Songwriting Challenges
Stuck in a rut? Need some ideas? Try some of these Songwriting Challenges!
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Suggestions are from one of our Meeting Guest Speakers or from
one of the NSAI Pro Teachers such as
Jason Blume, Ralph Murphy, Allen Shamblin, Marty Panzer
and many more!
____________________________________________________
Suggestions are from one of our Meeting Guest Speakers or from
one of the NSAI Pro Teachers such as
Jason Blume, Ralph Murphy, Allen Shamblin, Marty Panzer
and many more!
Write A Theme Song For A Film
This exercise was from the Marty Panzer, Special Guest for "A Lyric Writing Master Class" on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2015. Some of the greatest songs were used in iconic films, such as "Over The Rainbow" (from The Wizard Of Oz), "As Time Goes By" (from Casablanca), "The Windmills Of Your Mind" (from The Thomas Crown Affair), etc.
SONGWRITING CHALLENGE:
- Music Supervisors are always looking for a great song for their film. Write a song that could be used as a theme song, a song for a pivotal scene, or an end credit song. This is a great exercise that Marty Panzer gives to the lyric writing class he teaches at UCLA Extension every Winter quarter. Make sure you're not "too on the nose" regarding the title and concept. Don't describe the scene or what's happening on the screen. Instead, describe the feelings of the character. This may take some research before starting. Use Google, IMDb (Internet Movie Database), etc., to find information about a film in pre-production or production.
ADVANCED SONGWRITING CHALLENGE:
- Once your song is finished and professionally recorded, and you have the necessary clearances, such as the signed writer's agreement (with your co-writers, if any), politely contact the Music Supervisor of the film and pitch your song to him or her.
This exercise was from the Marty Panzer, Special Guest for "A Lyric Writing Master Class" on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2015. Some of the greatest songs were used in iconic films, such as "Over The Rainbow" (from The Wizard Of Oz), "As Time Goes By" (from Casablanca), "The Windmills Of Your Mind" (from The Thomas Crown Affair), etc.
SONGWRITING CHALLENGE:
- Music Supervisors are always looking for a great song for their film. Write a song that could be used as a theme song, a song for a pivotal scene, or an end credit song. This is a great exercise that Marty Panzer gives to the lyric writing class he teaches at UCLA Extension every Winter quarter. Make sure you're not "too on the nose" regarding the title and concept. Don't describe the scene or what's happening on the screen. Instead, describe the feelings of the character. This may take some research before starting. Use Google, IMDb (Internet Movie Database), etc., to find information about a film in pre-production or production.
ADVANCED SONGWRITING CHALLENGE:
- Once your song is finished and professionally recorded, and you have the necessary clearances, such as the signed writer's agreement (with your co-writers, if any), politely contact the Music Supervisor of the film and pitch your song to him or her.
Change Your Camera Angle
This exercise was from the Lance Carpenter NSAI Pro Teacher Video. Lance said to "change the camera angle from verse 1, verse 2" and even the bridge to give a different perspective. Lance's topic was "The Story Of A Song." He wrote "Love Me Like You Mean It" (Kelsea Ballerini).
SONGWRITING CHALLENGE:
- When writing your song, consider adding an insight or the back story of the characters by "changing the camera angle." Lance said to think of this as shooting a video or movie about your song. You can "switch camera angles," or even "use a different imaginary camera" for a new perspective.
- Look at the first verse. Can this now be the 2nd verse? Lance said this is often the case! If so, write a new 1st verse with different information.
- Change the camera angle yet again for the bridge. Change the location. Or, maybe the character has a revelation, has a change of heart, has grown, is looking back on his/her life, etc. What do you want the listener to "see"?
This exercise was from the Lance Carpenter NSAI Pro Teacher Video. Lance said to "change the camera angle from verse 1, verse 2" and even the bridge to give a different perspective. Lance's topic was "The Story Of A Song." He wrote "Love Me Like You Mean It" (Kelsea Ballerini).
SONGWRITING CHALLENGE:
- When writing your song, consider adding an insight or the back story of the characters by "changing the camera angle." Lance said to think of this as shooting a video or movie about your song. You can "switch camera angles," or even "use a different imaginary camera" for a new perspective.
- Look at the first verse. Can this now be the 2nd verse? Lance said this is often the case! If so, write a new 1st verse with different information.
