E-Book Overview
The Complete Idiot's Guide(r) to Songwriting will be the one-stop resource for all aspiring songwriters to learn: how much musical training you need (if you have none), how to put together the basics of a song in various popular genres (country & western, hip hop, Latin, adult contemporary, pop), as well as for different industries, such as television and film, and where to get the great ideas for what makes a hit and how recurring hit makers got their Midas touch. You'll also learn where and how to find collaborators, choose a publisher, and find an agent, how the Internet is impacting the world of songwriting (i.e., MP3 and Napster), and the best way to set up a recording studio in your own home and choose the best equipment.
E-Book Content
Songwriting by Joel Hirschhorn
A Pearson Education Company
To Jennifer, with appreciation for her love, her support, and her creative brilliance. Copyright © 2001 by Joel Hirschhorn All rights reserved. No part of this book shall be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher. No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information contained herein. Although every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher and author assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of information contained herein. For information, address Alpha Books, 201 West 103rd Street, Indianapolis, IN 46290. THE COMPLETE IDIOT’S GUIDE TO and Design are registered trademarks of Pearson Education. International Standard Book Number: 0-02-864144-2 Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 200188754 03
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Interpretation of the printing code: The rightmost number of the first series of numbers is the year of the book’s printing; the rightmost number of the second series of numbers is the number of the book’s printing. For example, a printing code of 01-1 shows that the first printing occurred in 2001. Printed in the United States of America Note: This publication contains the opinions and ideas of its author. It is intended to provide helpful and informative material on the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the author and publisher are not engaged in rendering professional services in the book. If the reader requires personal assistance or advice, a competent professional should be consulted. The author and publisher specifically disclaim any responsibility for any liability, loss, or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of any of the contents of this book.
Publisher Marie Butler-Knight Product Manager Phil Kitchel Managing Editor Jennifer Chisholm Acquisitions Editor Amy Zavatto Development Editor Doris Cross Senior Production Editor Christy Wagner Copy Editor Heather Stith Illustrator Chris Sabatino Cover Designers Mike Freeland Kevin Spear Book Designers Scott Cook and Amy Adams of DesignLab Indexer Angie Bess Layout/Proofreading Svetlana Dominguez Cheryl Lynch Lizbeth Patterson
Contents at a Glance Part 1: How to Write a Hit 1 Music Training: Is It a Must? Make the most of your musical education.
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2 A Century of Songwriting A look at some of the factors that make a song a hit, from the era of vaudeville to the age of videos.
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3 The Idea Is King Absorb every influence for inspiration and stop suffering from writer’s block.
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4 What Comes First, Words or Music? Well-known songwriters weigh in on this chicken-and-theegg debate.
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5 Finding an