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

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  • Опубліковано 9 вер 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

КОМЕНТАРІ • 232

  • @RawcusBanks
    @RawcusBanks 8 років тому +186

    She seems like such a nice person

    • @gar949
      @gar949 5 років тому +8

      I bet she would be a very good friend.

    • @ricklombardo6912
      @ricklombardo6912 4 роки тому +3

      and she is good looking

    • @khananasherov
      @khananasherov 3 роки тому +3

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

  • @BillyReedMusic
    @BillyReedMusic 5 років тому +87

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

  • @malreymusic
    @malreymusic 3 роки тому +50

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

  • @steveolson1712
    @steveolson1712 6 років тому +118

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

    • @MegaUtube99
      @MegaUtube99 3 роки тому +1

      Completely agree!

    • @tesscrazy
      @tesscrazy 3 роки тому +1

      Absolutely! I feel the same! I have to go try these out!

    • @dieprettysnippetz
      @dieprettysnippetz 2 роки тому +2

      She is so smart and beatiful

  • @wavvous
    @wavvous 5 років тому +40

    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 6 років тому +175

    why is this so soothing? lol

    • @HarshChaudharynewbie
      @HarshChaudharynewbie 6 років тому +9

      I think because there is a background music/soundtrack.

    • @lanremodele180
      @lanremodele180 5 років тому +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 5 років тому +2

      It’s a lullaby

    • @MasterMatrix8
      @MasterMatrix8 3 роки тому +4

      She has a mom-like quality

  • @mreggbird
    @mreggbird 6 років тому +110

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

    • @leikamusic
      @leikamusic 4 роки тому +1

      Max v B ikr

    • @SleepyMatt-zzz
      @SleepyMatt-zzz 4 роки тому +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 3 роки тому +2

      m very true

  • @remotegod255
    @remotegod255 6 років тому +30

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

  • @knightreader8272
    @knightreader8272 8 років тому +46

    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.

  • @Cloud-wu7vl
    @Cloud-wu7vl 3 роки тому +3

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

  • @scylla019
    @scylla019 6 років тому +9

    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

  • @jurbanek2704
    @jurbanek2704 8 років тому +12

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

  • @lloydwright489
    @lloydwright489 7 років тому +92

    I love to hear you talk

    • @real_franco
      @real_franco 7 років тому +8

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

    • @steveempiremantra2120
      @steveempiremantra2120 7 років тому +11

      lloyd wright right? its like a human jacuzzi

    • @KapaDeFreitas
      @KapaDeFreitas 6 років тому +3

      I think we are a big group! :)

  • @bellahawthorn4575
    @bellahawthorn4575 2 роки тому +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 😊

  • @incoherentexistence
    @incoherentexistence 7 років тому +24

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

  • @markmarshallmusic
    @markmarshallmusic 8 років тому +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 6 років тому +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!

  • @kismetcrush
    @kismetcrush 5 років тому +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!

  • @omnipop4936
    @omnipop4936 6 років тому +7

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

  • @Thejayfrancis
    @Thejayfrancis 7 років тому +2

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

  • @mckennaconnor7607
    @mckennaconnor7607 5 років тому +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

  • @christophermi2860
    @christophermi2860 7 років тому +6

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

  • @Donaldjon
    @Donaldjon 4 роки тому +2

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

  • @georgekiapos1
    @georgekiapos1 3 роки тому +1

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

  • @sn0wsilver
    @sn0wsilver 4 роки тому +5

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

  • @martintojr
    @martintojr 4 роки тому +4

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

  • @SeasonOfWhatNow
    @SeasonOfWhatNow 3 роки тому +5

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

  • @carolinablack4223
    @carolinablack4223 7 років тому +3

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

  • @scottfishkind5335
    @scottfishkind5335 2 роки тому

    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!

  • @TheJScheer
    @TheJScheer 8 років тому +3

    Thank you! This has helped me immensely.

  • @ashaynale9146
    @ashaynale9146 6 років тому +3

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

  • @GerhardAlbinus
    @GerhardAlbinus 4 роки тому +3

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

  • @robbery1717
    @robbery1717 6 років тому +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 !

  • @JessCasarez
    @JessCasarez 6 років тому

    This is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing!

  • @NelsonGarciasax
    @NelsonGarciasax 7 років тому

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

  • @xxChaos97yelxx
    @xxChaos97yelxx 8 років тому +1

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

  • @marcoprezotto
    @marcoprezotto 6 років тому

    Definetely one of the bests videos about this

  • @KristinaHelene
    @KristinaHelene 3 роки тому +1

    I needed this today, thank you Andrea!

  • @TeaWitcher
    @TeaWitcher 6 років тому

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

  • @andrewrichardsuk
    @andrewrichardsuk 8 років тому

    Experience speaks volumes... thank you x

  • @fr3rdsky
    @fr3rdsky 5 років тому

    This is what I needed. Good stuff!

  • @jennysaarloos1177
    @jennysaarloos1177 5 років тому +2

    Wow. Awesome advice for any writer!

  • @yohanguichoud6403
    @yohanguichoud6403 8 років тому

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

  • @vuduboymusica
    @vuduboymusica 4 роки тому

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

  • @youtubecommentor4480
    @youtubecommentor4480 5 років тому

    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.

