Songwriting for Dummies

by Jim Peterik, Dave Austin, Cathy Lynn Austin, et al.

Book Overview

Proven techniques for songwriting success

This friendly, hands-on guide tackles the new face of the recording industry, guiding you through the shift from traditional sales to downloads and mobile music, as well as how you can harness social media networks to get your music "out there." You get basic songwriting concepts, insider tips and advice, and inspiration for writing -- and selling -- meaningful, timeless songs.

Songwriting...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0470615141
• ISBN13: 9780470615140
• Release Date: July 2010
• Publisher: For Dummies
• Length: 366 Pages
• Weight: 1.29 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 7.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Very useful book

Interesting, useful, well done. If you are iterested in songwriting this is an indispensable tool; doesn't matter if you know nothing about music theory. Don't miss it.

simply the best

This book is simply the best book on songwriting...and i think i've read them all - believe me! It had a way of simplifying and demystifying the whole process of creating songs. Great for 'ol pros and also great for newcomers too. This book is top on my list.

For the New Kid on the Block to Seasoned Music Professional

As an independent artist doing the music convention circuit and tackling a grass roots approach to the business as a new comer, I found "Songwriting for Dummies" refreshingly full of useful information. Additionally, much of the material gave inspiration and comfort to those with a penchant for the art of making music. I have repeatedly heard the same 3 or 4 book titles mentioned as a "must have book" for anyone in the buiness. In my opinion "Songwriting for Dummies" blows the others away by simplifing many of the industry's mysterious and confusing terms while not striking fear into the heart of the rookie artist that is trying to grasp the many issues that are involved within the music business. I read much of "Songwriting for Dummies" on my airplane ride home from a music conference I attended on the west coast. By the time the plane touched down I had a read much of the book and had written a new song for my next compilation that had come to me during that same flight. The song was written spontaneously on the 2 white, paper bags that were conveniently stored in the seat pocket in front of me, compliments of the airlines. This was a suggestion I followed from the authors on how to manage times when inspiration hits and one is without paper. Later that month, I received an offer from a highly reputable company that required me to have some knowledge of what to ask in negotiating a contract as well as typical compensation. Luckily, I had my "Songwriting for Dummies" handy and was able to compare the information in the book to my offer to determine if it was fair and whether the typical legalities were addressed in the contract. Not only did I get a fair deal, I came across in a confident manner that enhance the contract relationship on both sides. I suspect that future music conventions will be adding this fresh-to-the-market book to the top of the list of must-haves.....both for new comers and veterans in the biz. Valerie NagerEquinoxxMusic Producer

you too can be a "dummie"

I thought this book was outstanding...great insight as to the whole process and everything involved with songwriting. It has also given me a finer appreciation for the truly great songs that stand out above the pack and some understanding as to what really makes those songs so great!

Songwriting for Dummies

As a person who has been involved in multimedia and video production most of my career I was looking for a book on how music is brought into the market place. Songwriting for Dummies is a great book. Its clearly written, highly researched with all the pertainent facts as to how to how the songwriting process works. The thing I wound up appreciating most of all was the inspirational aspects of the book, which for me, added a great deal of depth not found in the other books I've read on the subject. The fact that it is written by accomplished people in their field with input from famous songwriters provided an interesting read.