What is songwriting?
How do I become a songwriter?
Two of the most common questions when it comes to songwriting are: a) what is songwriting, exactly? and b) how can I become a songwriter? In this article, we will answer both of these questions so that you can get started on your path to success and happiness.
Songwriting is the art of crafting songs that connect with listeners emotionally and leave a lasting impact. It is one of the oldest art forms, with roots tracing back to troubadours in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa who traveled from village to village singing songs about great warriors, princes, and everyday life. In those times, songwriting was considered a form of poetry, and becoming a songwriter meant sharing your words with an audience, wherever they may be.
Modern Songwriting
Things have changed a lot since then. Today, songwriting exists on two main levels: professional and amateur. There are countless hobbyist songwriters all over the world who write songs in their spare time, perhaps for a school project, for fun, or just for themselves or their friends. Amateur songwriting can be a creative outlet and a way to express thoughts and emotions without worrying about commercial success or public performance. For many, songwriting is a personal endeavor, a way to capture moments or express themselves creatively without pressure.
Professional Songwriting
Professional songwriting, on the other hand, is a different beast entirely. There are far fewer professional songwriters in the world, and these individuals are the ones writing songs for pop stars, bands, movies, and commercials. Some professional songwriters work as hired contractors, helping to craft entire albums for artists, while others operate as freelancers, writing songs that are later purchased by singers or producers. Professional songwriting is a challenging and highly competitive field, and making a living off of it is no easy feat—it often requires an immense amount of talent, persistence, and a bit of luck. Professional songwriters work behind the scenes, providing the backbone for successful albums and hit singles, but they often remain unknown to the general public. If your goal is to become famous, songwriting alone may not be the best path for you, as the role is typically more about creative fulfillment than personal recognition.
How Can You Become a Songwriter?
So, how can you become a songwriter? The first step is to simply start writing songs. It might sound obvious, but it’s true: the only way to get started is to take that leap and begin the process. No one will hire you to work on an album without seeing some evidence of your abilities—so you need to build a portfolio. Start writing songs, experiment with different genres and styles, and keep practicing. Study your favorite singers and songwriters, and try to understand what makes their songs work. How do they use words, melody, and rhythm to create something memorable?
If your goal is to become a songwriter for yourself or for friends, the process is much the same. Get started, write as much as you can, and play your songs for others. Listen to feedback and use it to improve. Be critical of your work, but don’t let self-doubt stop you from creating—there’s a difference between being critical and being overly harsh on yourself. Songwriting is an art form, and like all art, there’s no single formula or set of steps that guarantee success. Each song you write will teach you something new, and with each new song, you’ll get better and more confident in your skills.
In the end, becoming a songwriter is about dedication, creativity, and a willingness to keep going even when it’s difficult. Whether you want to write songs professionally or just for fun, the key is to write, practice, and share your music with the world.