10 Tips to Writing a Song

So you want to be a composer? Or maybe you just want to write songs. Here are some very useful tips that helped me write music as efficiently as I do. Use this as your guide to improvement.

Tip Number One-

Find out what instruments you want to use in your song. Make a list, try them all out and add and delete whatever doesn't fit. It is important to have a blueprint before you build.

Tip Number Two-

Learning a little bit of theory will help! You don't have to be a theory wiz but a little knowledge on how to play correctly will help. Learn scales and chord structures.

Tip Number Three-

Calm down and relax. A perfect song isn't going to be written every time you touch an instrument or sing. It takes time and the luck of the draw sometimes to get everything just right.

Tip Number Four-

Play music with other people, see what they do that you don't do. Use this new knowledge and apply it to your writing next time you want to write a song.

Tip Number Five-

Listen to the radio, or get on the internet. Listen to your favorite artists, see how their songs sound and how they are broken up into different parts. Look for new ideas in writing music.

Tip Number Six-

Be yourself. I don't wanna listen to a song that sounds like the last one that just came out. What makes your music different? Think about that when writing, individuality is important.

Tip Number Seven-

Don't be a machine.  You don't have to write a song every day.  Take some time to write about what truly matters in your life.  Not only will this separate you from the crowd but it will make music mean a lot more to you.

Tip Number Eight-

Explore different genres.  Although Rock and Roll might be your favorite music to listen to, that doesn't mean that it is the music you are best at writing.  Look around and see what the whole world is doing in music and find your place.

Tip Number Nine-

Make small goals.  Don't set a goal that states that you are going to write ten songs a month.  If you fall short of these goals it will add stress and discouragement on top of everything else. Set simple goals like I want to write one song and play it for a friend or family member.  Then the next month you can double your goal and write 2 songs for a friend's ear.

Tip Number Ten-

If you aren't having fun writing music, then it probably isn't for you.  Music is about relaxation and getting away from the world for a minute.  Even if you listen to fast tempo music it can still give you a sense of relief and enjoyment.  If you are stressed the whole time then you aren't writing music at all.

Hope this helped some fellow musicians. Any Questions? feel free to ask.

Good Luck!