A
female
age
30-35,
anonymous
writes:Ok, i know this isn't a relationship question but i'm hoping that you will answer it anyway.I really want to be a song writer and i know that all song writers don't make it but i am determaned to at least try.Iv'e heard that most song writers accompany the lyrics with either the gitar or piano.But i cant play either of them.I can play keyboard though.And another problem is that even if i wrote a complete song i wouldn't exactly know how to get it to the right people.Help. Reply to this Question
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female
reader, Artistry  +, writes (12 August 2008):
 Hi there, First of all, good luck to you in your quest. I used to write songs, and I don't play anything, I just knew how I wanted the music to go, and I sang it for a person who played the piano, and we put it all together. I have heard that the best way to do what you want to do is to get your song to someone who will sing it. You can use a tape recorder to have the song sung as you want it. You have to find out how to protect your work, copywrite, there is a Government Department in Washington, that can help you with that. The other thing would be to pick out someone who sings the kind of music you write and try to touch base with them, send them a copy of you songs, try different people. Give them time to assess, I would send a self-addressed stamped envelope with the recording so that they can return it, if they are not interested. Find a radio station that is interested in new talent and get a copy to them. Finally, there are books with publishing company addresses in them at the book store, worth the investment.
Always protect your work, because people may take it and call it theirs, you never know, and always have a duplicate copy. Take care, let us know how you are doing. Much luck in the furture. I just thought of something else, find your favorite singer, write to them and tell them how much you admire their singing, and ask if they know how you could get started writing songs. Send them a copy of one of your songs, in lyric form only. If they like the words, you may be in business, always again copywrite it. Over and out. :o)
A
male
reader, StudentOfLife  +, writes (12 August 2008):
 Well I would start by writing lots of songs/poems or rhymes just for the practice and then take the best one to make a portfolio out of it.
Also, maybe learning how to write music would help so you can have a melody with your lyrics.(To give guidelines to the artist).
When talking about "right people" I figure you're talking about people who would give your songs to famous artist. I think it's to much of a big step to start with.
The first step I would take is to first try to be in contact with bands from your school/area to see what they think of your song and maybe sell some to them. By doing so, if one band those break through with your song, you made a name for yourself. (Be sure to copyright everything you do). Also, you'll probably, eventually, find a band that have contacts with the person to whom you want to give songs too.
What you need is to put your name out there. To tell the world "Hi, I write songs and I'm the best at it."
Hope this help, good luck! :)
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A
male
reader, Frank B Kermit +, writes (12 August 2008):
 First things first. Start writing. And then keep writing. Don't worry about the tune at this point. Think of writing lyrics like writing poetry.
Once you have a collection written up, start talking to your friends that play instruments and see if they can put some music to it for you. If you are a really do it yourself person, pick an instrument like Guitar and start learning to play. Yes, it is going to take work, but that is the way it goes for things that you really want in life.
Lastly, there are many many many books on song writing, as well as creative writing and books on the music business. Some authors to look up are Donald Passman and Lee Wilson. Learn everything you can about copyright and the business side of music if you want to be able to make a full time living off your writings.
If you plan to continue going to school in college courses in sound editing, market, web technologies, music production, communications, and creative writing would be good courses to take. There are even new degrees in being an artist manager that you might consider.
If this helps you make it, please remember me and dedicate an album to me.
-Frank B Kermit
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