- Change the camera angle yet again for the bridge. Change the location. Or, maybe the character has a revelation, has a change of heart, has grown, is looking back on his/her life, etc. What do you want the listener to "see"?
Improving Your Melodies
This exercise was from the Annie Mosher video. Annie said these tools are also recommended by Hit Songwriter and Author / Educator Jason Blume. At the meeting, we listened to several examples of current hit Pop and Country songs and they all met Annie and Jason's criteria. Songs we listened to included "Wrecking Ball," "Shake It Off," "Stay With Me," "Cool Kids," "Sky Full Of Stars," "Dirt," "Neon Light," "Roller Coaster," "Girl In A Country Song," etc.
BEGINNING SONGWRITING CHALLENGE:
- Write a simple melody Chorus that can be sung acapella (alone, without any accompaniment).
- Repetition is the key, Jason Blume often says, so repeat the melody for the second line
- Now, for the third line, change the melody a little
- For the fourth line, repeat the original melody line
ADVANCED SONGWRITING CHALLENGE:
Using the three melody points Annie Mosher recommended:
- Write a melody that can be sung a cappella (alone, without any accompaniment); next,
- Make the melody in the CHORUS BIG and differentiate the melody in the VERSE, CHORUS and BRIDGE; next,
- Use repetition and repeat melodic lines or phrases in the VERSE and CHORUS (and the BRIDGE if applicable).
This exercise was from the Annie Mosher video. Annie said these tools are also recommended by Hit Songwriter and Author / Educator Jason Blume. At the meeting, we listened to several examples of current hit Pop and Country songs and they all met Annie and Jason's criteria. Songs we listened to included "Wrecking Ball," "Shake It Off," "Stay With Me," "Cool Kids," "Sky Full Of Stars," "Dirt," "Neon Light," "Roller Coaster," "Girl In A Country Song," etc.
BEGINNING SONGWRITING CHALLENGE:
- Write a simple melody Chorus that can be sung acapella (alone, without any accompaniment).
- Repetition is the key, Jason Blume often says, so repeat the melody for the second line
- Now, for the third line, change the melody a little
- For the fourth line, repeat the original melody line
ADVANCED SONGWRITING CHALLENGE:
Using the three melody points Annie Mosher recommended:
- Write a melody that can be sung a cappella (alone, without any accompaniment); next,
- Make the melody in the CHORUS BIG and differentiate the melody in the VERSE, CHORUS and BRIDGE; next,
- Use repetition and repeat melodic lines or phrases in the VERSE and CHORUS (and the BRIDGE if applicable).
Get Out There! Get Your Music Out There!
This exercise was recommended by our Special Guest Eric Palmquist, who at the time was VP Income Tracking, BMG/Chrysalis Publishing Company. Eric said, "This business is all about relationships. Go to music conventions. Meet people." Our September workshop Special Guest Larry Beaird gave the same advice along with "network and cowrite." So, this Challenge is a little different. Go to a music industry event, especially go to one you've never gone to before.
SONGWRITING CHALLENGE:
If you've never gone to a music event, it can be intimidating, even scary or awkward at first. But going to music events and meeting people can be life-changing, and it will bring your songwriting to another level. Below are just a few of the best upcoming events to attend for songwriters and composers. Some are far away; a few are local. Some are costly; some are reasonable (or even FREE!). And some will give you a discount if you sign up months ahead of time. Many of these events offer discounts if you are a member of NSAI. Bring your membership card! Good luck, and GET OUT THERE!
This exercise was recommended by our Special Guest Eric Palmquist, who at the time was VP Income Tracking, BMG/Chrysalis Publishing Company. Eric said, "This business is all about relationships. Go to music conventions. Meet people." Our September workshop Special Guest Larry Beaird gave the same advice along with "network and cowrite." So, this Challenge is a little different. Go to a music industry event, especially go to one you've never gone to before.
SONGWRITING CHALLENGE:
If you've never gone to a music event, it can be intimidating, even scary or awkward at first. But going to music events and meeting people can be life-changing, and it will bring your songwriting to another level. Below are just a few of the best upcoming events to attend for songwriters and composers. Some are far away; a few are local. Some are costly; some are reasonable (or even FREE!). And some will give you a discount if you sign up months ahead of time. Many of these events offer discounts if you are a member of NSAI. Bring your membership card! Good luck, and GET OUT THERE!
