One of the issues I like most about being a songwriter is that it’s one of the few issues in life that you could by no means completely “work out”.  You’ll be able to at all times write a greater tune than you wrote at the moment. Irrespective of how profitable you get, it requires you continue to be a lifetime songwriting scholar. There’s at all times some new melodic trick or flip of a phrase that you’ve by no means encountered earlier than simply ready across the bend.  I like that!

I’ve been a professional songwriter for practically 25 years now and I’m nonetheless studying weekly if not each day.

That retains me going after I’m pissed off or not seeing the outcomes I need in the meanwhile.

Every time I’ve a songwriter come to me and say “I lastly bought this songwriting factor found out!”, I at all times smile and want them effectively.  It jogs my memory of a singer I heard being interviewed one time.  He was turning into recognized for his romantic songs and the interviewer requested him how he appeared to attach so effectively with the women.  He responded, “I believe I’ve bought them found out.”  I wished to name him and say “Dude you’ve got NO concept how incorrect you might be!”  Generally we don’t know what we don’t know.

Anytime I begin to suppose I’ve songwriting or ladies found out, somebody or one thing comes alongside to show me that I nonetheless have an extended strategy to go.

I encourage each songwriter to simply personal it.  You’re by no means going to fully determine songwriting out.  So, the large questions are  “How a lot do you wish to be taught?”  and “Are you keen to spend a lifetime rising and getting higher?”

Or, are you content on the plateau you might be on?

There’s no hurt in both method, however don’t let your self consider for a minute that you’ve mastered songwriting.  I haven’t.  My mentors haven’t.  In the event you do wish to maintain getting higher as a songwriter, take the “lifetime of studying” method and consciously search for methods to enhance on a regular basis.

Make it a each day self-discipline to do one thing that helps you develop as a author. Be a lifetime songwriting scholar.

For me, I’m at all times digging for higher concepts.  I learn nice authors to find out how they use language.  After I want musical inspiration, I take heed to nice music.  I dissect nice songs.  I watch movies on songwriting.  One thing drives me to wish to be taught all the pieces I can in order that my lifetime of studying leads me to songs I by no means imagined I may write in my 20s.

So, what about you?  Are you prepared for a lifetime of studying?

Write on! Marty Dodson