Yes, it's songwriting competition time of the year for Women In Music Minnesota. Here are a few songwriting tips to see how you can maximize your odds for better placement within the competition. There can only be one first place winner but if you utilize more of these tips with each new song you write, with each competition you'll find yourself closer and closer to the top.
Introduction...Does your intro create the mood that you're going for with your song? If your song is a love song, does the intro get the listener ready for the same love theme mood that your lyrics are shooting for? Likewise, if you've got a kicking rock, pop or country song, will your listeners feel the intent right off the bat? The intro is the first impression the listener/judge hears when listening your song, so take the opportunity to get us into the song as soon as possible. The intro should be no more than 8 measures!
Title...Is your title unique or something we've heard many times? A unique title requires a unique story but just think how much fun it is to create something so different but yet with universal appeal. A title that we've heard many times before requires the writer to write the best song ever that's used that title. Big shoes to fill.
A great title will set you up for a great memorable chorus, so go for it!
First Verse...This is where you're setting up the story, introducing the characters and engaging the audience with unique insights into your story. Are you using interesting rhyming or is your rhyming predictable? Are your lyrics conversational, flowing or too abstract? Would those lyrics be words used by your character or are they out of character? Do the lyrics and melody suggest the same sentiment? The melody needs to be interesting but it serves the purpose of furthering the meaning of the song along, so be sure you have fulfilled this. Have you communicated the emotional content of the song through your lyrics, melody and characters? If so, you're heading in the right direction. Be sure to keep the story focus that's easily understood but still different than every other song.
Chorus...Ah, the chorus! This is the part of the song that the listeners can't wait to get to so they can sing along. People want to participate in your song. Tapping their feet from the get go is the first audience participation, and the second is singing along. A sing-able chorus is always a good option.
The chorus should fulfill the reason why we have characters and a storyline. Does the chorus give additional significance and meaning to your story and the story's dilemma?
Even without verses, could your chorus tell us something about a story all by itself?
Melodically, does your chorus give height and additional significance with the right intensity? If the lyrics are positive and uplifting, does the melody do the same? Matching the intent adds to the memorable qualities and believe-ability of your song.
Second Verse...For most songwriters, this is the hardest part of writing. To keep the story line moving along asks the writer to give us more information about the characters, emotionally, visually, while still keeping the focus on our hook (the chorus). Whatever information you choose to use in the second verse, be sure that it adds to the meaning of the chorus or makes the chorus seem more significant.
Bridge...Not every song needs a bridge. If you choose to use a bridge, note that it's purpose is to give the listener a change of melody. It is sometimes called a lift, which indicates the melody also needs to lift. So give that melody some height.
Lyrically the purpose of a bridge is to answer any unanswered questions, or see some resolve to the dilemmas that have been posed within the story. The tough part of a bridge is to be sure that it adds more emotional intent to the song and doesn't just repeat what you've already said in the other parts of the song. It's an additional support to get to the chorus. Make sure it flows into the last chorus of the song.
This is an overview. There are thousands of tips one could learn about songwriting. There are books upon books designed to help you get better. Or get with a song coach and take some lessons. Every song should get you one step closer to your songwriting goals. Shoot for the moon and go tighten up those loose ends in your songs and enter those contests! I look forward to hearing your latest masterpiece.
www.Jillholly.com
Www.myspace.com/jillholly
© 2010 Jill Holly
Hello and welcome to the website for women and girls in music. We are a non profit to help girls and women of all ages in music. 
