Turning Life into Song
I have been teaching songwriting for the past few years doing workshops and lessons for our Soldier Songs&VoicesPDX. I have learn much knowledge from other’s teaching and resource books on writing. I would like to acknowledge Matt Meighan(MattMeighan.com) for his skill, openness and willing to share!. He is a Song Whisperer. Here are some authors that I go back to gathering information and inspiration. Books by Pat Patterson, Stevan King, Willam Stafford, Tom T Hall and Brenda Ueland.
I like to start with a quote. “The way you look for songs, you find yourself looking for little signals and clues about life and how things are”. Tom T Hall.
Here is a first step that leads me to a new beginning of a song. Now I would ask you to think back to a time, to a place, to a person. Remember- You are beginning with a life experience, you can turn it inside out and upside down. Listen to your to the voice find something special.
Take about 5 minutes – Do not start telling the story. Write freely about this time, place or person or. Pick key words that come to your mind. write in single words or phrases You are looking for the gems/whats stuck in your brain/highlights.Do not start telling the story. Do not write complete sentence. Just free write words that come to your mind. write in single words or phrases You are looking for the gems/whats stuck in your brain/highlights.. Do not write complete sentence. Just free write! Mining your free write. Read what your wrote out LOUD.