This is a lecture that was first heard in Likha, a songwriting camp at Mint College on October 13, 2012.

1. The Art & Craft of
Songwriting
The first & FREE part of the workshop series by
Jong Azores
Former Artist & Repertoire Manager

2. The Songwriter
A songwriter is an individual who writes
both the lyrics and music to a song.
Someone who solely writes lyrics may be
called a lyricist, and someone who only
writes music may be called a composer.

3. As an Art:
 skill acquired by experience, study, or
observation; the conscious use of skill
and creative imagination especially in
the production of aesthetic objects
(merriam-webster.com)
As a craft:
 skill in planning, making, or executing
(merriam-webster.com)

4. The Songwriters
 Not all songwriters have formal musical
training.
 There are those who do not even know
how to play any musical instrument

5.  words + music = a song. Great lyrics + great
music = Hit Song.
 A great lyric is simply a mix of easy, nice
words revolving around an interesting topic.
Rhyming is nice what matters most is the
flow of the words.
 Great music, means simple, "catchy" melody
and well-structured chord patterns.
 Music + Lyrics need to be put into a
concrete Song Structure.

6. Lyrics is not always poetry where there are
rules of meter & rhyme. Lyrics are the
words that fit the music nicely and neatly
that may result to have amazing
metaphors or glamorous word
combinations. It is extremely important
that the lyrics be confined in an
interesting topic.
Topic is the subject matter of the song.

7. Some lyrical guidelines
1. Include the title in the chorus.
2. Make sure the chorus is a general
explanation of the topic
3. The verses are detailed explanation of
the chorus.
4. Use the language you are confident
with.

8. Why Rhyme?
Lyrics that rhyme are the most memorable,
and the easiest to remember. But, take
care! Rhyming too much sounds STUPID,
and keep in mind that rhyme should
come second to meaning...Never
sacrifice the idea for the sake of a
rhyming word and never put stuff
together just because they rhyme.
Mahmoud Ibrahim
(How To Get Started With Songwriting)

9. More about lyrics
1. Do you have a specific audience?
2. Is there a theme you’re trying to get across? If so,
obviously you need to stick to it.
3. If you’re going for the story telling option, you need to
have a start, middle, and an end to the story.
4. Do you want it to rhyme? If so, get your thesaurus out.
5. Is there a hidden message in your song? If so, define
it, and think about how you’re going to convey it to
your audience.
Simon Smith
Composing Made Easy

10.  Give identity to the song
 May give those who read a "little" shock
 Maybe something FAMILIAR or a
COMBINATION with other words that
everybody uses but nobody had put
them together before.
 Maybe words that you are not used to
hearing it.

11. a good melody has a design that makes us feel like
we’ve been taken somewhere.
Most songs start in a very understated way,
gathering power as they go, finishing at a much
higher energy level. The majority of songs do this
“power grab” in stages, starting at a relatively low
energy level, then building toward the chorus,
subsiding again in the next verse, building toward
the next chorus, etc. Here’s a sample (but by no
means definitive) plan:

13. If rhythm is the backbone of a song, chords the
muscle and lyrics the heart, then surely melody
is the soul. Melody is the element that transcends
all else and is remembered before the words are
fully comprehended and long after they are
forgotten.
Melody is the thread that ties a song together. If done
poorly, every seam will be apparent and it will not
hold together for long. When sewn together
carefully, a song becomes a melodic whole with
one section flowing seamlessly into the next. —
David Pomeranz

14. Melody & Chord Progression
The melody of your song determines how
your chord progression is going to sound.
With a chord progression however, you
can create a melody.

15. Harmony/Rhythm
Harmony is the tuneful sound: melody; the combination of
simultaneous musical notes in a chord
Rhythm is the aspect of music comprising all the elements (as
accent, meter, and tempo) that relate to forward movement
Good harmony, like almost every other aspect of music, will
make us feel like we’re taking a walk around the
neighborhood, where we might see something out of the
ordinary, but most of what we encounter is pleasantly
predictable.
Theory tells us why chords work, but not necessarily which
ones to use. Creativity has always been up to you!
Gary Ewer
http://secretsofsongwriting.com/

16. Which comes first?
 Music first
• Melody is defined
• Chord progression established
 Lyrics first
• Poetry
• Approved copy
 Music & Lyrics at the Same Time

17. Form: The Song Structure
all songs, to be successful, need a perceivable, somewhat simplistic form. - Gary Ewer
1. Parts of a Song
A. Intro
B. Verse
C. Pre-chorus/ Refrain
D. Chorus
E. Interlude
F. Bridge
a) provide additional melodic material, reducing the risk of melodic
boredom;
b) intensify melodic and lyric energy.
G. Outro
2. Combinations of these parts

18.  The hook was what people sang over and
over to themselves after song was done, and
that’s what you want a hook to do! - Gary
Ewer
 Types of hooks:
• Melodic hook
• Lyrical hook
• Musical hook
• Rhythmic hook
• Sound-effect hook

19. Just Get Started!
You Can Always
Change Your Song
Later

20. Songwriters’ Habits
1. Have a notebook with you at all times
2. Have a digital recorder with you at all
times
3. Ask people what they think about your
creations
4. Keep your hit ideas organized
5. Practice
- Mahmoud Ibrahim
6. Experiment

21. 1. Find a message you feel passionate about. Write about your
interests & what you know. Keep it simple.
2. Find a simple melody. Songwriters are not paid by the note.
Often the easiest melodies are the longest lasting.
3. Find the chords. If you can’t play an instrument, record your song
and find an accompanist later.
4. Find a place to write. Find a quiet, peaceful setting to clear your
mind, and let the melodies and emotions flow.
5. Hear what’s in your head. Imagine how your finished song will
sound like.
6. Find the confidence to put your heart and soul on the line and
share your song with others. Learn from the feedbacks to
improve your songs. Take it all in, but before making any
changes, always consult your heart for the truth.

22. It’s time to
make a Demo
Recording!

23. See You Next Session!
The Business of
Songwriting