SONGWRITING 101
Your Blueprint for Captivating Composition
From Blank Page to Hit Song - Where Every Idea Holds Promise
JOIN US TODAY
Share Your Story Through the Power of Music
Hey there, fellow dreamer and aspiring songwriter! Have you ever found yourself lost in the melody of a song, longing to express the stories swirling inside your mind, but unsure of where to start? Look no further – Songwriting 101 is here to guide you on your journey to musical greatness.
Imagine having access to over 20 years of songwriting wisdom, distilled into 15 dynamic lessons that will empower you to unleash your creative potential like never before. From Major Scales to Roman Numerals, Musical Form to Crucial Piano Variations, and Chord Qualities to Inversions, this course covers it all – giving you the tools you need to craft songs that resonate with depth and emotion.
But that's just the beginning. We'll dive deep into time-tested chord progressions used by the greatest songwriters of all time, and I'll share with you my personal techniques for improvisation that have been refined through years of teaching and testing. With Songwriting 101, you'll learn to tap into your subconscious using the Magic Method, unlocking a world of lyrical expression that speaks straight from the heart.
So, if you've ever dreamed of sharing your stories with the world through the power of music, now is your chance. Join us on this incredible journey and become the songwriter you've always dreamed of being. With Songwriting 101, the possibilities are endless – your songwriting adventure starts now!
Write Your Own Songs
Master the art of songwriting, from crafting captivating melodies to crafting meaningful lyrics, empowering you to write your own original songs with depth and emotion.
Songwriting Secrets of the Greats
Delve deep into the secrets wielded by legendary songwriters, distilled into practical insights ready to ignite your creative spark. With our guidance, you'll soon be crafting intricate progressions that resonate with emotion and depth.
Find Your Voice
Discover your own voice amidst the vast landscape of musical expression. By understanding the techniques of the masters and honing your craft, you'll gain the confidence to articulate your emotions and experiences through songwriting.
"JP is the total package - he is not only an incredible teacher and musician, but is also super kind, patient and has the experience and emotional understanding to be quickly tuned into his student's potential stepping stones and roadblocks. I am a parent of one of his students. I am currently learning guitar, but after hearing about these courses he's developed I think I might have to add keyboard!"
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Adam
“JP's piano lessons have been a lifesaver to me because I had not taken piano lessons for well over a decade before working with him. His ability to explain and teach techniques is outstanding, and he ensures that playing the keys is fun from day one. JP's teaching style is engaging and that personally makes it motivating to me to learn more and keep improving each day. If you're looking for a piano teacher who not only educates but inspires you to reach your potential and goals for piano, JP is the perfect choice. You will see great progress in your abilities as a pianist. I highly recommend his courses!”
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Aidan
“I enjoy my piano lessons with Mr. JP because they are fun and accessible. After school I can just head home instead of going to a studio or house. It’s more comfortable at my own keys!"
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Alice
“I'm one of JP's adult students -- first piano lesson ever at age 62! I can vouch for not only JP's extensive knowledge of music and amazing
gift for playing the piano, but his extraordinary patience and
gentleness with someone who doesn't always catch on all that fast. I have only positive things to say about the experience of learning from him! "
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Gordon
“Working with JP has been such an enriching experience! He always brings a fun and energetic presence and is exceedingly patient, while knowing just when to push you to the next level. He is adaptable, kind and most importantly the lessons are full of fun! I look forward to my classes every week."
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Tatiana
Your Songwriting 101 Lesson Plan
Major Scale
In this lesson, we’ll learn about the Major scale and how it relates to Roman Numerals, sometimes called “The Nashville Number System”. We’ll learn about chord progressions, Harmonic Rhythm, Time Signatures, Pedal Technique and play through some basic chord progressions.
Musical Form
We’ll learn about the building blocks of songs (Intros, Verses, Pre Chorus, Chorus, Bridge, Outro) and learn about some common terminology which you’ll encounter when writing with a band. Then we’ll move into writing a sample song together.
