Rajan Christian V. Hauser - Songwriting: strategies for musical self-expression and creativity

Praise for Songwriting: Strategies for Musical Self-Expression and Creativity

If you have any misconceptions, doubts, or curiosity as to how to compose a song, then you havent read this book. There isnt a stone unturned about the intricacies, subtleties, and thought process that goes into writing a great song. Randy Waldman , Grammy awardwinning pianist, arranger, composer, and conductor

Randy has arranged or performed with numerous artists such as Barbra Streisand, Michael Jackson, Celine Dion, Madonna, Whitney Houston, Olivia Newton-John, Stevie Wonder, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Rod Stewart, and Art Garfunkel. He has performed on hundreds of major film sound tracks such as Forrest Gump , Titanic , and Ghostbusters .

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 , singer-songwriter and author

Jim Peterik is author of Jim Peterik: Through the Eye of the Tiger and coauthor (with Dave Austin and Mary Ellen Bickford) of Songwriting for Dummies . He is cowriter of 18 top-10 hits and has toured with Led Zeppelin and Janis Joplin.

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 , five-time Grammy awardwinning singer-songwriter and two-time Dove Award winner who has sold more than 70 million records

With the important role songs play in our lives, it is surprising that songwriting has been visibly absent from our music education curriculum for so long. 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 , professor of music, Frost School of Music, University of Miami

This book has it allespecially for novice songwriters who want to learn how to get started. I highly recommend this book. Frank Van Schoyck , singer, songwriter, and member of the Middle of the Road Band

This book is an outstanding resource for students interested in music and songwriting. The research-based core competencies are an excellent contribution to music education. Im confident all music educators and students will gain value from this book. Robert K. Wilhite , dean of the College of Graduate Studies, Concordia University Chicago

This is a useful book for K12 music educators, music therapists and teaching artists working in community contexts across the lifespan, as well as individuals pursuing songwriting for recreation or livelihood. Always encouraging the reader, Songwriting: Strategies for Musical Self-Expression and Creativity breaks down the what, why, and how of songwriting in meaningful and accessible ways. Katie Carlisle , associate professor of general music education and director of the Center for Educational Partnerships, Georgia State University School of Music

Heres a book that combines practical advice with aesthetic sensibility regarding the art of songwriting. The chapter on lyrics is a must read for the experienced poet or lyrical novice. Jeffrey E. Burkart , PhD, author, composer, and poet; emeritus professor of educational media/communication and artist-in-residence, Concordia UniversitySt. Paul

The author(s) get to the heart and soul of writing and playing. One will read and reread this book countless times. George Zimmer , musician and songwriter

This book provides aspiring songwriters an accessible overview of music theory and literary tools needed to create the best possible relationship between words and music. Music theoretical concepts and historical contexts are illustrated with examples from popular tunes and research-based resources. The authors also explore compositional processes and inspirations used by famous songwriters across a variety of styles and genres to inform budding songwriters. An essential resource for secondary-school music theory and composition classes or individual students interested in independent songwriting experiences. Jody L. Kerchner , professor of music education, Oberlin Conservatory of Music, Oberlin, Ohio

Songwriting is an important means of creative self-expression that has the power to communicate our deepest knowings. A growing number of music educators realize that songwriting is an essential component to a curriculum meant to promote lifelong engagement with music, but unfortunately many teachers feel ill-prepared to facilitate this in the classroom. This book serves as an important bridge into the world of songwriting for music educators, music therapists, and others interested in empowering those they serve with the ability to communicate through original song. Tawnya D. Smith , lecturer in music education, Boston University College of Fine Arts

The authors skillfully discuss the songwriting process from a variety of useful perspectives, so that the reader is invited to consider research, understand component parts, and enable creative expression. This book will assist and inspire those who would fill the world with song. Rachel J. Eells , PhD, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Concordia University Chicago

This book, with its research base, logical presentation of material, and broad viewpoint, provides invaluable assistance to novice and expert songwriters looking for deeper understanding of their craft. The resource also provides music educators at all levelshigher education faculty, pre-service teachers, and high schooland students an outstanding resource which can assist them in understanding both the content of a good song as well as the process in which a song can come to be! Madeline S. Bridges , professor of music education and associate dean for academic studies, Belmont University School of Music

Dont miss this book! Its the key to open the door you thought couldnt be opened! Scott May , singer, musician, and songwriter, Berwyn, Illinois

Songwriting

Strategies for Musical Self-Expression and Creativity

Christian V. Hauser, Daniel R. Tomal, and Rekha S. Rajan

ROWMAN & LITTLEFIELD

Lanham Boulder New York London

Published in Partnership with the National Association for Music Education

Published by Rowman & Littlefield

A wholly owned subsidiary of The Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group, Inc.

4501 Forbes Boulevard, Suite 200, Lanham, Maryland 20706

www.rowman.com

Unit A, Whitacre Mews, 26-34 Stannary Street, London SE11 4AB

Copyright 2017 by Christian V. Hauser, Daniel R. Tomal, and Rekha S. Rajan

All rights reserved . No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote passages in a review.

British Library Cataloguing in Publication Information Available

Library of Congress Control Number: 2017952732

The paper used in this publication meets the minimum requirements of American National Standard for Information SciencesPermanence of Paper for Printed Library Materials, ANSI/NISO Z39.48-1992.

Printed in the United States of America

Contents

Foreword

Music is a natural expression of all people and cuts across all generations. It is a form of interpersonal communication that can provide a multitude of emotions and feelings such as warmth, excitement, love, energy, passion, and determination. Music offers all people, especially students, the vehicle to express themselves and contribute to fellowship and well-being.