Songwriting for Everyone

8 part songwriting workshop now available on You Tube

Songwriting - In this episode Joe illustrates how a complete song is created by developing 6 small musical phrases into a complete work through the use of repetition and repetition with variation. In all genres and styles of music this is the technique composers use to make their music cohesive and memorable

Songwriting -  This episode features a chord progression based on the  Mixolydian mode.  It is recommended  to improvise vocal and instrumental melodies, and  in addition, incorporate these chords and progressions  into your songs as is, or with variation. In addition I have included a complete song background.

Songwriting -  This episode features a chord progression based on the Lydian mode.  It is recommended  to improvise vocal and instrumental melodies, and  in addition, incorporate these chords and progressions  into your songs as is, or with variation. 

Songwriting -  This episode features a chord progression based on the Phrygian mode.  It is recommended  to improvise vocal and instrumental melodies, and  in addition, incorporate these chords and progressions  into your songs as is, or with variation.

Hi everyone - I am thrilled to announce I have joined the Free Music Archive Website. I have uploaded 85 pieces of music which may be used by anyone in need  of background music for any project absolutely free of charge. My music is divided into 3 categories - Classical Guitar & Various instruments and ensembles - Orchestral Miniatures for Orchestra lasting between 2 & 5 Minutes and Soundscapes (sound images). In this episode the work featured is "VOYAGE" Jonathan Page and Myself collaborated on this work.

Songwriting -  This episode features a chord progression used for hundreds of years in all styles of music. In the key of A minor - Am, G, F and E minor and E major. It is recommended  to improvise vocal and instrumental melodies and  in addition, incorporate these and those that follow in future episodes into your songs as is, or with variation.

Hi everyone - I am thrilled to announce I have joined the Free Music Archive Website. I have uploaded 85 pieces of music which may be used by anyone in need  of background music for any project absolutely free of charge. My music is divided into 3 categories - Classical Guitar & Various instruments and ensembles - Orchestral Miniatures for Orchestra lasting between 2 & 5 Minutes and Soundscapes (sound images). In this episode the work featured is "ANGEL" - main theme & finale. 

Songwriting - In this episode Joe plays another popular chord progression used in modern music, all styles "6415".  In the key of D Major =  Bm, G, D & A Major.  This will enable you to practice improvising musical phrases and sentences anytime anywhere. In addition it is recommended to practice chordal ear-training and using your instrument to improvise using the D Major and B minor pentatonic scales.

Songwriting - In this episode Joe plays another popular chord progression used in modern music, all styles "6145".  In the key of C Major =  Am , C,  F and G.  This will enable you to practice improvising musical phrases and sentences anytime anywhere. 

Songwriting - In this episode Joe plays the most popular chord progression used in modern music, all styles "1 5 6 4. In the key of C Major = C G Am and F.  This will enable you to practice improvising musical phrases and sentences anytime anywhere. 

Songwriting: In this episode Joe explores  the techniques and procedures available giving you the ability to create an endless supply of lyrics.

Hi everyone, this next work in the series  for guitar and various instruments features a dialogue between Violin & Guitar.  I hope you enjoy these compositions, all my best wishes -Joe

Hi everyone, this next work is a soundscape of a beautiful park in New Jersey. A depiction in sound of following a path around the lake, in the center of the park.  Hope you enjoy - Take care Joe

Hi everyone, this next work in the series  for guitar and various instruments features a dialogue between Flute. & Guitar.  I hope you enjoy these dialogues, all my best wishes -Joe

Hi everyone, this next work in the series  for guitar and various instruments features a dialogue between 2 Guitars.  In this composition I feature what I believe is the most important compositional technique in all genres of music -  "Repetition and repetition with variation". In addition the use of petal tones and drones , notes sustained or repeated under the middle or above the music. The third technique highlighted is the Ostinato - A phrase motive riff repeated over and over creating an hypnotic force  a foundation on which all else is built - think of Stravinsky, Schoenberg, every heavy metal song -  actually all styles of music. Hope you enjoy the piece all my best Joe

Hi everyone, this next work in the series  for guitar and various instruments features a dialogue between flute and classical guitar.  Hope you enjoy, all my best wishes Joe.

Hi everyone, for the next series of episodes I would like feature some of my works for guitar, along with various instruments and  ensembles . All my best wishes Joe

Sister Rosetta Tharpe - In this episode and the series that follow, Joe highlights the lives and music of women composers through the centuries, whose compositions were discouraged, suppressed and even forbidden. Known as "the Godmother of Rock and Roll", the following are links to Sister Rosetta's Music : https://youtube.com/watch?v=Y9a49oFalZE&feature=shares, https://youtube.com/watch?v=gELe5Rj_tXU&feature=shares 

Clara Schumann - In this episode and the series that follow, Joe highlights the lives and music of women composers through the centuries, whose compositions were discouraged, suppressed and even forbidden. The following are links to some of Clara's  composition:  https://youtube.com/watch?v=xhDFHqOLgeQ&feature=shares.   https://youtube.com/watch?v=O4k7ioNBp7o&feature=shares

