How To Make A Song

Learning how to make a song can take practice and sometimes even a great deal of study, but some composers seem to have a natural talent for writing lyrics and melodies that make people want to sing along. Whether you have invested countless hours studying music theory and learning to play instruments, or you're one of those people who has a knack for writing songs, making your own songs allows you to express yourself through a medium that can reach a huge audience.

Things you'll need:

• an instrument
• pencil
• paper
• computer
• recording equipment

1. Decide how you will approach writing your song. This is the first step in making a song. Different composers work in different ways. Some song composers like to write with a guitar, some with a piano. Some composers use a pencil and legal pad and some composers use one of the many song notation software programs on the market. No one can tell you how or where to write your songs. Just ensure you do it in the most creative, comfortable way that works for you.
2. Determine whether you want to write lyrics or music first. Many composers will work on one element first, while others might work on both together. Consider structuring your lyrics with a chord progression first, then you can add more detailed music lines later on. If you are in a band, you may only write the basic melody and chord progressions and leave the solos and detailed parts to the musicians in your band.
3. Write music to your song. Whether you write on notebook paper or enter your chords and melody into software, get it down on paper as you compose. Strum the chord progression and sing your lyrics several times. Use a tape recorder to capture the different takes and listen back until you find the melody and rhythm you're looking for.
4. Take your song to your band when you have it notated (if you are writing for a band) and let the musicians run through the song. Play through it several times to develop the more detailed aspects of the song and to get a feel for how it will be arranged (as a ballad, uptempo, etc.).
5. Record your song. Once you have rehearsed it through, get together with your band in a recording studio and get the song recorded. Many musicians today use a computer and software to record right at home. The quality of the recording will depend upon your equipment and the area in which you record. Once you've recorded the song, burn it to disc for safekeeping.