Songwriting is something that all musicians can engage in regardless of the instrument that they play and what level they are at. It is certainly helpful to know more and be well practiced on your instrument when writing songs, but learning the skills of songwriting can begin at anytime. Some of the most popular songwriters in the classical and popular music scene wrote famous songs consisting of two and three chords, simple melodies, and simple rhythms. It’s amazing how many songs have been written using just the basic chords from a musical scale. Perhaps one of the easiest way for people to learn the basic functions of chords in songwriting is to learn the harmonica. Not to take away anything from advanced harmonica players, but the basics of chord playing on harmonica is very easy. Harmonicas are diatonic and the notes are arranged so that blowing into any note or combination of notes will produce tones from the root chord or I chord. Drawing from any of the holes in the harmonica will produce the tones associated with the dominant chord or V chord. The I chord and V chord are the primary chords in any given key. So if this terminology is hard to understand then just get a harmonica and you’ll instantly hear the difference. Blowing is the I chord and drawing is the V chord. Understanding chord function is basic and easy with a harmonica. Any key will do just fine but I would recommend getting one in the key of C to make it easy to play along with guitar players and piano players.
Grosse Pointe Music Academy in Grosse Pointe and Canton is having a Songwriting workshop for students ages 10 and up. Instrumentalists and voice students can participate in the Songwriting class. This two hour workshop will be an introduction into the fundamentals of how to write songs. Students will leave with the basic tools and understanding of writing music. Students who wish to continue studying more advanced skills in songwriting will be presented with opportunities to continue in private lessons and other group classes including a weeklong summer workshop on songwriting.
Our upcoming introductory songwriting class will take place on Saturday, February 25th in Grosse Pointe Park and Sunday, February 26th in Canton Township. This 2 hour class is only 30 dollars so sign up today. Class is recommended for students ages 10 years old and up. Sign up online or feel free to call us with any questions!
Sunday, February 26th at 12pm in Canton
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