Unleash Your Creativity with Nashville Songwriting: A Beginner's Guide

Are you a passionate musician with dreams of becoming a successful songwriter? Look no further than the vibrant city of Nashville. Dubbed the "Music City," Nashville is renowned for its vibrant music scene and its rich history of nurturing talented songwriters.

Whether you're a beginner seeking to learn the ropes of songwriting or an experienced artist looking to enhance your skills, this guide will provide you with the essential tips and techniques to succeed in Nashville's competitive music industry.

Why Nashville?

Nashville is not only the heart of country music but also a melting pot of various genres, including pop, rock, and blues. The city boasts a diverse community of musicians and songwriters who constantly collaborate and inspire each other.

Hit Happens: Your Q and A Beginner's Guide to Nashville Songwriting

by Corey Lee Barker (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	629 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	166 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Hardcover	:	360 pages
Item Weight	:	1.67 pounds
Dimensions	:	6.75 x 9.75 inches

FREE

By immersing yourself in Nashville's music scene and engaging with fellow songwriters, you'll have the opportunity to learn from the best and expand your network. The frequent songwriting workshops, open mic nights, and songwriter rounds offer invaluable platforms to showcase your talent and connect with industry professionals.

The Fundamentals of Nashville Songwriting

Before delving into the Nashville songwriting scene, it's important to understand the core elements that make a great song. Here are a few essential factors to consider:

Storytelling:

Nashville songwriting is all about storytelling. Your lyrics should paint vivid pictures and evoke emotions in the listener's mind. Whether you choose to write about love, heartbreak, or personal experiences, be authentic and strive to connect with your audience on a deep level.

Structure:

A well-structured song comprises verses, choruses, and bridges that flow seamlessly together. Nashville songwriting often follows the traditional verse-chorus-bridge structure, but don't be afraid to experiment and add your unique touch.

Melody:

A captivating melody can make or break a song. It should be memorable and reflect the mood and emotions conveyed in the lyrics. Nashville songwriting often incorporates catchy hooks and melodic twists that captivate the listener's attention.

Musicality:

The arrangement and instrumentation of a song play a significant role in its overall impact. In Nashville, musicianship is highly valued, so strive to create melodies and harmonies that showcase your musical skills.

Honing Your Craft

Now that you understand the basics, it's time to sharpen your songwriting skills. Here are some strategies to help you improve:

Study the Masters:

Learn from the songwriting legends who have shaped Nashville's music history. Dive into the works of iconic artists such as Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, and Hank Williams. Analyze their lyrics, melodies, and unique approaches to storytelling.

Collaborate:

Collaboration is key in Nashville's songwriting community. Seek out fellow songwriters and musicians to co-write and share ideas. The diverse perspectives and talents of others will enhance your creativity and broaden your musical horizons.

Attend Songwriting Workshops:

Take advantage of the numerous songwriting workshops and retreats in Nashville. These environments fuel creativity and provide valuable feedback from seasoned professionals. The knowledge gained from these experiences will be invaluable to your songwriting journey.

Navigation Tips for Nashville Songwriters

Now that you're equipped with the essentials, here are some actionable tips to navigate Nashville's songwriting scene:

Network:

Build connections within the industry by attending networking events, showcases, and songwriter rounds. Get to know producers, publishers, and other songwriters who can offer guidance, collaborations, and potential opportunities.

Join Songwriting Associations:

Become a member of songwriting associations such as the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) or the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP). These organizations provide resources, educational tools, and networking opportunities exclusively for songwriters.

Embrace Rejection:

Rejection is an inevitable part of the songwriting journey. Instead of letting it discourage you, see it as an opportunity to grow. Learn from feedback, refine your craft, and persistently submit your work to various outlets.

The Journey Begins

Embarking on a career in Nashville songwriting is an exciting and challenging endeavor. Remember to stay dedicated, be persistent, and always strive to improve your craft. The road may have its ups and downs, but with passion, perseverance, and the right guidance, your dreams can become a reality.

So pick up your guitar, grab a pen, and let the music flow. Nashville awaits your creative genius!

Hit Happens: Your Q and A Beginner's Guide to Nashville Songwriting

by Corey Lee Barker (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	629 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	166 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Hardcover	:	360 pages
Item Weight	:	1.67 pounds
Dimensions	:	6.75 x 9.75 inches

FREE

"If you are (or think you want to be) a Songwriter, do yourself a favor: read it, mark in it, highlight it, keep it handy, and use it as a reference manual. I highly recommend this books and its Author!"--Kenny Angel, Executive Director of Tennessee Songwriter Association International.

“Corey Barker is without question one of the most talented and unique songwriters, period ....And now he has written this book filled with vital information from the years of experience and knowledge he has acquired on his music journey. HIT HAPPENS will not only guide you step by step on what it takes to be a successful songwriter, it will put a smile on your face while you’re learning." –Anita Cox, Singer/Songwriter/Project Concept & Development Specialist, CEO Big South Productions, BobbyCyrusEntertainment.com

Corey Lee Barker has over 400 cuts in various genres such as Country, Christian, Pop/Rock, Reggae, Polka, Comedy, TV and film. After receiving multiple nominations for songwriter of the year by the Tennessee Songwriters Association, Inspirational Country Music Association, and the North America Country Music Association International (winning the latter), Corey decided to write this book to help other songwriters realize their dreams. He has written songs for Daryle Singletary, Cledus T Judd, Rebecca Lynn Howard, TG Sheppard, Johnny Lee, Bill Anderson, Jason Jones (Warner Brothers), Lucas Hoge, Cash Creek, and others. TV placements include SMALLVILLE, THE MESSENGERS, BIRTH OF A LEGEND, ANIMAL PLANET, HBO, and GAC.

"With Hit Happens, Corey is giving songwriters a pattern and the insight to skills he has gathered throughout his professional career. It is a must read for all songwriters." --Regina Roy Carter, President of Tri-Star Entertainment and Management Group

"This is a book that I would recommend to not just new songwriters, but to seasoned professionals as well." – Linda Lucchesi, CEO/President, Simply Grand Music, Inc., Sounds of Memphis

“Great stuff. Many laugh out loud moments.”--Kimo Forrest, CEO of Ohana Music Group