Songwriting

Inspiration & Exploration

Songs are everywhere — but have you ever really listened to how they are built? Start by picking three songs you love and listening like a detective. When does the chorus hit? How does the melody make you feel? What is the song actually about under the surface? Check out the Songwriting subreddit at r/songwriting and watch interviews with songwriters on YouTube. The channel Polyphonic breaks down famous songs in a totally nerdy, awesome way. SLC has a killer local music scene — look up shows at Kilby Court or Velour in Provo, where tons of original songwriters play. Just absorb music this week with new ears. You're ready for the next step when you can describe the verse-chorus structure of two different songs and explain what emotion each one hits.

Tools & Techniques

Every song has a skeleton. The most common structures are verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-chorus (ABABCB) and the simpler verse-verse-chorus (AAB). Learn what a hook is — the part that gets stuck in your head. Study rhyme schemes (AABB, ABAB, ABCB). Free tools: Hookpad at hooktheory.com shows you the chords behind popular songs. Ultimate Guitar at ultimate-guitar.com has chord charts for almost any song. You do not need to play an instrument to write songs — you can write melodies by humming and lyrics by hand. Get a cheap notebook dedicated to song ideas. Start collecting phrases, images, and feelings that could become lyrics someday. You're ready for the next step when you can label the structure of a song and define hook, verse, chorus, and bridge.

First Creations

Write your first song this week — and do not overthink it. Pick a simple emotion (nervous, excited, left out, proud) and free-write everything that comes to mind about it for five minutes. Circle the best lines. Try to arrange them into a verse and chorus shape. Hum a simple melody over a beat — you can use the free GarageBand app on iPad or iPhone, or drum on a table. It is okay if your first song is a little awkward. Every great songwriter wrote terrible songs first. Record yourself singing or humming it on your phone so you can hear it back. You're ready for the next step when you have a complete first draft of one original song with at least one verse and one chorus.

Style Development

Now figure out what makes YOUR songwriting voice unique. Are you drawn to storytelling like a country writer? Clever wordplay like a hip-hop artist? Big emotional moments like a pop songwriter? Write three more songs, each exploring a different topic — try something personal, something observational (describe a place or person), and something imaginative. The Wasatch Front gives you great material: a song about hiking up a canyon, a song about the Great Salt Lake, a song about driving State Street. Start noticing your patterns — do you always write in a minor key? Do you use a lot of rhymes or none? Lean into what feels like you. You're ready for the next step when you have four original songs and can describe your songwriting style in two sentences.

Refine Your Craft

Time to make your songs tighter. Rewrite your weakest verse — cut every word that does not earn its place. Study co-writing: watch the Country Music Hall of Fame masterclass sessions on YouTube to see how professional co-writers build songs together. Learn basic music theory for songwriters using the free lessons at musictheory.net. Try changing your chord progression — even one chord swap can transform a song's mood. If you play an instrument, record a rough demo using Audacity (free at audacityteam.org) or GarageBand. Learn what a "pre-chorus" does and try adding one to your best song. You're ready for the next step when you have rewritten at least two songs based on feedback or your own critical ear and can explain why each change made the song better.

Portfolio Piece

Pick your best song and finish it fully — polished lyrics, a complete structure, and a recorded performance or demo. Even a phone recording counts. Write a short paragraph about what the song means to you and what choices you made in writing it. Share it somewhere real: post it to SoundCloud, play it at a school open mic, or submit it to a local youth showcase. Plan-B Theatre in SLC and the Utah Arts Alliance both support young artists — look into their youth programs. Put all your songs from this quest into a folder called your "first songbook." That is a real thing you made. You're ready for the next step when you have one fully finished and recorded song and a written reflection on your songwriting process.