(Book). You've written what you think is a great melody, what you hope is a strong lyric, and you've cut what sounds to you like a killer track. But how do you know if it's a hit? And what do you do with it if it is? Your only option is How to Be a Hit Songwriter , essential reading for advanced songwriters. Molly-Ann Leikin is the award-winning songwriter/songwriting consultant who helps good songwriters all over the world become hit songwriters. Whether your work just needs a little rewriting, polishing or some strong connections, Leikin will guide you step by step to the top of the charts. In How to Be a Hit Songwriter she offers expert advice and exercises, including "Seven Easy Steps to Writing Hit Lyrics." The book features inside information that can turn your song into a potential hit. What's more, she's interviewed music industry power players who share tips that are essential to all developing artists.

Revised 2013 About the Book Achieving "hit writer" status has always been a formidable goal for any songwriter. Never more so however than in the 21st century. Catching the ear of the monumentally distracted, fragmented listener has never been more difficult. Getting their attention, inviting them in to your song and keeping them there for long enough for your song to become "their song" requires more than being just a "good" songwriter. Murphy's Laws of Songwriting "The Book" arms the songwriter for success by demystifying the process and opening the door to serious professional songwriting. Hall of fame songwriter Paul Williams said in his review of the book "If there was a hit songwriters secret handshake Da Murphy would probably have included it." About the Author Ralph Murphy, songwriter, has been successful for five decades. Consistently charting songs in an ever-changing musical environment makes him a member of that very small group of professionals who make a living ding what they love to do. Add to that the platinum records as a producer, the widely acclaimed Murphy's Laws of Songwriting articles used as part of curriculum at colleges, universities, and by songwriter organizations, his success as the publisher and co-owner of the extremely successful Picalic Group of Companies and you see a pattern of achievement based on more than luck.

Simple techniques for creating catchy lyrics and memorable melodies! Nearly everyone can hum the melody or remember the words to a hit song. Clever word play, catchy melodies, and thoughtful imagery can create an impression that lasts long after a song has ended. The Everything Songwriting Book provides amateurs and seasoned professionals alike all they need to create, perform, and sell hit songs. Learn how to develop an idea, formulate a rhyme scheme, incorporate unique phrasing, and follow through to the final note. Professional songwriter and consultant C.J. Watson packs this book with clever tips and tricks for overcoming writer's block, creating a "hook," and recording and selling a song to a recording company or performer. This user-friendly guide also shows how to: Tap into the common elements of hit songs Incorporate instruments into songwriting Understand music theory Spot songwriting trends and write for a specific market Produce a song Know essential copyright law and other legal basics Get compositions into the right hands Complete with expert advice and practical pointers, The Everything Songwriting Book is sure to guide and inspire burgeoning songwriters at any level.

(Berklee Guide). Learn to write songs! This book presents the basic concepts of popular songwriting, such as song construction, creativity techniques, melodic and harmonic development, how to write memorable lyrics, and other core topics. Hands-on exercises make it practical, and the accompanying recording illustrates the concepts for those who don't yet read music.

With Song Starters, you'll spend more time creating and less time struggling to come up with ideas. Discover an endless supply of exciting, creative concepts that will launch song after song. Use the Starters to spark a brainstorm or set a series of notes in motion, get your feet dancing or fill your head with music. Listen to hit song examples as you work. All of the Starters are based on time-tested concepts used by hit songwriters, but you make them your own. 365 ways to fuel your songwriting creativity: - 183 lyric situations, characters, emotions, and title ideas - 45 ways to easily create music tracks to write to - 42 melody patterns, phrase ideas, and note rhythms - 17 contemporary chord progressions - 22 ways to rewrite a song using Song Starters ...plus a grab bag of 56 assorted whimsical, stimulating, inspiring launch pads for lyrics, melodies, and chords that will let you free your muse and write from your heart. With Song Starters, you'll never have to face another blank page.

A well written song gives you the power to touch, teach, and reach deep into a person's soul. But when you hit a creative wall, it can feel like the power has gone out.In those moments, who would you turn to to get your writing back on track?How about a songwriter who's worked with legendary artists and coached thousands of songwriters in person, online, over the phone, and in workshops all over the world?Mark Cawley's songs have been on over 16 million records and with his first book, Song Journey, he gives you a first-hand look inside the songwriting industry. You'll learn how to get your song going, how to keep it going, and what steps to take once your song is finished. It's all neatly packed, from rhymes to chords to publishers and PROs. It's written just like a hit song: full of hooks, to the point, and entertaining. Mark has supplied the maps and tools to help you become a powerful songwriter. Enjoy the ride!

Discover the melody and lyric writing techniques of today's top songwriters. Learn why their songs are so successful. The book features 38 proven strategies for creating powerful lyrics, 30 simple ways to make your melody fresh, exciting and memorable, using hit songs as "ghost songs" to get quick results, plus 58 more Shortcuts to help you lay the groundwork, choose the perfect structure, and pick the chords to give your songs even more hit potential.

The Billboard Guide to Writing and Producing Songs that Sell unveils the secrets to climbing the charts and reaching success in today’s ultracompetitive music industry. Eric Beall supplies his firsthand knowledge of today’s record business, as well as interviews with successful writers, producers, and executives from the worlds of pop, hip-hop, country, adult contemporary, and R&B. The result: a proven approach to constructing songs that open doors, create careers, and communicate to listeners around the world. Key areas explored include: •How does a song become a hit? •What makes a song a single? •Is there a formula for creating a hit? Fun and practical exercises provide opportunities to hone skills and expose specific talents, helping songwriters combine their unique voices to the demands of the commercial marketplace. Filled with fresh ideas that will spark beginners and veterans alike, this book will lead the way toward the industry’s ultimate challenge: the creation of that chart-topping hit song.

Written as an artistic, business, and technical guide for singer-songwriters, this book is full of advice and encouragement for aspiring troubadours looking to polish their craft. The book offers tidbits on performing, recording, booking, and working with managers, agents, lawyers, and record executives. The guide is rounded out by excerpts from interviews with seasoned artists such as Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon, Jewel, and Ani DiFranco. At times the book's advice only skims the surface such as its coverage of choosing, maintaining, and insuring gear, but the tips on songwriting and performing should be taken to heart by writers and performers at every level. Rogers is an author and freelance writer who has written for Mojo and Acoustic Guitar magazines. Of all the paths available to today's musicians, the life of the singer-songwriter remains one of the most alluring and popular. From songwriting and solo performing to recording and promotion, singer-songwriters wear many hats, and with all the challenges they face come extravagant creative rewards. The Complete Singer-Songwriter is the ultimate guide for the modern singer-songwriter, full of real-world advice and encouragement for both aspiring and accomplished troubadours. Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers draws on his own experiences as a performing songwriter and interviews with artists such as Joni Mitchell, Ani DiFranco, and Paul Simon to offer an invaluable companion for the journey from idea to song to stage and studio.