How to Write a Song: Tips for Writing Lyrics to Music | Songwriting | Tips & Techniques

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  • čas přidán 9. 09. 2015
  • Download Your Free Songwriting Handbook Now: berkonl.in/3wSocKI
    Earn Your Songwriting Degree Online with Berklee: berkonl.in/2w6KwPi
    In this free tutorial, Berklee Online instructor Andrea Stolpe shares how to write a song using tips and techniques that will help you to write lyrics to music and convey your message to your listeners.
    Placing that perfect lyrical idea into a melody without it sounding unnatural is a common obstacle to many songwriters. An unfortunate setting of a word or phrase can sink the emotion of the song, calling your listener's attention away from WHAT you are saying to HOW you are saying it. Writing Lyrics to Music analyzes a variety of song forms to instruct you on key lyrical and melodic components: stressed and unstressed beats, rhyme positions, melodic sections, and tone. You'll work through different musical feels and time signatures, and discover how the natural shapes of the words follow the shape of the melody, ultimately creating a much more expressive composition. This is a "can't miss" course - it's bound to take your writing to the next level. It will also make you a more valuable co-writer.
    Enroll in Writing Lyrics to Music now: bit.ly/1JVEq6n
    For more songwriting tips and techniques watch these free tutorials:
    How to Write A Song: Sensory Writing Tricks
    bit.ly/1JDBT0s
    How to Write A Song: Use Critique to Improve Your Songs
    bit.ly/1KtuXGN
    Want more? Learn songwriting online with Berklee:
    Learn techniques for writing original songs in a variety of musical styles-techniques that have propelled Berklee alumni to write number one songs and win Grammy Awards. In this program, you will develop skills to create song structures, harmonies, melodies, and lyrics that support and enhance the ideas that you want to express. Through listening and analysis, you will be able to recognize and discuss quality elements in musical and lyrical structures. You will learn arranging techniques that support the style and structure of a song with appropriate instrumentation. You will develop your own voice as a songwriter and learn to write more effectively and efficiently, whether by yourself or in collaboration with other songwriters.
    Andrea Stolpe is a multi-platinum recorded songwriter, performing artist, and educator. She has worked as a staff writer for EMI, Almo-Irving, and Universal Music Publishing, with songs recorded by such artists as Faith Hill, Daniel Lee Martin, Julianne Hough, and others. Andrea is the author and instructor of the course Commercial Songwriting Techniques, part of Berklee Online's online songwriting program. Recently released in fall of 2007, her book Popular Lyric Writing: 10 Steps to Effective Storytelling describes how to apply a unique process for uniting our artistic voice with the commercial market.
    Andrea graduated with a degree in songwriting from Berklee College of Music. She continues to tour and promote her solo release, "Breaking Even," and serve as a guest clinician nationally and abroad. Andrea lives in Los Angeles with her husband, recording engineer Jan Teddy.
    Enroll in Commercial Songwriting Techniques now: bit.ly/1ixjQQH
    How to Write A Song | Songwriting | Tips & Techniques | Free Tutorial

Komentáře • 232

  • @RawcusBanks
    @RawcusBanks Před 8 lety +191

    She seems like such a nice person

    • @gar949
      @gar949 Před 5 lety +8

      I bet she would be a very good friend.

    • @ricklombardo6912
      @ricklombardo6912 Před 4 lety +3

      and she is good looking

    • @khananasherov
      @khananasherov Před 3 lety +3

      I like her voice so much!
      Every syllable out of her mouth sounds pretty, and every word, meaningful.

  • @BillyReedMusic
    @BillyReedMusic Před 5 lety +89

    Reminders:
    1)Steam of consciousness writing--write, write, write
    2)Stress patterns
    3)Don't spend 4 hrs on first two lines

  • @steveolson1712
    @steveolson1712 Před 6 lety +119

    This woman is a genius!! This was the most helpful video on songwriting I've ever seen!!

  • @malreymusic
    @malreymusic Před 4 lety +51

    I made peace with myself, my family, and everyone I've hurt just listening to first few minutes of this video. Thank you.

  • @Cloud-wu7vl
    @Cloud-wu7vl Před 3 lety +5

    We must protect this woman at all costs, what a gem

  • @wavvous
    @wavvous Před 5 lety +41

    omg this helped me so much. I overthink everything especially when I write I just want it to be so perfect. But I have so much random stuff floating in my head and I gotta just get it out first and go back to it.

