Also known as:
Songwriter
Skill Level:
All Levels
What does a Songwriter do?
A songwriter is a music creator who writes songs. Songs are pieces of music which feature the voice, contains lyrics, melody and may be accompanied by an/a instrument(s), commonly a guitar or piano. Song are either written by one songwriter or multiple co-writers. Songwriters may perform their own songs or write songs for other artists to perform.
Watch and read (links to videos /cases studies):
Performing songwriter – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TeI9UdxBorA&has_verified=1
How to write a hit song – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2R7X7UpV-Y
Tools of the trade:
Voice, instruments such as guitar, keyboard/piano, microphones, recording software and hardware.
What is a Songwriter good at?
Writing songs – lyric writing, playing and composing music on instruments. A songwriter is also often good at using recording software such as logic, ableton and garageband.
Who does a Songwriter work with?
A songwriter might work with other songwriters (co-writers), performing artists, record producers, managers, publishers, Collective Management Organisations (CMOs) such as PRS and MCPS and if performing their own songs, then record labels, booking agents, promoters and music venues too.
How do I become a Songwriter?
You can become a songwriter by teaching yourself and/or attending songwriting courses at college or university.
To become a professional songwriter it is important to become skilled at songwriting through practice and improving your songwriting techniques, to sign-up to Collective Management Organisations (CMOs) such as PRS, MCPS and PPL (if a performing songwriter).
It is also important to build music industry connections through networking to create opportunities and to build a team of business partners, such as a manager and a publisher.
Is the role a skills shortage?
No, it is very competitive to become a professional songwriter but joining The Ivors Academy can help to provide the networking opportunities, advice and business knowledge to help songwriters to develop their careers.
For more inspiring ideas on careers in the Creative Industries check out: https://discovercreative.careers/#/