The Practice of Songwriting
Inspiration, Lyricism, and Musicality
- Textbook
Available for purchase via Bloomsbury etextbooks on publication date
Description
Foster a lifelong, creative practice through lessons and exercises that integrate 3 main pillars of songwriting: inspiration, lyricism, and musicality.
The Practice of Songwriting guides people of all levels toward a rewarding craft of popular songwriting, progressively developing a range of skills. Each concept is clearly explained and then reinforced through exercises and analyses of examples from popular songs that demonstrate the same techniques. Learn about an array of topics, including:
- Music theory 101 for songwriters
- Melody writing
- Song structure
- Literary devices, character, and meaning in context for lyrics
- Creative inspirations and fears
- Storytelling
- Combining lyrical meaning with music composition
With its focus on incremental growth and thoughtful revisions of songs, this holistic approach helps songwriters build confidence. It not only teaches the foundations but also shows how to continue exploring and refining your authentic voice as a lifelong pursuit.
Accessibility Information
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The publication contains no hazards
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- No accessibility features offered by the reading system, device or reading software are disabled or otherwise unusable with the product
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Table of Contents
How to Use this Book
Acknowledgements
1. Cultivating an Inspired Mind
2. Setting Ourselves Up for Success
3. A Time-Based Form of Expression
4. Originality and Rulesets
5. Combining Lyrical Meaning with Musical Composition
6. Finding Meaning in Context
7. Codified Elements of Songwriting
8. A Closer Look at Lyrics
9. Melodic and Lyrical Tension and Release
10. Storytelling
11. Lyrical and Musical Perspective
12. Crowd Participation
13. Making It All Up
Conclusion
Appendix
Glossary
Discography
Notes
References
Index
Product details
| Published | 15 Oct 2026 |
|---|---|
| Format | Ebook (Epub & Mobi) |
| Edition | 1st |
| Pages | 288 |
| ISBN | 9781538186671 |
| Imprint | Bloomsbury Academic |
| Illustrations | 99 b/w figures |
| Series | Music Pro Guides |
| Publisher | Bloomsbury Publishing |
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