Whether you’re a budding songwriter, an instrumentalist curious about composing, or a vocalist with melodies in your head, learning how to write music is one of the most rewarding creative journeys you can take. At our music lesson school, we believe that everyone has the potential to write music. You don’t need to be a prodigy, have perfect pitch, or even read sheet music fluently to begin. What you do need is curiosity, creativity, and a little bit of guidance.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential first steps of writing music—from understanding basic musical elements to crafting your first song or instrumental piece. By the end, you’ll have a clear path forward and hopefully the inspiration to start writing music of your own.
Why Write Music?
Before diving into the how, let’s explore the why.
Writing music allows you to express yourself in a uniquely personal way. It’s a chance to tell stories, share emotions, or simply create something beautiful. Whether your goal is to compose classical pieces, produce pop songs, or just enjoy experimenting with melodies, songwriting deepens your understanding of music and enhances your overall musicianship.
Step 1: Understand the Basic Elements of Music
To write music, you need to be familiar with the core building blocks that make up a song or composition. You don’t need to master them all at once, but developing a working understanding of the following will help:
1. Melody
The melody is the main tune of your song—the part people tend to hum or sing. It’s typically a series of notes played or sung one at a time.
Tip: Start by singing or playing simple melodies on your instrument. Try to imitate melodies from your favorite songs to understand how they’re constructed.
2. Harmony
Harmony complements the melody, often in the form of chords. Chords are groups of notes played together and give your music richness and emotional depth.
Tip: Learn basic chord progressions like C-G-Am-F (a common one in pop music). Try playing different progressions and see how they change the feel of your melody.
3. Rhythm
Rhythm is how music moves in time. It includes note lengths, rests (silence), and time signatures.
Tip: Clap or tap different rhythms. Try writing a short rhythmic pattern and then put notes or lyrics to it.
4. Form
Form is the structure of a song. Common forms include:
- Verse-Chorus-Verse-Chorus-Bridge-Chorus (typical pop song)
- AABA (common in jazz and old standards)
- Through-composed (no repeating sections, often used in classical)
Tip: Take a song you love and map out its structure. Try mimicking that structure in your own writing.
5. Lyrics (if applicable)
If you’re writing songs with vocals, lyrics are the words sung. They can be poetic, conversational, abstract, or narrative.
Tip: Start with a concept or emotion. Write freely for a few minutes, then refine your words into lyrics that fit your melody and rhythm.
Step 2: Start with a Spark
Many beginners ask, “Where do I begin?” There’s no right answer, but here are some effective entry points:
Start with a Chord Progression
If you play guitar or piano, experimenting with chords is a great way to get inspired. Try combinations of major and minor chords and see what emotions they evoke.
Exercise: Play a I–V–vi–IV progression (e.g., C–G–Am–F) and hum a melody over it.
Start with a Melody
Sometimes a tune pops into your head—capture it! You can record it on your phone or play it on your instrument. Then build harmony around it.
Start with Lyrics or a Title
A powerful phrase or word can spark an entire song. Think of what you want to say, then build music around that idea.
Start with a Rhythm or Groove
Beatbox, drum, or use a loop from a digital audio workstation (DAW) like GarageBand or Ableton. Let the rhythm guide the rest of the composition.
Step 3: Write Your First Piece
Now let’s put it all together.
1. Pick a Starting Point
Choose a chord progression, melody, lyric, or rhythm that resonates with you.
2. Develop a Section
Write a verse or chorus. Keep it short and simple. A four-line lyric with a four-bar chord progression is a great start.
3. Expand the Structure
Add contrasting sections (like a bridge or second verse). Repeat sections where it makes sense—repetition creates familiarity and catchiness.
4. Add Variation
Change dynamics (loud/soft), instrumentation, or rhythm to keep the listener engaged.
5. Record a Demo
Use your phone, a DAW, or just write everything down. Don’t worry about making it perfect—this is about capturing your idea.
