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Songwriting Instruction

Songwriting is for everyone! Whether you've never considered yourself a musical person or you've been writing for years, Lessons With Ceili provides personalized lesson plans that allow you to explore songwriting at your own speed. Songwriting is not only a vehicle to get your creative juices flowing, but it strengthens your communication skills and gives you the tools to be present in your everyday life.

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Check out what my students have to say about it! 

Frequently Asked Questions:

DO I NEED ANY FORMAL TRAINING IN SONGWRITING?

You do not need any formal training in music theory or lyric writing in my classes. However I highly recommend learning music theory, an instrument (or multiple), and how to produce your songs using a DAW (digital audio workstation of your choice) in the future because it will significantly help you as a musician and an artist. These are all things we can discuss in the future, and I am more than happy to help you in whatever way I can to make you the best musician you can be! 

 

ARE THE LESSONS A SAFE SPACE TO BE CREATIVE? 

I do not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, height, weight, physical or mental ability, veteran status, military obligations, and marital status. Like I said earlier, Songwriting is a very personal experience, and I am not here to judge or hinder your creative outlet. This is a safe space to express your emotions and feelings related to any topic that affects your life, and I will never prevent you from expressing yourself (as long as it does not condone hate speech or hurt others.) 

 

ARE THE LESSONS PERSONALIZED? 

I want you to get the most out of your sessions with me. If you already have a good grasp on the topic we are discussing, or if you need more time with it before moving on, please do not hesitate to let me know! I am here for YOU and your journey as a Songwriter/Artist/Musician. My goal is to personalize the lessons for your individual situation to get the most out of it. I will not assume anything, but there must be open communication between us! Songwriting is a personal experience, so we have to trust each other! It may seem scary at first to share your work but we can’t grow if we are not willing to “fail” and learn from it!  

        

HOW DO LESSONS WORK TYPICALLY? 

Each week we will learn a new topic relating to songwriting/lyric writing. (If we need more time on a specific topic, we will do so; I want you to understand the material before moving any further.) After learning some basics, I will ask you for new material that utilizes the tools and techniques we have learned thus far. Being able to produce songs with a deadline, analyze your own and others' work, and learn the art of taking criticism is essential to being a songwriter. 

 

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

  • The Basics of Songwriting

  • Daily Exercises 

  • The Rules… And How to Break Them…

  • Object Writing 

  • POV Writing 

  • Metaphors! And Idioms! And Cliches! Oh, My! 

  • Writing in Rhythm and Rhyme

  • Analyzing / Critiquing

  • Co-Writing

  • Top-Lining 

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IS THERE REQUIRED READING? DO I HAVE TO BUY ANYTHING? 

  • YES! But only one thing, and I promise it will be worth it!

 

The Complete Rhyming Dictionary (The Essential Handbook for Songwriters, Poets, Students, Teachers, Speechmakers, and Members of the Performing Arts) Edited by Clement Wood and Revised by Ronald Bogus 

 

  • I think the most this book goes for is $10, but you can find it used for cheaper. It's a lifesaver when it comes to lyric writing, and because of that, we have multiple lessons dedicated to it, so I will give you a few weeks to obtain it before we dive in.

  • Internet access 

  • Something to write/type notes and complete in class exercises with

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