Comments on: Learn About Songwriting… Then Don’t Think About It

By: Tony Conniff

Tony Conniff — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 17:53:25 +0000

Thanks for reading and commenting!
Best wishes,
Tony

By: Songwriting Competition

Songwriting Competition — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 13:07:29 +0000

Loved this article! It is necessary to learn each and every basic of songwriting and other techniques. The experience that you have shared here is of great importance for the songwriters.

By: Tony Conniff

Tony Conniff — Wed, 28 Sep 2016 05:35:00 +0000

In reply to John Zeger.

All good points, John; hard-won wisdom, obviously.
Thanks for reading and for your comments.
Best wishes,
Tony

By: Tony Conniff

Tony Conniff — Wed, 28 Sep 2016 05:33:00 +0000

In reply to shoshana.

Shoshana,
And I think everyone’s balance is probably different.
Given your comment, here’s one that might interest you: http://tonyconniff.com/when-song-ideas-come-forward-motion-is-everything/
Thanks for writing,
Tony

By: John Zeger

John Zeger — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 18:33:04 +0000

One you get through the pain and frustration of learning a new skill or gaining knowledge and application, the exponential freedom you obtain is well worth the effort. There is no short cut to self education and personal effort. I find many of my students or friends just give up trying because they are overwhelmed with all that they don’t know. I tell them to learn, really well, what they think they know. New knowledge attaches itself to what we already know. Find a firm starting point. So really know what you know, and learn something new about it. Focus on a simple thing and master it, and your understanding and knowledge will grow organically. I really enjoyed reading your article, thanks for your work.

By: shoshana

shoshana — Mon, 26 Sep 2016 17:53:24 +0000

Love this. Finding That balance between the knowledge of tools and trusting the mystery in my own process of creating is a real gift. I think it’s what helps to take the power out of the self analysis (aka self criticism) that can be paralyzing when trying to just write in peace!
Xxxoooo

By: Tony Conniff

Tony Conniff — Mon, 26 Sep 2016 16:26:28 +0000

In reply to Annie Dinerman.

Annie,
Not really. At the same time, many great songs have been written by people with little to no awareness of formal technique. Songwriting’s a strange thing that way…
Thanks for reading and writing!
Best wishes,
Tony

By: Annie Dinerman

Annie Dinerman — Sat, 24 Sep 2016 22:43:07 +0000

As usual, this is great advice, Tony. I feel it’s essential to learn technique, but it’s also important to write from the part of you that needs to be heard, more than from the brain. I agree that technique is wonderful. It gives me confidence to know I can try things that I’ve seen work in my other songs, or in songs by other songwriters. Similarly, it’s really good to have some knowledge of music theory. It saves time and, when you become adventurous and try new ideas beyond the theory you already know, that builds confidence, too.

I don’t understand songwriters who don’t want to read or write music, who don’t know theory and don’t have any technique. I can’t name another profession in which that would be smart. Can you?

By: Tony Conniff

Tony Conniff — Fri, 23 Sep 2016 04:03:19 +0000

In reply to Kathy Ingraham.

Kathy,
Great to hear from you and thanks for the kind words. Look forward to hearing that album!
Best wishes,
Tony

By: Kathy Ingraham

Kathy Ingraham — Thu, 22 Sep 2016 19:08:00 +0000

Nice article and good 10 minute video intro on Basics of Music Production.
I enjoyed it. I have just finished writing and producing a jazz/rock album. (10 songs) I love GB! Got a couple final mixes done and 8 more to go. (I have my ruffs up on the website listed below.) I will be mastering in Portland Maine in December! Brrrrrr Been hearing really nice things about your workshop classes. Love, Kathy

By: Tony Conniff

Tony Conniff — Thu, 22 Sep 2016 17:37:39 +0000

In reply to Elise Morris. Thank you, Elise! TC

By: Elise Morris

Elise Morris — Thu, 22 Sep 2016 14:55:40 +0000

Wonderful reminder Tony.