Step 4: Learn by Imitating
One of the best ways to improve as a music writer is by learning from others.
Cover Songs
Play songs you love and analyze how they’re built. What chords are used? How is the melody structured? How do the lyrics flow?
Recreate Styles
Try writing a song in the style of your favorite artist. Don’t worry if it sounds derivative—you’re learning. Over time, your unique style will emerge.
Step 5: Tools and Resources
You don’t need fancy gear to write music, but a few tools can help:
Instruments
Piano or guitar is great for songwriting due to their harmonic versatility. Voice is also a powerful tool, especially if you’re focusing on melody and lyrics.
Notation Software
If you want to write sheet music, try free programs like MuseScore or paid ones like Finale or Sibelius.
DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations)
Recording software can help you layer ideas and hear your music come to life. Great options for beginners include:
- GarageBand (Mac/iOS)
- BandLab (browser-based and free)
- Reaper (low-cost and powerful)
- Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and FL Studio (more advanced)
Apps
Apps like Noteflight, Flat.io, and ChordChord can help generate progressions and notate music easily.
Step 6: Join a Community or Take Lessons
Writing music can be solitary, but you’ll grow faster by sharing your work.
Feedback
Play your songs for friends, family, or teachers. Join online communities or forums. Honest feedback helps you improve.
Lessons
Taking music theory, songwriting, or composition lessons can fast-track your progress. A teacher can provide personalized guidance, structure, and encouragement.
At our music school, we offer specialized classes for beginner songwriters and composers. Whether you want to write classical pieces, pop songs, or video game music, we can help you develop the skills you need.
Step 7: Practice, Finish, Repeat
The most important part of writing music? Keep doing it.
- Practice regularly: Write a little every day if you can.
- Finish your songs: Even if they’re not perfect, finishing builds discipline.
- Reflect and revise: Over time, you’ll learn what works and what doesn’t.
Writing music is like learning a language—you get better the more you use it.
Common Challenges (and How to Overcome Them)
“I don’t have any good ideas.”
Start small. Don’t wait for brilliance. Try rewriting a simple song in a different key or changing the lyrics to a familiar melody.
“My music sounds too simple.”
That’s okay! Many hit songs are built on just a few chords and a memorable melody. Simplicity can be powerful.
“I don’t know music theory.”
You don’t need to. Many successful musicians started by ear. But learning even basic theory can unlock new creative options, so consider learning gradually.
“I’m afraid to share my music.”
Start by sharing with someone you trust. Remember, every songwriter starts as a beginner. Feedback is a tool, not a judgment.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Journey
Writing music is one of the most fulfilling forms of creative expression. It’s a journey of discovery—of your voice, your emotions, and your imagination. Don’t get discouraged if your early efforts feel rough. Every great songwriter and composer started exactly where you are: with a blank page, a spark of inspiration, and the willingness to try.
At our music school, we’re here to support you at every step. Whether you need help with melody writing, music theory, or simply want a space to explore your creativity, we offer lessons tailored to beginners who are ready to turn their musical ideas into reality.
So pick up your instrument, open your notebook, and write that first note. Your musical journey starts now.
Enrolling kids in summer music programs can have a multitude of benefits that extend far beyond just learning to play an instrument. At Freeway Music, these programs offer a unique opportunity for children to explore their creativity, develop discipline, and enhance their cognitive abilities. Here are some key reasons why summer music programs are important for kids:
- Creativity and self-expression: Music is a powerful form of self-expression, allowing children to convey emotions, thoughts, and feelings in a creative way. By enrolling in a music program, kids can tap into their creative potential and explore different genres and styles of music.
- Cognitive development: Learning music has been shown to have a positive impact on cognitive development. It can improve memory, enhance mathematical skills, and increase spatial-temporal skills. Music also helps children develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Discipline and perseverance: Mastering a musical instrument requires dedication, practice, and perseverance. By enrolling in a summer music program, kids learn the value of hard work, discipline, and patience. These qualities can transfer to other areas of their lives, helping them excel academically and professionally.
