Songwriting: Strategies for Musical Self-Expression and Creativity

by Christian V. Hauser, Daniel R. Tomal Concordia University Chicago; author of Action Research for Educators, Rekha S. Rajan, Jim Peterik (Foreword by), BJ Thomas (Preface by)

Overview

A musical composer, guitar rocker, and lyric opera singer team up to write this sensational book on songwriting. This book includes everything you want to know about the core competencies of songwriting, elements of music, and lyrics. Features include writing song lyrics, crafting musical compositions, musical styles, getting a contract, sustaining a career, publishers and agents, recording, and even how to survive in the music industry.
No matter what music genre you desire—-blues, country, hip hop, gospel, punk, classical, alternative, jingles, or rock—-this is the book for you. You will find this fascinating book filled with tips, quotes from famous songwriters and musicians, and numerous stories on songwriting that will keep you fully engaged.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781475829419
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	09/14/2017
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	200
Sales rank:	533,046
Product dimensions:	6.90(w) x 9.90(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Christian V. Hauser is Associate Professor of Music at Concordia University Chicago. When living in Nashville he received numerous album credits as a songwriter, producer, and recording engineer. He is certified in Kodaly and Orff and has written many orchestral and ballet compositions which have been performed by the Houston, Colorado Music Festival, Sioux City and Nashville Symphony Orchestras.

Daniel R. Tomal is Distinguished Professor of Leadership at Concordia University Chicago and award-winning author. He has published 20 books and numerous articles. He is a former high school guitar instructor, written many original songs, has produced and audio-engineered recordings, played in several rock and roll bands, and made numerous national television appearances.

Rekha S. Rajan is a Visiting Associate Professor at Concordia University Chicago. She is a former professional musical theater and operatic performer, has sung in over 30 languages and plays the piano and mridangam. She is the author of several books on musical theater and arts education and is the recipient of numerous grants, including a two-year research grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Table of Contents

Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter 1: Introduction to Songwriting
Chapter 2: Core Competencies of Songwriters
Chapter 3: Elements of Music-Rhythm
Chapter 4: Pitch and Harmony
Chapter 5: Form, Timbre, and Expression
Chapter 6: Writing Lyrics
Chapter 7: Building Sustainability in the Music Industry
Chapter 8: The Business of Songwriting
Epilogue: Tips on Songwriting from Songwriters
Appendix A: Permissions and Copyrights
Appendix B: Music Standards are all about Music Literacy
Appendix C: Songwriter Survey
Appendix D: Resources for Music Educators
Index
About the Authors

Editorial Reviews

An essential resource for secondary-school music theory and composition classes or individual students interested in independent songwriting experiences.

Jody L. Kerchner

The authors provide an excellent and comprehensive book on songwriting and I recommend this book. It is a valuable resource for all students interested in becoming songwriters.

Jim Peterik

The authors provide a nice blend of scholarly research and practical strategies on songwriting. I encourage anyone to read this book who is interested in understanding and pursuing a career or personal avocation in songwriting.

BJ Thomas

This book ably guides those wanting to learn about the songwriting process, as well as teachers who are interested in reinvigorating their music programs with a new course or unit in songwriting.

Carlos R. Abril