Career Songwriter

When I tell people that I teach songwriting courses for Berkleemusic.com, it always inspires an interesting conversation. The first question usually is, ‘can songwriting be taught?’ followed closely by ‘how can one teach songwriting online?’

Having been on both sides of the fence with a music degree from the brick and mortar college and now teaching online, I’ve had the benefit of seeing the inner workings of each. I’d like to try to outline some of their value, and talk about which path a songwriter desiring a career in the industry might follow.

Music is often viewed as an elusive art, as something that speaks to the soul rather than something understood by the mind. My experience as a songwriter in the commercial music industry has taught me that whether I enjoy it or not, at some point, my brains do need to be involved. From understanding my own strengths and weaknesses as a writer, taking feedback from my publisher and applying those suggestions, pitching to specific artists looking for songs, and expanding my business network through co-writing and other opportunities, I realized early on that I would never stop learning. I learned from co-writers how to craft songs, from publishers how to rewrite and rewrite again, and from meetings with label executives where my own perspective on the pitchability of my songs drifted from the industry’s perspective. Many of these opportunities to learn were available to me because I had a foundation of tools for the craft that I had gained through my music degree.

This foundation included basic tools and strategies for songwriting, the very same tools taught in Berkleemusic.com’s online songwriting program. Integral to any songwriter wanting to write better songs is consistent practice. With consistent practice comes greater awareness of our own strengths and weaknesses, and how we use or don’t use elements that are effective in songs across all genres. With this awareness comes the ability to control these elements, and that means better songs more of the time.

What I received as part of my music degree was personal, weekly feedback on my writing from an experienced writer. I also received peer feedback, and had the opportunity to give feedback as well. I began to grow the confidence I’d need to start promoting my own music in the field. I had the opportunity to visit my instructor during a weekly office hour to discuss any questions I had regarding my writing, my goals, and my future. I attended the brick and mortar school because I wanted a true 4-year college experience, and that is what I got.

Comparing this brick and mortar experience with an online experience, we find similar elements and some additional perks. We have the opportunity to play our songs for peers and experienced instructors for feedback. We have weekly chat hours where a relationship with these peers and instructors can be built. What’s more, we have daily writing assignments instead of weekly assignments, flexibility to complete the assignments when it is convenient throughout the day, and an opportunity to network with others with similar goals. We can even find co-writers and support groups to keep us writing and pursuing our art, whether that be as a paid writer or as a hobbyist looking for greater fulfillment through the process of creativity. Its drawback is also its benefit – those looking for a 4-year college experience won’t find it online. What they will find is a supportive, diverse community and quality education they can access from the comfort of their own livingroom. There is no need to uproot our family or our jobs, and the financial commitment is light enough to help us take one step at a time towards our songwriting goals.

If you’re on the fence about whether to take the plunge and enroll in an online songwriting course, take a few minutes and talk with an enrollment adviser. Discuss your concerns openly and gather more information to make an informed decision. Many aspiring artists and writers are surprised at how easy it is to get involved, and how far-reaching are the benefits.

A few courses I recommend as you’re getting started:

Lyric Writing:
Tools and Strategies
Writing From the Title

Music and Lyric:
Commercial Songwriting Techniques
Songwriting Workshop: Melody
Songwriting Workshop: Harmony

Andrea Stolpe