- Social skills and teamwork: Many summer music programs involve group activities, such as playing in a band or orchestra. These experiences teach children valuable social skills, such as collaboration, communication, and teamwork. Kids learn to listen to each other, compromise, and work together towards a common goal.
- Confidence and self-esteem: As children develop their musical skills and see their progress over the course of a music program, their confidence and self-esteem grow. Performing in front of an audience, whether it’s a small group of parents or a larger concert hall, can help kids overcome stage fright and build confidence in themselves.
- Cultural appreciation: Music is a universal language that transcends cultural boundaries. By enrolling in a music program, kids have the opportunity to explore music from different cultures and time periods. This can broaden their perspectives, foster appreciation for diversity, and spark a lifelong love of music.
Overall, enrolling kids in music programs, especially starting in the summer, when they have less on their plate, can have a lasting impact on their personal, social, and academic development. Whether they continue to pursue music as a career or simply enjoy it as a hobby, the benefits of music education are undeniable. If you have the chance to enroll your child in a summer music program, seize the opportunity to help them unlock their full potential and foster a lifelong passion for music.
A Jumpstart for Children’s Development
Music education has long been touted as a valuable tool for children’s cognitive, social, and emotional development. But just how impactful is it? In this article, we’ll explore the numerous benefits of music education for children, backed by credible studies and research.
Cognitive Benefits:
* Improved memory and spatial-temporal skills (Rauscher et al., 1998)
* Enhanced language development and literacy skills (Forgeard et al., 2008)
* Better math and reading skills (Hetland & Winner, 2001)
Social-Emotional Benefits:
* Improved social skills and teamwork (Hallam, 2010)
* Reduced stress and anxiety (Kruger & Schechter, 2017)
* Enhanced creativity and self-expression (Boden & Mayer, 2009)
Brain Development:
* Increased grey matter volume in auditory and motor areas (Schlaug et al., 2005)
* Stronger neural connections and plasticity (Kraus & Chandrasekaran, 2010)
Conclusion:
The evidence is clear: music education gives children a significant jumpstart in life. By introducing music education early on, parents and educators can help shape young minds, foster creativity, and set the stage for future success. At times, when you’re in the moment- it may feel as though progress is slower than you would expect, but it’s important to remember, music education like anything else, takes time to understand, master and produce results. If we allow ourselves opportunity to enjoy the process, the results will surprise you in such an amazing way.
Sources:
Boden, M. A., & Mayer, R. E. (2009). Music and the Mind. Scientific American, 300(6), 72-77.
Forgeard, M., Winner, E., & Schlaug, G. (2008). From singing to speaking: Facilitating recovery from non-fluent aphasia using melodic intonation therapy. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1145, 243-254.
Hallam, S. (2010). The impact of music education on cognitive development in children. Journal of Research in Music Education, 58(3), 270-282.
Hetland, L., & Winner, E. (2001). The arts and academic achievement: What the research shows. Arts Education Policy Review, 102(5), 3-6.
Kraus, N., & Chandrasekaran, B. (2010). Music training for the development of auditory skills. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 11(8), 623-630.
Kruger, J., & Schechter, J. (2017). The impact of music education on stress and anxiety in children. Journal of Music Therapy, 54(2), 147-162.
Rauscher, F. H., Shaw, G. L., & Ky, K. N. (1998). Music, cognition, and emotion: A review of the research. Psychology of Music, 26(1), 73-92.
Schlaug, G., Marchina, S., & Norton, A. (2005). From singing to speaking: Facilitating recovery from non-fluent aphasia using melodic intonation therapy. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1060, 243-254.
Nurturing Musical Growth in Children
Learning to play a musical instrument is a journey filled with excitement, challenges, and, most importantly, patience. For children embarking on this adventure, the concept of patience might seem elusive amidst their eagerness to master the instrument quickly. However, understanding the importance of patience in this process is essential for both parents and educators alike.