BEGINNING SONGWRITING CHALLENGE - NOT-SO-SCARY NETWORKING OPPS:
ADVANCED SONGWRITING CHALLENGE - PROFESSIONAL MUSIC INDUSTRY EVENTS & NETWORKING OPPS:
- Go to an open mic at a coffee house and talk to the performers afterward. If you really like their music, buy their CD -- and give them one of yours! They'll be flattered, and if you make a connection, you might find a new collaborator or musical friend. FREE! More info HERE
- Check out ListenLocalsSD popular event "The Game" with Cathryn Beeks and sponsored by Cliff Keller of the San Diego Songwriters Meet Up Group. At both The Game and SDS Meet Up, you might find a collaborator. FREE! More info HERE
- Did you recently meet someone from the music industry? Follow up! Email or call that person and ask them if they'd like to go for a cup of coffee or lunch (this will be YOUR treat, by the way!)
- If you're not affiliated yet with a PRO, call ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC at their L.A. office and ask for a meeting with a rep in person. If you explain that you're interested in joining, they'll set up a time to talk. They might even treat YOU to coffee! More info HERE
- Book a trip to Nashville (you can do this ANY time of the year) and have a One-On-One session at the NSAI Office. More info HERE
ADVANCED SONGWRITING CHALLENGE - PROFESSIONAL MUSIC INDUSTRY EVENTS & NETWORKING OPPS:
- West Coast Songwriters' Conference in the Bay Area, near San Francisco
- Durango Songwriters Expo (DSE) in Colorado in the Fall and in Ventura (north of L.A.) in the Winter & Spring
- Taxi Road Rally (This event is good for Beginning and Advanced Songwriters)
- MUSEXPO
- ASCAP Experience (formerly known as the ASCAP "I Create Music" Expo)
- SyncSummit
- For Nashville events, click HERE
- For more information and a complete list of additional conferences, click HERE
Shake It Up! Change Your Songwriting Process
This exercise was based on suggestions by Hit Songwriter Justin Weaver (he wrote Brantley Gilbert's most recent hit "Bottom's Up").
SONGWRITING CHALLENGE:
Generally, there are four important elements of a song: 1) Lyrics, 2) Melody, 3) Chords and 4) Groove (which includes drums, percussion, claps, beats, etc.), so start your song in a different way than you normally do. Some examples: If you generally start with lyrics, then start with chords. If you usually start with a melody, then start with a groove. You don't have to play drums or have recording equipment -- just tap, clap, or snap out a beat.
This exercise was based on suggestions by Hit Songwriter Justin Weaver (he wrote Brantley Gilbert's most recent hit "Bottom's Up").
SONGWRITING CHALLENGE:
Generally, there are four important elements of a song: 1) Lyrics, 2) Melody, 3) Chords and 4) Groove (which includes drums, percussion, claps, beats, etc.), so start your song in a different way than you normally do. Some examples: If you generally start with lyrics, then start with chords. If you usually start with a melody, then start with a groove. You don't have to play drums or have recording equipment -- just tap, clap, or snap out a beat.
ADVANCED SONGWRITING CHALLENGE:
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If you start your song by...
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...then start by doing this instead...
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One Word Title
This is a common writing exercise but it's a good one, especially if you're stuck and need ideas. Here are examples of both new and old familiar songs for inspiration. Some of these songs have the same title but they are completely different songs done by various artists. Read through the list and if you can hum or sing the song. Sometimes, a title is so effective that just looking at it brings back memories. This should demonstrate how powerful a title can be!
Billboard noticed a popular trend going on with one-word titles. In fact, according to the Billboard statistics, one-word titles make up nearly one-third of the Billboard Hot 100 each week! Who knows? Maybe you'll write the next #1 hit song. To read the Billboard article about "The Top 50 One-Word Wonders," click HERE
This is a common writing exercise but it's a good one, especially if you're stuck and need ideas. Here are examples of both new and old familiar songs for inspiration. Some of these songs have the same title but they are completely different songs done by various artists. Read through the list and if you can hum or sing the song. Sometimes, a title is so effective that just looking at it brings back memories. This should demonstrate how powerful a title can be!