Fanny Mendelssohn - In this episode and the series that follow, Joe highlights the lives and music of women composers through the centuries, whose compositions were discouraged, suppressed and even forbidden. The following are links to some of her compositions. https://youtu.be/ti1eZ2B63Ro ,  https://youtu.be/MxlMuaO5hng

Hildegard of Bingen - In this episode and the series that follow, Joe highlights the lives and music of women composers through the centuries, whose compositions were discouraged, suppressed and even forbidden, starting with "Ordo Virtutum" by Hildegard von Bingen.  You can hear the piece here: https://youtu.be/zUMlhtoGTzY

Songwriter Interview: In this episode, Joe interviews singer, songwriter, keyboardist, arranger and producer McKenna Rowe, discussing her life and career as a professional composer and songwriter.  Based in L.A., she has led bands and created music for TV, film and ads under the "Psykick Girl" moniker.Her new band is Nature Loves Courage,  an "electronic art-rock" project where live instruments (Rowe on vocals and keys is joined by bassist Jacob Bergman and drummer Garret Smith) meet electronica grooves and beats programmed by Rowe.In this interview Rowe provides many valuable insights regarding her composition process,  how she markets her music, and info on valuable resources that can be used to promote and protect your works, including info for women composers.You can check out Nature Loves Courage on Spotify and Apple Music, and on their website: https://www.nlovescourage.com/

Songwriter Interview: In this episode, Joe interviews singer, songwriter, arranger and producer El Caplan to discuss his upcoming EP release and the life of a professional songwriter.  While working at Dr. Dre's Aftermath studios, El Caplan created and contributed the all-important guitar part to "Not The Same" by Kyle which you can hear here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6d4JVCnOy8El offers deep insights into a life in music, including the software he uses, his process creating songs, and what it was like working with Eddie Spear, who mixed and co-produced the EP, and who has worked with popular artists including Chris Stapleton and Brandi Carlisle. You can listen to El Caplan on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/artist/7aq8QznnjQOzTv1qizDAGf and on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPO0DDYZia-eRUSDoKvkLmA.

Songwriting: In this episode Joe continues the  combined  studies of ear training and composition, turning one's mind into the instrument of creativity. The fifth chord in the major key is added along with ear training exercises and the creation of the verse section of a song.

Songwriting: In this episode Joe continues the  combined  studies of ear training and composition, turning one's mind into an instrument of creativity. The fourth chord in the major key is added along with ear training exercises and the creation of the chorus section of a song.

Songwriting: In this episode Joe continues the  combined  studies of ear training and composition, turning one's mind into an  instrument of creativity. The 3rd chord in the major key based  is introduced along with ear training exercises and the creation of melodies based on the major scale.

Songwriting: In this episode Joe continues the  combined  studies of ear training and composition, turning one's mind into the instrument of creativity. 

Songwriting: In this episode Joe combines the studies of ear training and composition, turning one's mind into the instrument of creativity. The resulting music will be truly your own - evolving from within.

Hi Everyone, as I am working on the next episode, for now I have included one of my compositions which I hope you  will  enjoy -  This is one of the 21 Dialogues for guitar and various instruments . All my best wishes Joe

Songwriting:  In this episode Joe analyzes the song "It'll Be Okay" by Shawn Mendes, Eddie Benjamin, Scott Harris and Michael Sabath.  Through detailed  analysis, we see  techniques that will elevate any composition, in any genre of music, to a higher level. For example: forecasting future events, dovetailing sections, hooks at every level -  melody, harmony and rhythm, along with fusing the old with the new etc..  This song is a textbook lesson for any songwriter or composer in any style or genre of music.

Songwriting:  In this episode Joe analyzes the song "Beat It" by Michael Jackson . This song was chosen in order to highlight the importance of rhythmic layering in the arranging and recording of any musical composition no matter what style or genre. This is especially important as in today's environment we know of countless examples of artists successfully recording and publishing their music, becoming famous  on their own without record companies or unwanted influences.

Songwriting:  In this episode Joe analyzes the song "Don't Stop Believin" by Jonathan Cain, Neal Schon and Steve Perry of Journey.  It is one of only two songs to reach one billion streams on Spotify - the other being "Bohemian Rhapsody". 

Songwriting:  In this episode Joe analyzes the song "Shivers" by Ed Sheeran, Johnny McDaid, Steve Mac and Kai Lavelle.   Through detailed  analysis, we see  techniques that will elevate any composition, in any genre of music, to a higher level. For example: forecasting future events, dovetailing sections, hooks at every level -  melody, harmony and rhythm along with fusing the old with the new etc..  This song is a textbook lesson for any songwriter or composer in any style or genre of music.

Songwriting: In this episode Joe introduces the concept of creating your own keys based on synthetic and exotic scales, opening a vast reservoir of material  to create music uniquely your own . These original keys will lead to chord progressions, melodies and musical compositions unlike anyone else.