Patience serves as the cornerstone of a child’s musical development, fostering a positive and enriching learning experience. Rather than focusing solely on achieving immediate results, cultivating patience allows children to embrace the journey of learning an instrument, nurturing their creativity, and building a lifelong passion for music.
One of the key aspects of fostering patience in children learning a new instrument is encouraging them to “play” rather than “practice.” This subtle shift in language can have a profound impact on a child’s perception of the learning process. By framing their musical exploration as play, children are invited to approach the instrument with curiosity, imagination, and a sense of freedom. This mindset shift empowers children to explore the instrument at their own pace, experiment with different sounds, and express themselves creatively without the pressure of perfection.
Here are some practical tips for suggesting children to “play” rather than “practice” when learning a new instrument:
- Create a Playful Environment: Set the stage for musical exploration by creating a playful and supportive environment. Encourage children to view their instrument as a tool for creative expression rather than a daunting challenge.
- Embrace Mistakes as Learning Opportunities: Help children understand that making mistakes is an integral part of the learning process. Encourage them to embrace their mistakes, learn from them, and use them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
- Encourage Creativity: Foster a spirit of creativity by encouraging children to experiment with the sounds and techniques of their instrument. Provide them with opportunities to improvise, compose their own melodies, and explore different genres of music.
- Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection: Shift the focus from achieving perfection to celebrating progress. Recognize and celebrate each small milestone along the way, whether it’s mastering a new chord, playing a simple melody, or improvising a short tune.
- Be Patient and Supportive: Above all, be patient and supportive throughout the learning process. Encourage children to enjoy the journey of learning an instrument and reassure them that progress takes time.
By encouraging children to “play” rather than “practice,” we empower them to take ownership of their musical journey, make it their own, and develop a lifelong love for music. Through patience, encouragement, and a playful approach, we can nurture the next generation of musicians and inspire them to unlock their full potential.
Introduction:
In the symphony of a child’s development, music education plays a pivotal role, harmonizing cognitive, emotional, and social growth. As we delve into the orchestration of academic studies, it becomes evident that the influence of music on young minds goes far beyond the notes on a page. Let’s explore the symphonic journey of why music education is not merely a supplemental class but an essential element in the composition of a child’s holistic learning experience.
The Cognitive Crescendo:
Research from renowned institutions such as Harvard and Johns Hopkins has been tuning into the cognitive benefits of music education for years. The brain, akin to a musical instrument, undergoes a transformative tune-up when exposed to the intricacies of music. Studies suggest that children engaged in music education demonstrate enhanced cognitive skills, including improved memory, attention span, and problem-solving abilities.
One notable study, conducted at the University of California, found that children involved in music education showed accelerated development in the areas of language processing and mathematical reasoning. The rhythm and patterns inherent in music seem to create a neural symphony, fine-tuning the brain for more efficient cognitive processing.
The Emotional Overture:
Beyond the realms of academia, music education orchestrates a powerful emotional overture in the lives of children. It serves as a melodic refuge, providing an outlet for self-expression and emotional regulation. Music becomes the soundtrack to a child’s emotional journey, helping them navigate the complex tapestry of feelings.
A study published in the Journal of Research in Music Education discovered that children engaged in music education exhibited higher levels of empathy and emotional intelligence. The collaborative nature of playing in an ensemble cultivates a sense of camaraderie, teaching children the art of listening and responding to the emotions conveyed through music.
The Social Symphony:
In the grand performance of life, the ability to collaborate and communicate is key. Music education, with its emphasis on ensemble playing and group dynamics, becomes the rehearsal ground for these essential social skills. You will find resonance in the transformative power of music education to tip the scales in favor of positive social development.
Research from the National Association for Music Education highlights the social benefits of music education, noting that children engaged in musical activities develop a strong sense of teamwork, discipline, and leadership. The shared pursuit of musical excellence cultivates a sense of belonging, transforming classrooms into harmonious communities.
