Comments on: Songwriting: What Creates Skill? Why Does It Matter?

By: Annie Dinerman

Annie Dinerman — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 21:09:44 +0000

Technique is a wonderful thing. It can bring confidence and it can smooth out a collaborative process. You needn’t memorize some kind of standard technique, although that can be very productive. You can study songs which you think are successful, learn why they work, and then apply what you’ve learned. The last part is where some people stumble. I’ve seen people in classes and songwriting circles nod their heads at feedback and then completely ignore it. The songwriter’s job is communicating. When we learn how to make ourselves understood, it’s fun and it’s exciting. Why do some writers resist that?

Technique is a great tool but you’ve got to apply it!

Sometimes, I find my technique makes writing too easy. I’m not digging into the emotions of the song because I can create something that’s smooth and shiny by relying on technique. In this case, technique isn’t the problem. It’s same old same old that’s getting in the way. The last time this happened to me, I looked for a new genre to write in. Wow! R&B! New language, new rhythms, new tools like the power of repetition. That’s fun!

By: Tony Conniff

Tony Conniff — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 18:23:06 +0000

In reply to Joyce Rogers.

Thanks, Joyce! Hang in there…
TC

By: Joyce Rogers

Joyce Rogers — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 19:33:04 +0000

Very inspiring. Just when I was going down…

By: Tony Conniff

Tony Conniff — Tue, 18 Nov 2014 05:01:28 +0000

In reply to Sophia Solomon.

Sophia,
I’m so touched by your comment! It means a great deal to me and helps keep me going; thank you. I hope hear more from you in the future.
Best wishes,
Tony

By: Sophia Solomon

Sophia Solomon — Tue, 18 Nov 2014 01:31:38 +0000

Your posts help me to keep chugging away at the craft. Thank you for taking the time to write down your insights and sharing your wealth of knowledge . Your generousity inspires as much as your musical information does.

By: Tony Conniff

Tony Conniff — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 21:20:31 +0000

In reply to Tom Prezioso.

Tom,
Me too! I hope this site and these posts help you.
Best wishes,
Tony

By: Tom Prezioso

Tom Prezioso — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 22:57:48 +0000

Would love to be a better songwriter

By: Tony Conniff

Tony Conniff — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 22:12:43 +0000

Thank you, Beth!

By: Beth J.P. Ritter

Beth J.P. Ritter — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 02:02:50 +0000

How timely this was, Tony. I’d just been working on a song using Garage Band, and decided I’m not giving up. This was a great reinforcement. Thanks.

By: Tony Conniff

Tony Conniff — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 23:09:15 +0000

Thanks, Elise. I hope it all helps!
TC

By: Elise Morris

Elise Morris — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 17:32:08 +0000

The songwriter community has been the last one to be served by music schools, music departments etc. around the country. It is gratifying to see this blog. Good information. More and more, songwriters find their peers and have access to mentorship that was virtually unavailable not so long ago. Thanks, Tony.