The Songwriting Process

28mBeginner2019-01-04

Authors

Cliff Goldmacher

Recording Engineer, Producer, and GRAMMY-Recognized Songwriter

Course details

Songwriting is a craft that requires creativity and discipline. By adopting a regular process, you can set yourself up for more productive and inspired sessions. In this course, professional songwriter and music industry veteran Cliff Goldmacher offers tips, tricks, and workflow suggestions for new and experienced songwriters alike. You can learn how to set up your songwriting space for effortless creativity, how to research your ideas, how to overcome writer's block and procrastination, how to develop chords and lyrics, and how to write better songs overall. Plus, get tips for working effectively with a cowriter and sharing your songs once they are complete.

Learning objectives
Keeping track of your song ideas
Setting up a songwriting space
Eliminating distractions
Writing out chord charts
Registering your song with your RPO
Tips for cowriting songs

Skills covered

SongwritingPro ToolsAvidTips, Tricks, & TechniquesAudio and Music

Concepts

0. Introduction

01 - The songwriting process
02 - What you should know before watching this course

1. Before

03 - Keep a running list of song titles and ideas
04 - Keep a file of unfinished songs
05 - Do your research
06 - Set up your writing space
07 - Schedule an appointment to write
08 - Prepare for your cowrite

2. During

09 - Eliminate distractions
10 - Keep a recorder running
11 - Put your lyrics up on the screen
12 - Write out a chord chart
13 - Concentrate on the flow
14 - During your cowrite

3. After

15 - Register the song with your performing rights organization (PRO)
16 - Don't copyright your song yet
17 - Decide whether the song is demo worthy
18 - Make a plan to pitch
19 - Schedule your next writing appointment

Conclusion

20 - What's next