Successful songwriters were invited to share their method of creating songs at my local music college:-
Each one failed to deliver on the musical theory they applied whilst constructing their musical component ……the chord progression.
Most discounted the music as irrelevant.
Some picked chords out of a hat
One used a tuning and was unable to identify any chord names or key.
All considered the words as the most important component.
Inspire your Learners
Testamonials
I just wanted to let you know that you're still the best in the business. I've just completed a degree in jazz and probably wouldn't have made it through without some of your knowledge.
Your protégé Dom Gill
Hi john, how are you, tell u what things are getting hard now, not theory or guitar lessons though, you've put us in good stead for all that. None of the students in my year know about substitution and reharmonisation. That's not till next year apparently. Cheers for the well needed advice john, much appreciated.
Alex
You've opened my ears to something new. For, although I could hear the differences, now I understand better WHY. And to me, that's the big question; why and how did they go that particular route, where is the logic. And for that, I cannot thank you enough. You've opened a door for me; I anxiously await the next issue of the newsletter.
Tom
Lifetime of Invention
I agree that a song with a story is crucial, but the vehicle that carries the message, the chord progression, deserves just as much attention.
Give me your singers, drummers, bassists, guitarists and keyboard players for one morning.
And they will experiment, with these ideas / formulae that I share with them, for a lifetime.
We can all buy books on songwriting, but it’s no substitute for the knowledge and understanding I have gained from the 40,000 songs I have transcribed and analysed.
Learners need the tools explained clearly, simply and demonstrated with a minimal amount of fuss.
And to be able to recreate the concepts themselves immediately
Some study composition for years in a hope to recreate/create certain classic styles, but today’s pop/rock/ballad chord progressions have much less rigidity and can be mastered in a few minutes.
Let’s work together to help your learners remember their college days a milestone in their musical careers