Conclusion:
In the symphony of a child’s education, music is not merely an optional chord but a fundamental note that resonates across the cognitive, emotional, and social dimensions. Let us acknowledge that the true crescendo of a child’s potential is orchestrated by the transformative power of music education. It’s not just about creating musicians; it is about sculpting minds that resonate with the harmonies of lifelong learning and emotional intelligence. The importance of music education, when understood in this comprehensive light, becomes a powerful testament to the enduring melody that shapes the future of our young minds.
As the holiday season approaches, finding the perfect gift for your young guitar player can be challenging. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 holiday gifts based on consumer and expert reviews.
1. Music lessons:
Music lessons provide a unique and lasting experience that fosters creativity, skill-building, and personal growth. Lessons can ignite, or re-ignite passion and help beginners start their creative musical journey. Additionally, music lessons offer a chance to connect to a mentor and join a community, making a thoughtful and engaging gift!
2. PRS Headstock Tuner:
Stay in tune easily and in style with the PRS Clip-On Tuner.
https://www.simsmusic.com/prs-headstock-tuner.html
3. Ernie Ball Musician’s Tool Kit – Best Tool Kit:
Ernie Ball’s all in one tool kit is perfect for cleaning, maintaining and keeping your instrument in perfect playing condition. Change strings, set intonation, adjust the action, check string height and more. Tool kit includes Microfiber Polish Cloth, Wonder Wipes, Heavy Duty String Cutter, Peg Winder, 6-in-1 Screwdriver, Ruler, and durable Hex Wrench Set.
https://www.ernieball.com/guitar-accessories/guitar-instrument-care/tools
4. Caroline Guitar Co. Hawaiian Pizza pedal:
A bespoke artisanal blockchain of handcrafted tone, the sonic equivalent of a forbidden delicacy, all from just three knobs and the truth.
https://carolineguitar.com/product/hawaiian-pizza/
5. A new guitar from Sims Music
What young guitarist wouldn’t love a new guitar? Our partners at Sims Music have an incredible selection for every style and budget with an extremely friendly and knowledgable staff, there to help you make the best decision that will absolutely put a smile on your young guitar player’s face!
https://www.simsmusic.com/products/guitars/electric/
These gifts cater to different needs and skill levels, offering a well-rounded approach to learning and enjoying guitar playing. Whether it’s lessons, accessories, or a new guitar, your young guitarist is sure to be delighted with any of these thoughtful gifts.
Every musician loves overcoming a challenge, and with drumming, a challenge is more than a sore throat or blisters from plucking strings. It takes a toll on your entire body—legs for the kick and hi hat, arms for the snare, cymbals, and toms, neck for headbanging—which means a challenge is as broad as music genres.
Here are five songs to challenge your skills and push your limits as a drummer in a fun, exciting way.
Brianstorm is a powerful opener to Arctic Monkey’s album Favourite Worst Nightmare with a quick and heavy drum beat in the beginning that flies around the kit, transitioning swiftly into the first verse with a rapidfire hi hat that is dizzying to follow. This 2:50 minute song never never slows down, so it can be a great way to test out your arm and wrist strength. Although it seems like a simple enough beat, it’s the speed that truly makes it a fun challenge to tackle.
Starting strong with some double pedal action, this Van Halen song takes funky, offbeat rhythms and meshes them into a high energy classic that is sure to rile up any crowd. Hot for Teacher takes a lot of energy, physically and mentally, in order to power through. Although it might take some time to adjust to two pedals, once you’ve memorized all the stops and pattern changes, it’ll be smooth sailing for you there.
Moby Dick is misleadingly easy at first, with a simple, jazzy tone at the beginning, but its simplicity is what makes it so challenging. It consists almost entirely of drumming, which means you get the spotlight. With sudden, fast movements that are sure to make you trip up during every listen, this Led Zeppelin song gives plenty of breathing room to be creative with your own fills—which in and of itself is a challenge—but also grants you bragging rights if you manage to memorize it.
