Introduction to Songwriting
By Henry Bahrou – Guitarist, Music Theorist, Music Academy Director
Songwriting is an activity that musicians of all ages and skill levels can explore. While it certainly helps to have experience and practice on your instrument, learning the art of songwriting can begin at any time — even with just a basic understanding of music. Some of the most beloved songs in both classical and popular music were created using just two or three chords, simple melodies, and straightforward rhythms.
It’s incredible how many memorable pieces have been written with only the basic chords from a musical scale. One of the simplest ways to start understanding chord function is by exploring an instrument like the harmonica. Although mastering the harmonica can be quite complex at advanced levels, its basic chord functions are easy to grasp.
A diatonic harmonica, for example, is set up so that blowing into any hole produces tones from the “I” chord (the root chord), and drawing produces tones from the “V” chord (the dominant chord). These two chords form the foundation of many songs. Even without deep theoretical knowledge, simply playing a harmonica allows you to hear the difference between these chords and start building an intuitive understanding of how chord progressions work.
At Grosse Pointe Music Academy, we encourage students of all instruments — guitar, piano, voice, and more — to engage in songwriting as part of their musical development. In our songwriting classes, students are introduced to the core elements of writing songs, including melody, harmony, rhythm, and lyrical structure. Whether you are just starting out or already have ideas for original music, songwriting is a skill that grows with practice and creativity.
If you are interested in learning how to write songs, we invite you to inquire about our upcoming songwriting classes. These workshops are open to students ages 10 and up and are a perfect starting point for developing the tools needed to craft your own music.
For more information or to ask about upcoming opportunities, visit our website or contact Grosse Pointe Music Academy directly. We’re excited to help you start writing your own music!
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