  • @jessicaakawolfquarles6615
    @jessicaakawolfquarles6615 Před 6 lety +176

    why is this so soothing? lol

    • @HarshChaudharynewbie
      @HarshChaudharynewbie Před 6 lety +9

      I think because there is a background music/soundtrack.

    • @lanremodele180
      @lanremodele180 Před 5 lety +7

      I tell you. the background music blends a little to perfectly with her speaking texture. She makes me desperately want to listen to her again. this is my first time of listening to her

    • @elansings
      @elansings Před 5 lety +2

      It’s a lullaby

    • @MasterMatrix8
      @MasterMatrix8 Před 3 lety +4

      She has a mom-like quality

  • @mreggbird
    @mreggbird Před 6 lety +111

    I almost started crying. And I don't even know why...

    • @leikamusic
      @leikamusic Před 4 lety +1

      Max v B ikr

    • @SleepyMatt-zzz
      @SleepyMatt-zzz Před 4 lety +13

      The background music, surprising how manipulative background music can be. Not saying it's bad, but it's important to keep in mind how and why you react when you listen to background music in media.

    • @levikomio5769
      @levikomio5769 Před 3 lety +2

      m very true

  • @scylla019
    @scylla019 Před 6 lety +10

    Strangely this was exactly how I used to write lyrics to my music. Record it, listen to it for 2 days on repeat while humming melodies, then write lyrics and trust my first instincts

  • @remotegod255
    @remotegod255 Před 6 lety +30

    she's such a fantastic music teacher, and I've worked with many of them.

  • @knightreader8272
    @knightreader8272 Před 8 lety +47

    Thank you Andrea Stolpe, this helped me enormously. This method spoke to me, really loved when you said what does this song sound like to you, now trust that first impression, that image you get and go off on a stream of consciousness as if in conversation with someone over a topic that matters to you. The John Meyer example was the cherry on top; so true.

  • @lloydwright489
    @lloydwright489 Před 8 lety +92

    I love to hear you talk

    • @real_franco
      @real_franco Před 7 lety +8

      Right? I even showed my wife another video of Andrea teaching, and she has just a relaxing way about her.

    • @steveempiremantra2120
      @steveempiremantra2120 Před 7 lety +11

      lloyd wright right? its like a human jacuzzi

    • @KapaDeFreitas
      @KapaDeFreitas Před 6 lety +3

      I think we are a big group! :)

  • @realdavebob
    @realdavebob Před 7 lety +24

    The way she explains it explains everything I want to explain when I explain in songwriting!
    Did I explain myself ok

  • @0fffxy
    @0fffxy Před 8 lety +25

    Struck a major chord with me.

  • @bellahawthorn4575
    @bellahawthorn4575 Před 2 lety +4

    I’ve been looking up how to start writing lyrics for a while, and this is the only thing that has helped me and made me feel it is possible. It seems most other resources are starting from the point of already kinda knowing how to write creatively, but this literally teaches you how to *start*. It’s really inspiring, reassuring, and freeing. I’m really excited to start now 😊

  • @jurbanek2704
    @jurbanek2704 Před 8 lety +12

    I agree. This one and the sensory writing video are very helpful. Big thanks!

  • @christophermi2860
    @christophermi2860 Před 8 lety +6

    I've been spending weeks on lyrics , writing a whole paragraph , and then scrapping it . This really helped me free up my mind .

  • @markmarshallmusic
    @markmarshallmusic Před 8 lety +10

    I can't even begin to tell you how helpful this and the Sensory writing video are. Thank you EVER so much.

  • @Tazmanian_Ninja
    @Tazmanian_Ninja Před 6 lety +6

    She is so cute. I really enjoy listening to her. Her advice is so loaded with usefulness. She has SO much to teach.
    Thank you Andrea!

  • @mckennaconnor7607
    @mckennaconnor7607 Před 5 lety +1

    In 5 minutes she described the entirety of the crux of an issue I been struggling with for the last 3+ years and a means to address it. I can't wait to try this method for what, to me,has been an incredibly frustrating situation. I know I am not alone in this. Thank you, you beautiful person x

  • @MoonlightNightcall
    @MoonlightNightcall Před 7 lety +11

    I have this issue, the other way around! Writing the words is easy and natural but it's the music that's daunting!!

    • @danielgarzaromusic
      @danielgarzaromusic Před 6 lety

      Juuli Salo me too!!!!!

    • @SingerSongwritingSchool
      @SingerSongwritingSchool Před 5 lety +5

      Deconstructing hit songs and seeing how they do certain things makes it all become so clear. I do that consistently and it really stops those blocks in writing.