This Mars Voltas song is bound to make any intermediate drummer have a heart attack out of pure intimidation. A loud, eccentric banger with lots of stops, it becomes simpler in the verse, but maintains that fast-faced energy all the way through. Not to mention Goliath is also over seven minutes long, no doubt testing any experienced drummer’s energy levels with just one playthrough, but is also a satisfying beast to tame.
Another song that leans less on speed and more on disorienting beats that are hard to keep up with, Ticks & Leeches is 8 minutes of rock and metal ups and downs, giving pauses in between verses to grant you a break every now and then before diving straight into another fast, harsh chorus. If you’re a huge Tool fan with enough time to dedicate to learning every second of this, it’s a great song to push yourself to your drumming limits.
Drumming takes many skills. Not only do you use both hands and feet on a kit, but they’re all most likely going to be doing different things at once. It takes practice to build the skill of rhythmic multitasking, which most drummers won’t have developed when they decide to pick up sticks for the first time.
Here’s five songs for beginning drummers that will help them build up the skills needed for harder songs.
1: Do I Wanna Know by Arctic Monkeys
AM by Arctic Monkeys is full of songs with interesting and tricky drumming patterns that challenge a drummer to use their entire body. The exception, of course, is Do I Wanna Know, which has an easy to follow beat on the kick drum and snare during the verse. While the chorus does add some flare, with a different kick pattern and some high hat, the beat is steady and slow enough for starters to keep up with.
2: Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes
Ah, the dreaded beginner’s song. While every instructor on the face of the earth may be sick and tired of hearing this song, that doesn’t change its simplicity that any new drummer can easily pick up without any prior experience. Sure, your teacher might lose their mind, hearing this song for the thousandth time, but it’s good practice to work up your leg muscle on the kick and teach your hands to do two different things at once.
Dreams, among many other Fleetwood Mac classics, is a great song for any beginner to try out. It has a sweet and mellow vibe that’s easy to keep up with on the kit. Although it’s slightly faster than the other songs on this list, it’s a great way to build up that high hat speed and have fun with new drumming patterns that don’t become too complex. This song also allows you to have some fun with fills and adding ghost notes to the pattern if you feel up to it.
A loud, heart-thumping banger, Buddy Holly by Weezer is the perfect dip-your-toes song for any young rockers eager and ready to go all out without the struggle of a difficult drum beat. It has an easy tone to keep in time with, a slower pace so you don’t lose the tempo, and enough leeway to use the space and play any funky little drum fill that your heart desires.
5: Psycho Killer by Talking Heads
This classic by the Talking Heads is one that everyone should learn purely for its funky bass, catchy guitar stings, and of course, the heart of the song: the drum beat. Although it’s nothing too difficult for a beginner, Psycho Killer leaves plenty of room to experiment with patterns, drum fills, and anything else your heart desires. And, if you’re feeling particularly experimental, try and play Cage the Elephant’s cover of this iconic song.
Through teaching and running Freeway, I’ve had many opportunities to hold and attend a lot of great songwriter clinics. So, I want to share some of the best advice I’ve learned about songwriting.
“A song is a snapshot of time” ~Tom Conlon
This is such an inspiring statement and so very true! Music is an amazing art form. Most people attach sound to music, but seldom visual art. Words and lyrics create settings and paint pictures in listeners’ heads. The music evokes certain moods. Certain lyrics will reflect the culture of the time period in which they are written. Various music styles move with time as well. Since culture will always continue to change and evolve, lyrics can be fresh forever. Just look Sam Cooke’s “Change Gonna Come”. It’s clearly about the civil rights movement. Songs are a “snapshot in time” and it’s almost our civic duty as writers to capture these moments.
Check Out Tom Conlon’s Music Here.