Billboard noticed a popular trend going on with one-word titles. In fact, according to the Billboard statistics, one-word titles make up nearly one-third of the Billboard Hot 100 each week! Who knows? Maybe you'll write the next #1 hit song. To read the Billboard article about "The Top 50 One-Word Wonders," click HERE
SONGWRITING CHALLENGE:
- Write a song based on a one-word title. That's it! Below are several examples of famous one-word title songs to get you started.
ADVANCED SONGWRITING CHALLENGE:
- Create your own original made-up word or think of an unusual word that's never had the honor of being a hit song on the Billboard charts. You'll have to do some research and do a Google search. Be creative! See the examples below.
- Write a song based on a one-word title. That's it! Below are several examples of famous one-word title songs to get you started.
ADVANCED SONGWRITING CHALLENGE:
- Create your own original made-up word or think of an unusual word that's never had the honor of being a hit song on the Billboard charts. You'll have to do some research and do a Google search. Be creative! See the examples below.
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SONGS WITH UNUSUAL TITLES
"Firework" (Katy Perry) "Beachin'" (Jake Owen) "Pontoon" (Little Big Town) "Desperado" (Eagles, Linda Ronstadt) "Cantaloop" (Us3 & Herbie Hancock) "Boombastic" (Shaggy) "Wannabe" (Spice Girls) _____________________________ CURRENT POP HIT SONGS "Happy" (Pharrell Williams) "Problem" (Ariana Grande) "Rude" (Magic!) "Royals" (Lorde) "Brave" (Sara Bareilles) "Radioactive" (Imagine Dragons) "Believer" (American Authors) _____________________________ CURRENT COUNTRY HIT SONGS "Rewind" (Rascal Flatts) "Automatic" (Miranda Lambert) "Yeah" (Joe Nichols) "Bartender" (Lady Antebellum) "Chainsaw" (The Band Perry) _____________________________ |
CLASSIC POP & ROCK
"Heartbreaker" (Various Artists & Songs) "Angel" (Sarah MacLachlan) "Thriller" (Michael Jackson) "Bad" (Michael Jackson) "Faith" (George Michael) "Celebration" (Kool & The Gang) "Vogue" (Madonna) "Tequila" (The Champs) "Landslide" (Stevie Nicks / The Dixie Chicks) "Superstition" (Stevie Wonder) "Birthday" (The Beatles) "Help!" (The Beatles) "Revolution" (The Beatles) "Something" (George Harrison) "Memories" (Elvis Presley; Various Artists) _____________________________ CLASSIC COUNTRY SONGS "Amazed" (Lonestar) "Crazy" (Patsy Cline) "Lady" (Kenny Rogers) "Snowbird" (Anne Murray) "Twang" (George Strait) "Wrapped" (George Strait) ______________________________ |
Counting the number of syllables in your verses
This sounds easy, but it's very challenging, especially to make sense of what you're trying say and to fit the right words in the right place. Study the five examples below before writing your song. If you'd like to read the remaining lyrics, do a Google search, find the song's lyric video on YouTube, or visit a legitimate lyric website such as Lyrics A-Z HERE.
This sounds easy, but it's very challenging, especially to make sense of what you're trying say and to fit the right words in the right place. Study the five examples below before writing your song. If you'd like to read the remaining lyrics, do a Google search, find the song's lyric video on YouTube, or visit a legitimate lyric website such as Lyrics A-Z HERE.
SONGWRITING CHALLENGE:
- For this exercise, write TWO VERSES with the EXACT number of syllables. You don't count the number of WORDS in each line, you'll be counting the number of SYLLABLES in each line. Be sure to read your lyrics aloud when you're done.
- On your lyric sheet, put the number count of syllables in each line in parantheses () and bring it to the meeting. If you can make the syllable counts match EXACTLY (or within 1+ or 1- syllable) in each verse, that's great.
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Here are two nursery rhyme songs as examples. In each line of "Twinkle, Twinkle" the syllable count is exactly the same, which can get a little boring and predictable, especially in modern music. In "Old McDonald," the lengths of the lines are different, but the syllable counts match up exactly on each verse.
- For this exercise, write TWO VERSES with the EXACT number of syllables. You don't count the number of WORDS in each line, you'll be counting the number of SYLLABLES in each line. Be sure to read your lyrics aloud when you're done.