Piano Variations
In this lesson, we’ll introduce the ranges of the piano (Bass, Comp, and Lead) and unpack the 4 variations of playing the piano. (Block Chords, Arpeggiation, Beatles, and Ostinato patterns). We’ll then apply some of these variations to our sample song.
Smooth Voice Leading
A primer in cadence patterns, common tones, and how they apply to “the water line”. This can be a challenging lesson for some as we cover a lot of ground. But remember that the journey is the destination! Over the weeks as you apply these concepts each day you’ll gain confidence in time.
Chord Qualities and Inverting Bass
A primer in cadence patterns, common tones, and how they apply to “the water line”. This can be a challenging lesson for some as we cover a lot of ground. But remember that the journey is the destination! Over the weeks as you apply these concepts each day you’ll gain confidence in time.
Groove
In this lesson we’ll unpack the difference between Straight vs Swing and I give you a demonstration so you can clearly see the difference between the two.
Straying from the Diatonic
Here we’ll venture into some VERY interesting territory where ALL options are on the table. Most modern pop music lives in the diatonic realm but that doesn’t mean we can’t write from these more “out” chordal territories and make them conform to our songwriting wishes and desires.
Walk In The Woods
The walk in the woods is an exercise I developed specifically for my students who are interested in songwriting. It’s a mode of play meant to be an exploration where we can surprise ourselves and find chords that you would never stumble on if you weren’t being playful. This lesson is your ticket to writing more interesting music but understanding common tones.
The Cliches
Probably one of the most valuable lessons in the whole course. I will break down some predictable movements used by countless songwriters that get used to great effect. In this lesson I’ll lay out all of these well trodden secrets and let you know that YOU CAN USE THEM TOO!Â
Suspensions
In this lesson we’ll be learning to add color to our chords by way of suspensions. These are tones not found in major and minor triads but can quickly enhance our voicings by adding them. We’ll learn about tension and resolution.Â
“Step Outs”
In this lesson we’ll learn about a technic which I call “The Step Outs” which is where we leave a tonal center for a moment and then quickly return to it. I’ll lay out the crucial step out options and also provide some examples in pop music. We’ll also unpack and investigate some examples of “Pedal Tone”.Â
Melody
Melody is the thing which we’re drawn to and makes the listener want to sing along. In this lesson I’ll provide some insights for building your own melodies.Â
One String War
This lesson is another improvisation exercise I’ve developed where we essentially play a structured musical game together. It’s a wonderful exercise for playing with brand new beginners and having a blast!Â
Walking Bass
Here we’ll learn about all things bass… how bass players can walk up, down, and all around. In effect, we learn what it means to lead the listener toward a chord with approach tones.Â
Lyrics
This lesson is a quick introduction to lyric writing and a technic I’ve adapted to help my students called “The Magic Method”.Â
Dive into the art of composing with our Songwriting 101 course
Over 12 weeks, students will explore 15 dynamic lessons, each carefully crafted to hone their songwriting skills. Depending on the depth of the topics covered, students can expect 1-2 lessons per week. Daily practice sessions of 15-30 minutes are recommended to fully absorb and apply the lessons.
Ready to embark on a transformative musical adventure?
Our piano courses are your ticket to unleashing your inner virtuoso! Here's why you need this course in your life:
🚀 Ignite Your Passion: Whether you're a beginner itching to make music or an experienced player craving new challenges, our courses cater to all skill levels. From mastering the basics to composing your own melodies, we've got you covered!
🎶 Personalized Learning: Say goodbye to cookie-cutter lessons! With our dynamic courses, you'll progress at your own pace, ensuring that every step of your musical journey is tailored to your individual needs and goals.
💡 Unlock Your Creativity: Ever dreamed of composing your own masterpiece? Our courses will empower you to turn your musical visions into reality!
⏰ Flexible Schedule: Life is busy, but that shouldn't stop you from pursuing your passion for music. With our flexible lesson plans and online accessibility, you can learn whenever and wherever suits you best.
Don't let another day go by without embracing the unparalleled joy of music! Join our piano courses today and embark on a journey that will enrich your life in ways you never thought possible. Let's make beautiful music together! 🎹🌟