    • @songhouse1311
      @songhouse1311 Před 3 lety +1

      Lets write together then :) im better at music :)

  • @Donaldjon
    @Donaldjon Před 4 lety +2

    I needed to watch this. You are really good at breaking this process down into bite sized pieces.

  • @Thejayfrancis
    @Thejayfrancis Před 7 lety +2

    I really needed that advice. Very helpful. Thank you!

  • @kismetcrush
    @kismetcrush Před 6 lety +2

    This was so helpful. Setting my writing aside for a week really worked. I was finally able to get out of my head and just let the words flow. Thank you!

  • @scottfishkind5335
    @scottfishkind5335 Před 2 lety

    I stumbled onto this approach years ago, learned to give myself the grace and freedom to explore ideas without trying to structure them prematurely, letting go of judgement and allowing things to flow more spontaneously.
    But it is nice to hear it articulated so beautifully by someone I have so much respect for!

  • @omnipop4936
    @omnipop4936 Před 6 lety +7

    Andrea is so earnest and encouraging and knowledgeable. My favorite instructor!

  • @SeasonOfWhatNow
    @SeasonOfWhatNow Před 4 lety +5

    This is fantastic. I've written like this and I think it really streamlines the process.

  • @martintojr
    @martintojr Před 4 lety +4

    This was great! Thank you so much for the visual imagery and way that you teach on Songwriting.

  • @KristinaHelene
    @KristinaHelene Před 3 lety +1

    I needed this today, thank you Andrea!

  • @georgekiapos1
    @georgekiapos1 Před 3 lety +1

    Fantastic suggestions! I really enjoy your input. Very intuitive and organic as opposed to structured and formulated. Thank you Andrea Stolpe!

  • @carolinablack4223akaM.A.
    @carolinablack4223akaM.A. Před 7 lety +3

    Man this was pure dope!!! Thank you!!!

  • @sn0wsilver
    @sn0wsilver Před 4 lety +5

    Trust your first impression ♥️
    You got it, sis. Thank you so much for this.🥰

  • @michaelcalderon5986
    @michaelcalderon5986 Před 4 lety +3

    Throughout the years ive researched all kind of discussions, videos, blogs, etc on the topic of improving your writing game, and this is some of the most simple and un-intimidating advice I've come across yet.
    P.s. im a 29 yr old musician/singer/frustrated songwriter. Still struggling with writing lyrics with any sort of fluidity
    Thanks for the video

    • @Berklee_Online
      @Berklee_Online  Před 4 lety

      Glad you enjoyed it! We have lots of songwriting tips on our Take Note blog that you might be interested in. Learn more here: berkonl.in/2dPTeeU

  • @TheJScheer
    @TheJScheer Před 8 lety +3

    Thank you! This has helped me immensely.

  • @enginufuk
    @enginufuk Před rokem

    How unbelievable is her delivery?!! Just wow!!

  • @ashaynale9146
    @ashaynale9146 Před 6 lety +3

    BEST. EXPLANATORY VIDEO. EVER! loved it! thank you!! :)

  • @NelsonGarciasax
    @NelsonGarciasax Před 7 lety

    I love to hear you talk as well. So peaceful and enjoyable. Great tips as well. Love it !

  • @robbery1717
    @robbery1717 Před 7 lety +1

    So candid and sincerely honest in your helpful approach as a teacher. I find your talks very inviting and inspiring. Thanks so much for your insight and technical breakdowns that do resonate even in a rookie !

  • @hansy1305
    @hansy1305 Před 2 lety

    This is exactly what I needed right now. Thank you

  • @GerhardAlbinus
    @GerhardAlbinus Před 4 lety +3

    Wow, fantastic ideas and instructions. This is exactly the guidance that I need! Thank you Andrea Stolpe!

  • @xxChaos97yelxx
    @xxChaos97yelxx Před 8 lety +1

    i wish more people could find these videos theyre so helpful what an amazing resource for help

  • @youtubecommentor4480
    @youtubecommentor4480 Před 5 lety

    I totally agree with this video. Always start out by just writing a the idea you have. Just get the idea out of your mind and onto paper or (as the video said) on a recorder. Forget the structure, the correct words etc. All that will come later in the refinement stage when writing the verses, chorus, bridge etc. Just tell the story first, even if certain parts are out of order. All the details will get sorted out later. Great video! Thank you very much.

