Let’s talk about music making.
In order to develop as an artist, songwriters pass through a number of stages.
It's likely that you started by playing other people’s songs.
At some point, you begin strumming chords and scribbling down lyrics.
Or plunking out tunes on your keyboard.
Those ideas turn into more ideas.
Soon you have part of a song; and then a whole song.
It continues to unfold.
This is the "Perfecting Your Craft" stage of songwriting. You’re getting better at playing guitar, uke, or keyboards and your songs are hanging together.
There are many resources available to help you in this stage.
You can take lessons for voice or on your instrument.
There are online songwriting groups and local meetup groups that provide feedback on your lyrics.
You can attend songwriter camps that give you an opportunity to interact with other songwriters.
There are organizations for songwriters you can join like NAMM, National Association of Music Merchants)
ItyDity created a handy guide to make it easier to find and use resources. "Online Resources Every Songwriters Should Have.
The next phase of songwriter development is “Self Expression.” As you begin to master your craft, you start to share your music.
First, it may be with friends.
You may perform live.
The Self Expression phase can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. It takes courage to perform your songs for others.
You begin to receive feedback on your songs. (and more importantly, you learn to accept feedback on your songs.
There is so much learning that happens now. This is when you begin to “hear” your songs in your head. The song is no longer a lyric on paper, it has movement, it builds, it has emotion.
This is the right time to study how a song builds its emotional impact. What instruments are used? What effects or overdubs are used?
After a while, you can identify the elements that give a song movement and emotion.
This can be accomplished through a focused effort and deep listening to songs that you like. You can accelerate your learning through a new data-technology algorithm developed by ItyDity, The Song Blueprint™
The Song Blueprint breaks down three reference songs that you submit. You'll discover the instrumentation, effects, and characteristics of your songwriting style.
The next phase of songwriting is to "Expand" your audience.
Usually, you need a professional recording to take this step.
It is now after you have spent time perfecting your craft, expressing your songs to others, accepting feedback, and improving, that you are ready to record a song.
It could be that you record one song or that you create a CD.
You may want to send songs into Songwriting Contests, or
Perhaps you want to create a unique gift for your friends and family. Or,
Maybe you want to begin marketing and promoting your work.
When you’re ready to record a song, ItyDity can guide you through the process, and help you find a producer who matches well with your style and vibe.
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