| Most singers have one major problem when starting | | | | look at a basic Music Theory book especially |
| out in the music industry... 'How do I get myself | | | | songwriters, as you'll find that learning a little bit about |
| noticed?'. Yes, there are plenty of other singers out | | | | how music works will help you enormously with basic |
| there, and often it's not enough just to be a better | | | | things like song structure and working out what chords |
| singer than them. But having a great voice is a | | | | go with which notes. |
| fantastic start. | | | | Do I need to be able to play an instrument in order to |
| So, you're nearly there! The next thing that you can do | | | | write songs? |
| as a singer to set yourself apart from other singers is | | | | As a singer you already play one of the best |
| to perform some great original music! Original music is | | | | instruments you can possibly own. Using your voice to |
| the best thing you can do as a performer. But how do | | | | work out tunes is by far the easiest way of writing |
| you get original music? | | | | music. |
| There are three ways to get original music:- | | | | The other really common instruments that are used by |
| 1. Write your own songs. | | | | singers / songwriters are the guitar and the piano (or |
| 2. Co-write songs with other musicians. | | | | electronic keyboard). If you can get access to one of |
| 3. Find songwriters who are not also performers. | | | | these instruments they that can be a great start |
| (There are plenty of songwriters around on the | | | | (I’m sure you know someone with an old guitar you |
| internet). | | | | could borrow). You don't have to learn how to play |
| So first let’s clear up some common questions I | | | | these instruments at a performance standard, just use |
| regularly get emailed to me about song writing! | | | | them as a tool to help you develop your ideas. |
| Do I need to be able to read / write music in order to | | | | So how do I start writing music? |
| write songs? | | | | Music is so diverse that there is no way anyone could |
| Of course you don't... There are plenty of singers and | | | | actually tell you how to write a song. In this series of |
| songwriters around who haven't got the first idea | | | | articles we will be discussing topics such as 'What |
| about how to read music, let alone write it. As long as | | | | elements make up a great song', and 'Get inspired to |
| you can record it down in some way (a Dictaphone | | | | write lyrics'. These articles, and many more are |
| will do) then you've got all the equipment you need. | | | | available by signing up to my free singers newsletter, a |
| Remember, music existed long before people | | | | must read whether your an amateur or a pro! |
| developed systems to write it down. It was even | | | | You’ll most likely write some pretty bad tunes |
| more recently that people developed 'Music Theory' as | | | | when you start out. Everyone does. That’s ok, |
| a way of explaining how music works. In fact I can | | | | don’t get disheartened. With practice and inspiration, |
| pretty much guarantee you know LOADS of music | | | | hopefully, you’ll start writing some music that |
| theory, just having listened to music. I think everyone | | | | you’re happy to play to people. |
| who has a interest in music should take the time to | | | | Just keep trying, and above all, enjoy making music. |