Song Writers

Learning to Improve Your Craft

No matter where you are in your quest to become a song writer, you'll find a host of resources and people willing to lend a helping hand. If you are starting to feel like you'll never be able to write a hit song, take a deep breath and look over the resources listed in this article.

Not only can you find market information, but emotional support too. And let's face it, when you're feeling down and your self-confidence is lagging, all the market contact information in the world isn't going to help.

Take time to network. Learn what has helped other people. Ask what has helped them the most to improve their craft. As you do, you'll not only gain the wisdom of others, but you'll make valuable contacts along the way.

Resources for Song Writers

Songwriter's Market Book

We've all heard success stories of song writers who met the right person at the right time by chance. Unfortunately, for most song writers, it doesn't work like that. Professional song writing is a competitive industry. The best way to find your way around it is to use resources like the Songwriter's Market Book. This book makes a handy tool for every song writer, whether you're a veteran or novice, as the resources it lists can open doors into the world of song writing. It provides information crucial to getting your work noticed—or at least the chance to get it noticed. Listings include:

• Music publishers
• Record companies
• Managers
• Booking agents
• Record producers
• Resource listings
• Organizations
• Song contests
• Online resources including places where song writers can network, further develop their skills, and find support and encouragement

This book has proven to be a valuable tool for more than 30 years. If you're serious about your song writing, and are looking for information to get your songs heard, this book is full of specific contact information along with pertinent information like how much a market pays.

The Music Muse

The Music Muse is a free forum created for the exchange of information between song writers. The site doesn't endorse the listings posted there, and any information gathered there needs to be filtered through some good old common sense. The Music Muse does ask to be contacted, however, if anything advertised is not what is represented. They do suggest you research any organization before you get involved with them. Other information you can find here includes:

• Contests
• Marketing information
• Classifieds
• Message boards

Songwriters Resource Network

The Songwriters Resource Network is another trusted online resource for song writers. They aim to help up-and-coming song writers better their skills and make those all-important contacts. When you visit their site, you'll find:

• News
• Song writing educational resources
• Song lyricists
• Music composers

If you want, you can even sign up for the SRN Newsletter. This will keep you posted on possible opportunities of interest for song writers and lyricists.

Songwriters Directory

If you've liked the help listed so far in this article, Songwriters Directory is the perfect place for you to find extensive resources perfect for:

• Song writers
• Musicians
• Music industry professionals

Ultimate Songwriting

Ultimate Songwriting offers a wealth of practical songwriting tips along with:

• Song writing articles
• Song writing help
• Song writing advice

It Takes Hard Work

All the resources in the world won't make your dream of becoming a song writer come true without hard work and discipline. Take time each day to hone your craft. Hard work shows and can make a difference when you finally get an opportunity to let your work shine.