  • @NOJUSTNOALWAYSNO
    @NOJUSTNOALWAYSNO 6 років тому +2

    Thank you. This was great.

  • @hansy1305
    @hansy1305 2 роки тому

    This is exactly what I needed right now. Thank you

  • @dr.mryansaldivard.c.8028
    @dr.mryansaldivard.c.8028 3 роки тому +1

    Such a quality teacher

  • @BronskiBeats
    @BronskiBeats 7 років тому

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

  • @lamphranglaithma7305
    @lamphranglaithma7305 4 роки тому

    She is so soft.... God bless you

  • @aslightlysavageburrito8217
    @aslightlysavageburrito8217 5 років тому +1

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

  • @Benitohatausprobiert
    @Benitohatausprobiert 3 роки тому

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

  • @jc5239
    @jc5239 3 роки тому

    Such a beautiful soul! God bless her!

  • @thatleidy
    @thatleidy 6 років тому +39

    This was so helpful thank you

  • @poeticnation6251
    @poeticnation6251 4 роки тому

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

  • @richardsargent1849
    @richardsargent1849 5 років тому

    This information is GOLD!

  • @musiclover1236
    @musiclover1236 2 роки тому

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

  • @ardeladdison3300
    @ardeladdison3300 4 роки тому +1

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

  • @elansings
    @elansings 5 років тому

    Thank you. Love you Andrea 😘

  • @QuintonBaker32
    @QuintonBaker32 6 років тому +2

    Very Helpful Thanks!

  • @ArtificialJetleg
    @ArtificialJetleg 6 років тому

    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!

  • @sidewaze8
    @sidewaze8 7 років тому

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

  • @bill18336
    @bill18336 7 років тому +1

    Excellent Advice!!!!

  • @carlosleija2718
    @carlosleija2718 7 років тому

    One of the greatest advice I have ever received

  • @alcatrazeleochestra4146
    @alcatrazeleochestra4146 7 років тому

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

  • @0fffxy
    @0fffxy 8 років тому +24

    Struck a major chord with me.

  • @othni
    @othni 7 років тому

    Wow, so much knowledge!

  • @giannadamelio1753
    @giannadamelio1753 7 років тому +1

    I loved this video thank you so much.

  • @leikamusic
    @leikamusic 4 роки тому

    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

  • @jessicasosa364
    @jessicasosa364 3 роки тому

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

  • @COLORLOVE
    @COLORLOVE 5 років тому

    Wow really great video thank you so much!

  • @renierhenn5290
    @renierhenn5290 2 роки тому

    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....

  • @vijayalekhajaydas5046
    @vijayalekhajaydas5046 5 років тому +1

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

  • @enginufuk
    @enginufuk Рік тому

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

  • @chrisstegerean9429
    @chrisstegerean9429 7 років тому

    Thank you, Andrea

  • @mojoefelix
    @mojoefelix 5 років тому

    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.

  • @samfestusthepianist5204
    @samfestusthepianist5204 2 роки тому +1

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

  • @bboymac84
    @bboymac84 3 роки тому

    This is so soothing. She should make more videos frfr

  • @guitarsix7
    @guitarsix7 Рік тому

    Love this

  • @NocturnalBrute
    @NocturnalBrute 8 років тому +1

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

  • @suefauziyah
    @suefauziyah 25 днів тому

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

  • @altervisi7748
    @altervisi7748 2 роки тому

    That was incredible

  • @unclemaple
    @unclemaple 2 роки тому

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

  • @ryandufort9025
    @ryandufort9025 7 років тому

    Have you ever believed you are blessed, you really helped

  • @AnnasDrawingChannel
    @AnnasDrawingChannel Рік тому

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

  • @ela-hr7ro
    @ela-hr7ro 2 роки тому

    This is so so inspiring omfg

  • @wademasters2344
    @wademasters2344 5 років тому

    The best musical advice ive ever had

  • @oakleybeckm-n2251
    @oakleybeckm-n2251 7 років тому

    This is a great help thanks

  • @MoonlightNightcall
    @MoonlightNightcall 7 років тому +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 5 років тому

      Juuli Salo me too!!!!!

    • @SingerSongwritingSchool
      @SingerSongwritingSchool 5 років тому +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 3 роки тому +1

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

  • @maryanne2025
    @maryanne2025 4 роки тому

    seems like a really helpful process/system to write song lyrics.

  • @JayTaala
    @JayTaala 2 роки тому +1

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

  • @finnajane
    @finnajane Рік тому

    two thumbs up - very helpful

  • @gregorybrian
    @gregorybrian 4 роки тому +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.

  • @roncruz3096
    @roncruz3096 5 років тому

    Oh my oh my, i now have direction.
    Thank you for teaching, i have a new perception.
    Really helped a lot, i now know what i should.
    Making more and more music and thanks to you! PEACE!

  • @nicharus
    @nicharus 3 роки тому

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

  • @gewoenpascal
    @gewoenpascal 7 років тому

    thank you for the info :)

  • @EliasH-video
    @EliasH-video 5 років тому

    Phenomenal advice - glad I googled before chucking this pen across the room

  • @warbearbanditz6138
    @warbearbanditz6138 4 роки тому

    This is so good

  • @maniksharma07
    @maniksharma07 3 роки тому

    Respect !

  • @polyphonicgroove
    @polyphonicgroove 3 роки тому

    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.