The Art and Science of Songwriting

James Taylor has said that he learned the craft of songwriting only as he got older.

What does writing music for songs mean? Music in the world of songwriting encompasses both melody (the notes and rhythms that singers sing) and Harmony (the chords that are played on a keyboard or a guitar to support the melody).

Even in copyright law, there is a distinction between Music and Words. They each constitute 50% of a copyright. In the previous post, we addressed some thoughts on Lyric writing. Now, it’s time for the Music.

Without some music training, it’s very difficult to discuss the concept of writing music. Perhaps an exception to that would be a so-called “hummer.” A  “hummer” is someone who, without any knowledge about music, literally “hums” a series of notes that is hopefully musically coherent. It is then up to a trained musician to notate this melody and create the chords for it. This is certainly not the approach of a trained writer but it is a version of songwriting.

A “hummer” can also work with someone who has chord knowledge in order to collaborate on a song. Often guitar players or keyboard players have enough awareness of chords to experiment with orders and durations of chords that ultimately become the harmonic basis of a song.

“Seat of the pants” writers are not uncommon. They can create songs but are rarely consistent. To be consistent and productive takes training and discipline. James Taylor said:  ”When I was young, I wrote on pure inspiration. As I got older, I realized that inspiration was not enough and I had to learn how to write songs.” This same sentiment has been echoed by many famous and successful writers including Paul McCartney, Stephen Bishop, and Billy Joel.

It is the “how” to write songs that allows writers to be consistently productive. The best way to become a songwriter is to work with someone who has successfully done it. There are formal programs at schools of music, workshops at summer music camps, or you can study with an individual teacher. I have developed a formal songwriting program and can help you get started, if you’d like. Contact me here.