Where do composers and songwriters get the inspiration for their craft? How do they find the right word or chord to illustrate a mood or feeling? What is the secret behind a contemplative lyric that captures the magic and serenity of a musical phrase?
Composers and songwriters have been grappling with these issues throughout time. According to Grove Music Online, Stephen Foster is considered to be the first successful American songwriter. As the popular song market grew concomitant to the genesis of musical comedy, the process of writing and selling songs became standardized. How did Irving Berlin with a rudimentary knowledge of musical notation and arrangement manage to write such memorable songs? How did the teams of Rodgers & Hammerstein or Lerner & Lowe create such timeless, vibrant masterpieces?
For those individuals seeking assistance in this matter, the Library has several books that discuss, dissect, and demonstrate the art and technique of songwriting. Molly-Ann Leikin's How to Write a Hit Song : The Complete Guide to Writing and Marketing Chart-Topping Lyrics & Music is a practical guide for the popular music novice. Michael Pollock's How to Write Funny Lyrics: The Comedy Songwriting Manual delves into this often overlooked niche. Rikky Rooksby's Lyrics : Writing Better Words For Your Songs will help songwriters improve their lyrics and develop their own style and ideas.
Once you have written your song, feel free to come into the library to peruse the latest edition of Songwriter's Market, a tool that encompasses all types of music, provides guidance and advice and describes the numerous resources available for launching a productive and triumphant songwriting career.
Comments (1)
For those songwriters out there, the Library has planned a two-part songwriting workshop in November. Registration will be limited so be sure to look for the details online or in the Library newsletter.
The workshop will be run by Robert Steven Williams.
Posted by Joan | July 20, 2007 4:11 PM
Posted on July 20, 2007 16:11