“Make songwriting a Ritual.” ~ Danielle Howle
To master writing, you have to maintain the attitude you would with anything you would master. You have to stay the course and practice writing. One of the toughest parts about working out is getting yourself in a routine. You have to be intentional and set aside time to write everyday. Get into the ritual of songwriting. If you are prolific, you are bound to have some gems in there. Also, don’t be too hard on yourself. Not ALL of your songs will be amazing. I am a huge Beatles fan. They wrote a ton of tunes and they have a lot of songs that I don’t like at all. You can’t have the cream of the crop without a good sized crop.
Check out Danielle Howle’s Music Here.
“If you aren’t writing, you aren’t living.” ~ Tom Conlon
Yes. It’s the second time I’ve referenced Tom Conlon, but he is a very wise man. If you aren’t filling the tank up, how do you expect to put anything out? It’s the same as any endeavor in life. Take a trip out of town, watch a movie, read a book, listen to new music, go to a show, or take part in any other activity to create some new life experiences. If you aren’t experiencing life, you will not have anything to talk about. You will be amazed at how inspiring it will be.
Hopefully, these pieces of advice will aid you in being a better writer as well. Always remember the importance of your art, make it a priority, and live a little. Until next time, happy writing!
More Songwriting Tips:
Being Creative With Time and Measure
Several years ago, my friend invited me to a guitar show at Jamil Temple. As I was walking through I saw Jerry Sims playing guitar in the middle of the show. Jerry is a local legend, owner of Sims Music, and even has his own signature 7 string Ibanez guitar. After he finished playing I asked him my question I ask every great player: “What’s your best advice for improving as a player?”. Jerry thought for a moment and answered, “Learn Tunes. Honestly, to this day, I try to learn a tune a day.” I was hoping for some profound answer, instead I got, “Learn Tunes.” That has stuck with me since then and has proven to be a fact. Today, I want to share 5 ways learning tunes can improve your playing:
1. Techniques
Every song is like a new puzzle or challenge with techniques of varying difficulty. Metallica taught me bends, hammers, and pulls. Dire Straits taught me hybrid picking and double stops. Van Halen taught me tapping. Stevie Ray taught me how to play single notes while muting others. I could go on for days. My technique is a conglomerate of all of the tunes I have learned. To this day, I am constantly challenged by the songs my students bring into the lesson room.
2. Creativity
Some of the best riffs and songs I have written have come from learning other songs. There are so many great ideas buried in your favorite songs. The trick is to actually tear the song apart and research its innards. You can find lyrical wit, chord structure, melodies, rhythm patterns, sound effects, instrumentation, and so much more to create a pool of ideas to grab from.
3. Language and style
As I have mentioned before, music is a language. Just as Spanish, English, and German all have different characteristics and vocabulary, so do the various styles of music. Digging into songs can give you the vocabulary used in specific styles. I have delved into classical, jazz, blues, rock, bluegrass, metal, indie, grunge, and much more. Every style was a new exciting adventure for me, equipping me with a new set of vocabulary.
4. Gigs
Your repertoire is directly proportionate to how many types of gigs you can play. If you can cover a large variety of styles and tunes, you will be able to play in a lot more situations. Also, it makes stepping into a gig easier if you have less to learn. This skill also transfers into original projects. Most music you play with others will have strains of songs that have been written before. The ideas you have garnered from your repertoire will help you in your creative process. More gigs equals more money. Having a large rep can definitely increase your worth.
5. Inspiration
I have found that my inspiration in music ebbs and flows. I do my best to keep it peaking. One of my favorite things to do is just listen to music, find something that moves me, and learn it. This almost always inspires me to play and also to write. I encourage you in your down spikes to explore and find new music that churns that inspiration back to the surface.
If you are practicing the same stuff everyday, it may be time to add something new and stretch yourself in a new direction. Try to challenge yourself into learning a new song everyday this week, but don’t just learn the song, learn from the song. Use it as a source of inspiration and a way to propel yourself to new territory and opportunities. Happy practicing!
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