones to the skin, your song will take shape. Yet, instruments and arrangement--the colours of your sonic palette--are all covered within the pages, equipping you to orchestrate a masterpiece. From conception to the final note, Harmonic Horizons is a beacon for navigating the odyssey of song composition. It accompanies you as you overcome common obstacles, fine-tune your workflow, and delve into the sanctum of collaboration and co-writing. Embark on this voyage of discovery; let each chord you strike be an echo of your innermost stories and dreams. Harmonic Horizons awaits to be the mentor for your muse, the guardian of your musical voyage, transforming the echo into a symphony.




The Song Machine: Inside the Hit Factory


Book Description

"An utterly satisfying examination of the business of popular music." —Nathaniel Rich, The Atlantic There’s a reason today’s ubiquitous pop hits are so hard to ignore—they’re designed that way. The Song Machine goes behind the scenes to offer an insider’s look at the global hit factories manufacturing the songs that have everyone hooked. Full of vivid, unexpected characters—alongside industry heavy-hitters like Katy Perry, Rihanna, Max Martin, and Ester Dean—this fascinating journey into the strange world of pop music reveals how a new approach to crafting smash hits is transforming marketing, technology, and even listeners’ brains. You’ll never think about music the same way again. A Wall Street Journal Best Business Book




Murphy's Laws of Songwriting


Book Description

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. Hall of fame songwriter Paul Williams said in his review of the book "If there was a hit songwriters secret handshake Da Murphy would probably have included it." About the Author Ralph Murphy, songwriter, has been successful for five decades. Consistently charting songs in an ever-changing musical environment makes him a member of that very small group of professionals who make a living ding what they love to do. Add to that the platinum records as a producer, the widely acclaimed Murphy's Laws of Songwriting articles used as part of curriculum at colleges, universities, and by songwriter organizations, his success as the publisher and co-owner of the extremely successful Picalic Group of Companies and you see a pattern of achievement based on more than luck.