Becoming a successful songwriter requires musical knowledge, understanding contemporary music history, and the ability to combine poetry and music. Collaboration and copyrighting are also important, and submitting work to agents or record labels can take time and persistence.
When people search the Internet for how to become a songwriter, they are likely to receive many commercial offers for five, ten, or twelve easy steps to songwriting fame and fortune. These advertisements are misleading as they suggest that this profession is easily achieved. This is not always the case; few people become songwriters without musical knowledge and many write countless songs without recognition. The music business is a tough industry, and many musicians write their own work, which means the demand for songwriters isn’t as high. Some people find success in this work, and trying it takes professionalism, talent and good luck.
Musical knowledge is important to become a composer. People should read and write songs and understand the history of music, so they don’t rewrite the same tired songs. No matter what area one wants to write songs in, it is important to become familiar with contemporary music history, through informal or formal training. It is suggested that people take every opportunity to listen to past and present jazz, rock, gospel and country to avoid repetition. Some people are wild musicians, lacking the ability to read music; in that case, they will need to hire writers or use computer programs to jot down what they compose.
The compositions, when lyrics are included, are a combination of poetry and music. People must find the right words, the right notes to become a songwriter, and the study of poetry is recommended. Many people are stronger on music or lyrics and can collaborate with a partner. These arrangements can work very well, but the partners must copyright both names when the songs are finished.
Unless a person plans to perform his own work, he will become a composer producing what is called a mastersheet. This is a very simple combination of lyrics and the accompanying notes, and chords, or the basic harmony that accompanies the lyrics. Even with basic musical knowledge, most people can write an accompanying sheet, asking themselves how the song is sung and what chords accompany it.
How to write the lead sheet can be determined on many instruments; guitars and pianos or keyboards are the best choices for determining chords. Lead sheets often also have time signatures. The rest of the song would be interpreted when played and could be interpreted in a variety of ways depending on the artist performing it.
Composers who want to gain recognition generally must submit work to agents or record labels. It is advised that people never sell their music but keep their rights. If the song is eventually recorded, it will be more profitable and people will receive royalties every time it is played in most parts of the world. It can take many submissions before a person becomes a recognized songwriter, and some people could be songwriters for life without gaining recognition. Good lyrics and good harmony can help, but the music industry is very fickle.
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