  • @samfestusthepianist5204
    @samfestusthepianist5204 Před 3 lety +1

    She is so adorable, 😍I love her for sharing her pro knowledge🎁 with us, it's helps my music compositions ❤️❤️❤️

  • @jennysaarloos1177
    @jennysaarloos1177 Před 5 lety +2

    Wow. Awesome advice for any writer!

  • @vuduboymusica
    @vuduboymusica Před 4 lety

    Great tips, I practice some of them already, but there's always something new to learn with Andrea.

  • @thatleidy
    @thatleidy Před 6 lety +39

    This was so helpful thank you

  • @dr.mryansaldivard.c.8028
    @dr.mryansaldivard.c.8028 Před 3 lety +1

    Such a quality teacher

  • @lamphranglaithma7305
    @lamphranglaithma7305 Před 4 lety

    She is so soft.... God bless you

  • @suefauziyah
    @suefauziyah Před 2 měsíci

    This video’s a keeper. Saved to watch again and again, until these suggestions become habit. Thank you.

  • @fr3rdsky
    @fr3rdsky Před 5 lety

    This is what I needed. Good stuff!

  • @JessCasarez
    @JessCasarez Před 6 lety

    This is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing!

  • @jc5239
    @jc5239 Před 3 lety

    Such a beautiful soul! God bless her!

  • @TeaWitcher
    @TeaWitcher Před 7 lety

    This is gold. You are very knowledgeable about this. thank you
    -xx

  • @yohanguichoud6403
    @yohanguichoud6403 Před 8 lety

    Thanks a lot for this inspiring video, I'm now so exited to try your tips! Thanks again

  • @marcoprezotto
    @marcoprezotto Před 6 lety

    Definetely one of the bests videos about this

  • @renierhenn5290
    @renierhenn5290 Před 2 lety

    Watched a few of your videos today... had serious writers block for weeks now.... you inspired me so much that I wrote a song today and alsomst finished the programming.... thank you soooooo much....

  • @ardeladdison3300
    @ardeladdison3300 Před 4 lety +1

    Ty you very good tips..trust your instincts.🙌🙏 Ty for sharing .God bless you!

  • @bill18336
    @bill18336 Před 7 lety +1

    Excellent Advice!!!!

  • @aslightlysavageburrito8217

    This was lovely. Thank you very much, I believe this was the help I needed to get started in writing lyrics! :)

  • @ArtificialJetleg
    @ArtificialJetleg Před 6 lety

    I fell in love with her. Her voice and way of explaining is so gentle and kinda like I can feel hr humbleness.. anyway, great tip. Thx!

  • @NOJUSTNOALWAYSNO
    @NOJUSTNOALWAYSNO Před 6 lety +2

    Thank you. This was great.

  • @BronskiBeats
    @BronskiBeats Před 7 lety

    Awesome Andrea! Luv your intelligence in this area. Thanks! You just may have saved me some time.

  • @SingerSongwritingSchool
    @SingerSongwritingSchool Před 5 lety +3

    The not judging and just really letting yourself FEEL first is so critical. Then grabbing key phrases. And only then choosing a rhyme scheme and then complete phrases. Important video.

  • @andrewrichardsuk
    @andrewrichardsuk Před 8 lety

    Experience speaks volumes... thank you x

  • @Benitohatausprobiert
    @Benitohatausprobiert Před 3 lety

    Your way of explaining is magical and inspiring. Thank you.

  • @richardsargent1849
    @richardsargent1849 Před 6 lety

    This information is GOLD!

  • @leikamusic
    @leikamusic Před 4 lety

    Wow this is SO useful and she helped me not feeling so stressed and nervous about writing omg she looks like such a nice person

  • @guitarsix7
    @guitarsix7 Před rokem

    Love this

  • @mojoefelix
    @mojoefelix Před 6 lety

    Great lesson! To apply this I am trying out this sequence of writing music first and then lyrics to the music. Typically, I write the lyrics and the melody and harmony at the same time working it back and forth, so this video is a paradigm shift for me. Maybe I will get something new and different with this method. Worth a try.

  • @QuintonBaker32
    @QuintonBaker32 Před 6 lety +2

    Very Helpful Thanks!

