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  • DRAFT
  • SONG FORM
  • Cheat Sheet
Enhance Your Songwriting - Lyrics and Melody

Tools and Tricks/Self-Paced Course - 10 Weeks

Part one 5 weeks $275  Part two 5 weeks $275. Or Payment plan $60 each weekly section.

For me, there is only one rule
"Does it enhance or detract from your message."

No rules, just tools. And this class will expand your tool box, no matter how many tools you already have or don't have. With every tool, there will  be practice lessons.

This is a recorded version of the college class I taught through Santa Rosa Junior College. Comparable to  a  $1200 course at Berklee On-line, with the added benefit of my 25 years of coaching singers, and understanding how singing lyrics is different than just reading words on a page. 

The class has video lectures, pages to read, homework assignments and fun unusual lessons. Each submission will be personally reviewed by me with detailed feedback and the option of resubmitting a redo. I want to make sure you are understanding each step before you move on. We'll focus on new tools each week while reviewing what you have already learned.

This class with teach you tools to:

  • Brainstorm ideas, get past roadblocks and create music that reflects your true intent.
  • Come up with a hook or a clear message for your chorus, refrain or title.
  • Watch out for "rookie moves" so your lyrics don't sound cliché.
  • Do a song outline that not only organizes the song, but builds your message and leads the listener.
  • Find more interesting words, metaphors, rearrange lines to express your ideas.
  • Make sure the words "land" correctly in the music and how lyrics fit together with a melody.
  • Build phrases into sections: verses, choruses, and bridges. Learn what each part does.
  • Create effective contrast between sections and enhance the emotional intent of your lyrics.
  • Learn when to use different types of rhymes, rhythms and line lengths.
  • Be able to hear the melodic and rhythmic patterns used in speak to create more meaningful melodies.
  • Find out who you are so you can write authentically "you" in any genre.

Private 45 minute one-on-one songwriting and/or singing lessons are $47. In a private session, you can learn how to sing the lyrics more effectively, the nuances of dynamics, texture. emphasis, inflection, vocal style and embellishments.

Anytime upload:

If you are working on lyrics for your own originals, not part of the class assignment, and want feedback, you can use this for additional help.

Please do not copy or print any of the materials used for this class as they are copywritten. You can enthusiastically take lots of notes, however.

Helpful Links

  • https://www.thesaurus.com/
  • https://www.rhymezone.com/
  • https://parts-of-speech.info/
  • https://www.howmanysyllables.com/
  • https://randomwordgenerator.com/
  • https://www.8notes.com/resources/notefinders/piano_chords.asp
  • https://www.jmu.edu/counselingctr/files/About%20Emotions.pdf
  • https://hookpad.hooktheory.com/
  • https://www.fantasynamegenerators.com/haiku-generator.php
  • https://www.billboard.com/pro/miley-cyrus-flowers-credit-bruno-mars-writer-credit/
  • https://songexploder.net/episodes
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDLwp9h1gM4
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnOXe1TiwMY
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPM_jFsPJCQ


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