- On your lyric sheet, put the number count of syllables in each line in parantheses () and bring it to the meeting. If you can make the syllable counts match EXACTLY (or within 1+ or 1- syllable) in each verse, that's great.
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Here are two nursery rhyme songs as examples. In each line of "Twinkle, Twinkle" the syllable count is exactly the same, which can get a little boring and predictable, especially in modern music. In "Old McDonald," the lengths of the lines are different, but the syllable counts match up exactly on each verse.
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Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
VERSE 1 Twinkle, twinkle, little star (7) How I wonder what you are! (7) Up above the world so high (7) Like a diamond in the sky (7) Twinkle, twinkle, little star (7) How I wonder what you are! (7) VERSE 2 When the blazing sun is gone (7) When he nothing shines upon (7) Then you show your little light (7) Twinkle, twinkle, all the night (7) Twinkle, twinkle, little star (7) How I wonder what you are! (7) _____________________________ |
Old McDonald Had A Farm
VERSE 1 Old McDonald Had A Farm (7) E-I-E-I-O (5) And on that farm he had a duck (8) E-I-E-I-O (5) With a quack, quack here (5) And a quack, quack there (5) Here a quack, there a quack (6) Everywhere a quack, quack (6) Old McDonald Had A Farm (7) E-I-E-I-O (5) VERSE 2 Old McDonald had a farm (7) E-I-E-I-O (5) And on that farm he had a pig (8) E-I-E-I-O (5) With an oink, oink here (5) And an oink, oink there (5) Here an oink, there an oink (6) Everywhere an oink, oink (6) Old McDonald Had A Farm (7) E-I-E-I-O (5) ___________________________________ |
Song modeling
It's used to analyze and capture the "essence" of a song. Just as painters and sculptors study classic works of art by the great artists before them, songwriters can also use this technique. In Brian White's NSAI Pro video, he mentioned modeling songs.
It's used to analyze and capture the "essence" of a song. Just as painters and sculptors study classic works of art by the great artists before them, songwriters can also use this technique. In Brian White's NSAI Pro video, he mentioned modeling songs.
SONGWRITING CHALLENGE: Start with a very simple PD (public domain) familiar song that most people know such as "Mary Had A Little Lamb," "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star," "Jingle Bells," etc. Re-write the lyrics, chords, and/or the melody to create your own song. Bring it to the next meeting to see if anyone can guess what the original song was.
The Power Of The One Chord
In Steve Leslie's NSAI Pro video, "Writing The Big Hit Chorus," Steve discusses how chords are used in hit songs. You can use and download Vance's Guitar Chord Chart below (also known as the Nashville Number System). NSAI Members can watch the entire video by first signing in on the NSAI website
In Steve Leslie's NSAI Pro video, "Writing The Big Hit Chorus," Steve discusses how chords are used in hit songs. You can use and download Vance's Guitar Chord Chart below (also known as the Nashville Number System). NSAI Members can watch the entire video by first signing in on the NSAI website
SONGWRITING CHALLENGE:
Write a song without using the 1 chord in the verse, pre-chorus, bridge, etc., but ONLY use the 1 chord in the chorus. If you're really feeling brave, try the Advanced suggestion below.
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ADVANCED SONGWRITING CHALLENGE:
Write a song using all 6 chords in Vance's Guitar Chord Chart below. For example: use the 4, 5, 6 chords in the verse; use the 1, 2, 4, 5 chords in the chorus; then use the 3, 4, 5 chords in the bridge (omit the 7 chord for this exercise). Or, use 2 chords in the verses; 2 different chords in the chorus; 2 different chords in the bridge.
Write a song without using the 1 chord in the verse, pre-chorus, bridge, etc., but ONLY use the 1 chord in the chorus. If you're really feeling brave, try the Advanced suggestion below.
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ADVANCED SONGWRITING CHALLENGE:
Write a song using all 6 chords in Vance's Guitar Chord Chart below. For example: use the 4, 5, 6 chords in the verse; use the 1, 2, 4, 5 chords in the chorus; then use the 3, 4, 5 chords in the bridge (omit the 7 chord for this exercise). Or, use 2 chords in the verses; 2 different chords in the chorus; 2 different chords in the bridge.
| VANCE'S GUITAR CHORD CHART - NASHVILLE NUMBER SYSTEM |