  • @ela-hr7ro
    @ela-hr7ro Před 2 lety

    This is so so inspiring omfg

  • @vijayalekhajaydas5046
    @vijayalekhajaydas5046 Před 5 lety +1

    Thanks you so much...for giving this advice☺☺☺❤

  • @altervisi7748
    @altervisi7748 Před 2 lety

    That was incredible

  • @AnnasDrawingChannel
    @AnnasDrawingChannel Před 2 lety

    Wow!!! Very informative video! Thank you for the new approach to writing! you just saved me a lot of time! :D

  • @musiclover1236
    @musiclover1236 Před 3 lety

    Thank you Andrea Stolpe ❤️. I learned from you a lot ❤️

  • @unclemaple
    @unclemaple Před 2 lety

    You have the greatest ability to explain the process,. You are wonderfully talented and have the best speaking cadence. Thank you for sharing

  • @poeticnation6251
    @poeticnation6251 Před 4 lety

    Great information - Very helpful (Thank you for sharing).

  • @trevor4835
    @trevor4835 Před 5 lety +1

    this woman is incredible

  • @NocturnalBrute
    @NocturnalBrute Před 8 lety +1

    I loved this video so much. I feel as a song writer I put too much pressure on myself.

  • @gregorybrian
    @gregorybrian Před 5 lety +1

    So funny! I just finally did the same thing she's saying a few months ago and again earlier this week... for the same piece. I think having two sessions of free writing spaced apart by at least a couple weeks helps greatly because you'll have a fresher approach the second time.
    Another fun "game" is to take those nuggets she's talking about and rewrite them but write the opposite of each word (if possible). For instance: "You all think I'm clever" becomes "I know he's naive." Or something to that effect. Provides new angles and inspirations.

  • @alcatrazeleochestra4146

    Thanks! this one and the sensory writing video are very helpful.

  • @juniorleslie9494
    @juniorleslie9494 Před 5 lety

    This is the sweetest things I have ever heard! A lot of my friends says that I have a very good voice and my family says why am I so amazing? And I said “ I don’t know” but I hate recording myself and listening to it, I’m sure everyone have that problem. But that isn’t the case, but people hear you differently from how you sound and hear yourself! I once heard my own record and said to my self! “Hahahaha that is not me I sound horrible” and I quit but have to come back because how you see yourself isn’t the same for everyone else. So I give it another shot! Until I found this video and it made me smile and get emotional as hell lmaoo! This video makes me more emotional than when I’m around my girlfriend🤨🤨🤨🤨

  • @sidewaze8
    @sidewaze8 Před 7 lety

    man, this video made me cry for some reason, thats awesome. thank you

  • @elansings
    @elansings Před 5 lety

    Thank you. Love you Andrea 😘

  • @jessicasosa364
    @jessicasosa364 Před 3 lety

    Absolutely brilliant!!! Thanks a million☺️🙏🙌🎼I’m on it😁

  • @othni
    @othni Před 8 lety

    Wow, so much knowledge!

  • @giannadamelio1753
    @giannadamelio1753 Před 7 lety +1

    I loved this video thank you so much.

  • @JayTaala
    @JayTaala Před 3 lety +1

    These videos have so much value. All organizations should share it with their young songwriters

  • @Loki_Dokie
    @Loki_Dokie Před rokem

    No clue why I never even thought of this before, but thank you so much! Beginning my journey in songwriting as a former poetry only writer

  • @polyphonicgroove
    @polyphonicgroove Před 3 lety

    Very insightful, some great info in this video. I usually write the music first, then when I begin to write the melody, I will hook up a mic and sing whatever comes to mind in order to lock down the melody. Whatever fits the phrasing of the melody, just off the top of my head. The interesting thing.....many times 75% of that lyrical "gibberish" ends up making it in the song. I believe that the music evokes a feeling and subconsciously I'm singing words or phrases that mirror those feelings.

  • @Sonatarium
    @Sonatarium Před 3 lety

    What she said was so valid and real it made me cry.

  • @chrisstegerean9429
    @chrisstegerean9429 Před 7 lety

    Thank you, Andrea

  • @arengray1837
    @arengray1837 Před 8 lety +5

    she definitely knows what shes talking about

  • @finnajane
    @finnajane Před rokem

    two thumbs up - very helpful

  • @carlosleija2718
    @carlosleija2718 Před 7 lety

    One of the greatest advice I have ever received

  • @bboymac84
    @bboymac84 Před 3 lety

    This is so soothing. She should make more videos frfr

  • @ryandufort9025
    @ryandufort9025 Před 8 lety

    Have you ever believed you are blessed, you really helped

  • @serhatduran2818
    @serhatduran2818 Před 3 lety

    Perfect

  • @COLORLOVE
    @COLORLOVE Před 6 lety

    Wow really great video thank you so much!

  • @oakleybeckm-n2251
    @oakleybeckm-n2251 Před 7 lety

    This is a great help thanks