Songwriting: In this episode Joe continues this ongoing study, creating an unlimited amount of melodies through  various musical techniques . This episode deals with improvising melodies for songs or solos  through the use of  " A Suspension"  combined with chord tones, passing tones, non-chord tones, auxiliary tones and the appoggiatura against the chord progression C, G, Am and F.

Songwriting: In this episode Joe continues this ongoing study, creating an unlimited amount of melodies through  various musical techniques . This episode deals with improvising melodies for songs or solos  through the use of  "the anticipation"  combined with chord tones, passing tones, non-chord tones, auxiliary tones and the appoggiatura against the chord progression C, G, Am and F.

Songwriting: In this episode Joe continues this ongoing study, creating an unlimited amount of melodies through  various musical techniques . This episode deals with improvising melodies through the use of  AUXILIARY NEIGHBOR TONES combined with escape tones  against the chord progression C, G, Am and F.

Songwriting:  In this episode Joe analyzes the song "Easy On Me" by Adele Adkins and Greg Kurstin.  In this episode, through analysis, we see  techniques that will elevate any composition, in any genre of music, to a higher level. For example: forecasting future events, dovetailing sections, overlapping elements, fusing the old with the new etc... This is a textbook lesson for any songwriter or composer in any style or genre of music.

Songwriting: In this episode Joe continues this ongoing study, creating an unlimited amount of melodies through  various musical techniques . This episode deals with improvising melodies through the use of DIATONIC and CHROMATIC  passing tones combined with ESCAPE TONES  against the chord progression C, G, Am and F.

Songwriting: In this episode Joe continues this ongoing study, creating an unlimited amount of melodies through  various musical techniques . This episode deals with improvising melodies through the introduction of the VI chord and  the addition  of modal techniques, along with the previously studied chromatic scale, chord tones, non-chord tones, passing and auxiliary tones, along with the appoggiatura.

Songwriting: In this episode Joe continues the study of the creation of an unlimited amount of melodies through  various musical techniques .  These techniques have been used by all composers, in all genres of music, throughout  history. This episode deals with improvising melodies through the introduction and use of  the CHROMATIC SCALE,  now combined with the previously studied  chord tones, non-chord tones, passing and auxiliary tones along with the appoggiatura.

Songwriting: In this episode Joe continues the study of the creation of an unlimited amount of melodies through  various musical techniques .  These techniques have been used by all composers, in all genres of music, throughout  history. In this episode we add in the V chord (G Major ) .  In addition, you will see  the technique of connecting chords with 2 bar phrases, using chord , non-chord,  passing,  auxiliary tones along with the appoggiatura. The Blues progression and scale is also covered.

Songwriting: In this episode Joe continues the study of the creation of an unlimited amount of melodies through  various musical techniques .  These techniques have been used by all composers, in all genres of music, throughout  history. This episode deals with improvising melodies through the use of  the APPOGGIATURA.

Songwriting: In this episode Joe continues the study of the creation of an unlimited amount of melodies through  various musical techniques .  These techniques have been used by all composers, in all genres of music, throughout  history. This episode deals with improvising melodies through the use of  AUXILIARY NEIGHBOR TONES.

Songwriting: In this episode Joe continues the study of the creation of an unlimited amount of melodies through  various musical techniques .  These techniques have been used by all composers, in all genres of music, throughout  history. This episode deals with improvising melodies through the use of  Passing Tones.

Songwriting: In this episode Joe continues the study of the creation of an unlimited amount of melodies through  various musical techniques .  These techniques have been used by all composers, in all genres of music, throughout  history. This episode deals with improvising melodies through the use of chord tones.

Songwriting:  In this episode Joe analyzes the song "BILLIE BOSSA NOVA" by Billie (Eilish) O'Connell and Finneas O'Connell. This composition is a model of  perfection in how to construct a work of art.   The techniques employed offer composers, in all genres of music, a model to emulate in their works. The use of repetition and repetition with variation of melody, harmony and rhythm is textbook, along with the use of dance as inspiration, sectioning through orchestration and vocal range, shifting tonal colors and ostinato patterns as well was a study in planning and execution.

Songwriting:  In this episode Joe analyzes the song "Bad Habits" by Ed Sheeran, Johnny McDaid and Fred Gibson. This composition is a masterpiece of modern song construction.  The techniques employed offer composers, in all genres of music, a model to emulate in their works. The use of repetition and repetition with variation of melody, harmony and rhythm is textbook, along with the use of overlapping section and shifting tonal colors.

Songwriting:  In this episode Joe interviews award-winning singer, songwriter, guitarist, and arranger Kate Schutt. Winner of the 2007 John Lennon song competition, as well was ASCAP's Plus Award four times to name a few, underscores Kate's considerable abilities and gifts as a composer.  In this interview her insights into the art and process of modern songwriting are a guide for all songwriters, in all styles and genres of music.