Here's a bit of trivia for you: The first songwriter to have 7 singles, sung by different artists, hit the Billboard charts is Diane Warren. This exceptional songwriter has written a lot of hit singles for popular artists like Elton John and Meatloaf. How does she manage to pull it off? In an interview, she reveals: "It all boils down to how I discipline myself."
Writing the best songs that you can doesn't only involve applying some great tips on songwriting; it also means that you have to make time for music in your life. Music should be one of your top priorities in the day.
Here are some tips on songwriting that can help you do just that:
1. Disconnect from distractions. Let's take the television. Will you regret not seeing the latest episode of "Glee" on your deathbed? Alright then. How about your computer? If you really need it for some reason, say, for studies or practice, disconnect it from the internet. Close all the unnecessary windows and turn off your router.
2. For guitarists, do some noodle control. Place the guitar on your lap; this will help you avoid the temptation to noodle - this is the time that you have set aside to learn note names, chord forms and scale fingerings. A couple of minutes a day will go a long way.
3. Turn off your mobile phone. Seriously, do you need to receive incoming messages from National Geographic's Twitter account? This would help only if you are going to write a song about the indigenous peoples of New Guinea or zebras. If not, get rid of the added distraction.
4. Get a sense of purpose. Before you get your instrument, decide on what you will be practicing. Envision it firmly and clearly in your mind. Once you're done, get to it! Refuse to wander and stick to your plan.
5. To be continued. Once you are done with your practice session, don't stand up until you have written some notes on what you'd like to learn next, or what you want to do on your next session - anything that you need to improve on, questions you'd like to explore and investigate. Take some time to review, apply what you've learned and reflect.
6. Want it bad. It would be helpful if you surround yourself with inspiring quotes from musicians you admire. Post it on your walls or in the shower. Make yourself want it - listen to recordings that inspire you, and envision yourself on the stage performing them. Feel how fantastic it would be to easily and fluidly execute the level of artistry and technique that you desire.
Here you go, some tips on songwriting for creative time management.
Jim A. Byrne is a musician and recording artist who has been writing songs for over 30 years. As well as writing songs for his own Folk and Country Blues albums he has written songs with other people including the pop star Marti Pellow of Wet Wet Wet and Jazz singer Carol Kidd MBE.
Visit Jim's website for more tips and to download two of Jim's latest songs for free: http://www.songsbyjimbyrne.com/freemp3music/index.html
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