Should I be a songwriter? 🎼

Do you have a passion for writing captivating lyrics?

Are you someone who often thinks of great song ideas?

Maybe you wish to express yourself through writing songs for yourself or even other artists?

If you answered YES to these questions, then becoming a songwriter might be right for you!

Songwriters don't always perform the songs they write.

• Songwriters often write songs for other artists to perform, ad jingles, theatre, or other productions.

• They write the lyrics and the musical elements of the song.

• Songwriters can be music composers or producers.

• Obtaining copyright is also important when writing songs.

👉 Check out this article for advice from the songwriter behind many of Rihanna's hits.

You may be asking yourself, "Do I need to be able to sing or play an instrument to become a songwriter?"

While these things are helpful, they aren't necessary. All you need is to have a basic understanding of song structure and a good ear.

Basic song structures have verses and a catchy chorus that is often repeated and brings the song together.

Having a good ear involves a good understanding of pitchand melody.

Photo by Soundtrap on Unsplash

Photo by Soundtrap on Unsplash

You probably have one of the most useful tools for songwriting in your hand right now: your phone!

Using your phone to record voice memos of song ideas is one of the best things you can do. If you wait too long to record your idea, you might risk losing it later.

Here are more tools you can use for recording your song ideas.

• Listen to lots of different music for inspiration.

• Take courses to improve your writing in school

• Connect with other songwriters on social media

• Enrolling in a music or writing class can also help you build your network

• Practice your writing — journaling is a great way to do this!

The salary of a songwriter can vary. It all depends on who your clientsare and how many hits you write.

Photo by Rose Butler on Unsplash

The average salary of a songwriter in Canada: $57,127 per year

Photo by Samuel Branch on Unsplash

The average salary of a songwriter in the United States: $50,962 per year

Pros:

• express your creativity

• work with like-minded people

• ability to be your own boss and chose your own clients

• pays well if you find the right gig

• always learning new things to keep up with new music

Cons:

• extremely competitive

• you'll get rejected a lot

• finding work can be a challenge

• inconsistent paychecks

• keeping up to stay relevant can be exhausting

• writers block and imposter syndrome