End Writer’s Block: 20 Songwriting Tips from Andrea Stolpe | Berklee Online | ASCAP | Songwriting
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 มิ.ย. 2024
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In this free songwriting tutorial filmed at the 2016 ASCAP EXPO, Berklee Online instructor Andrea Stolpe offers tips for ending writer’s block. Andrea summarizes the dominant songwriting tools that supersede genre, and breaks them down into lyric, melodic, and harmonic tendencies. Her 20 songwriting tools will help you unite artistry with commercial viability.
About Berklee Online:
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About Andrea Stolpe:
Andrea Stolpe is a multi-platinum recorded songwriter, performing artist, and educator. She has worked as a staff writer for EMI, Almo-Irving, and Universal Music Publishing, with songs recorded by such artists as Faith Hill, Daniel Lee Martin, Julianne Hough, and others. Andrea is the author and instructor of the course Commercial Songwriting Techniques, part of Berklee Online's online songwriting program.
Released in fall of 2007, her book “Popular Lyric Writing: 10 Steps to Effective Storytelling” describes how to apply a unique process for uniting our artistic voice with the commercial market. Andrea graduated with a degree in songwriting from Berklee College of Music. She continues to tour and promote her solo release, "Breaking Even," and serve as a guest clinician nationally and abroad. Andrea lives in Los Angeles with her husband, recording engineer Jan Teddy.
About the ASCAP EXPO:
The ASCAP "I Create Music" EXPO is the first and only national conference dedicated to songwriting and composing. The event provides a unique opportunity for songwriters, composers, artists, producers, publishers - and those in the industry who support them - to come together in an unprecedented way to share their knowledge and expertise.
Learn more: www.ascap.com/expo
Andrea Stolpe | Songwriting Tips | Free Songwriting Lesson | Online Songwriting Lesson | Songwriting Tutorial | ASCAP | ASCAP EXPO | I Create Music | Berklee | Berklee Online | Berklee College of Music
When I began to "Allow Mediocrity" and let ideas flow without judgement, my writing process became much more enjoyable and efficient. Free-writing has become the best way for me to get my creative juices flowing and push through writers block. Sometimes the mediocre ideas lead to the best ones, you just have to give yourself permission to write whatever comes to your mind first. Thanks for this great video!
that's true Gal!
That's my biggest Fear. I never can finish my songs. Thank you Timotha 💙
Awesome observation!
Hi Timotha, I agree! May I hear some of your original music? I didn't find it on your channel...
Tim, how often do you write, complete songs?
I couldn't stand my creative writing professor but he said one thing I'll never forget, "The essence of writing is re-writing."
Is that supposed to mean something?
It means, don't ever be afraid of rewriting.
A lot of times when we finish a song, we think its fine just like it is and needs no changes. It's finished! When a respectable 'outside ear' listens to it and suggests a change that would help improve it, we tend to take it personal as if they're saying we're a bad songwriter and it becomes VERY difficult to rewrite any part of the song. It's a very common scenario sometimes hard to overcome.
If you keep this phrase in mind then, after finishing the song, start another, then about mid-way through, go back and listen to the first one. With a fresh set of ears and an open mind, you might just see an opportunity to improve ths song on your own and think, "Wow, why didn't I see that before"
On the other hand you gotta learn to let go and move on. As musicians we are the most critical people for our own music, and we will always find something that could've been better.
Very true.
Even rocket science isn't rocket science
This 30-minute video gave me more than 10 hours of songwriting course that I've bought. Thank you very much, Andrea Stolpe.
Wonderful!
These are my notes of 20 songwriting tools mentioned in this video:
1. Do not doubt what you've thought initially - if it is good, it is good. Stick with it.
2. Write faster. In order to write faster, accept mediocrity.
3. Have a musical motif - that hook that makes a song memorable. More would lead your song into becoming freestyle poetry.
4. You can either lower or higher pitch at the end of a section to prepare for the next.
5. Follow the roots or avoid them.
6. Change the shape of the melody.
7. Counter the bass movement.
8. Passing chord tones
9. Is it intervallic or clustered?
10. Is it syncopated or straight?
11. Make notes longer or shorter? Longer notes for giving the big message
12. Phasing position: "before", "on", or "after"
Main idea: Knowing what you do in order to contrast; what makes you unique.
I think its worth mentioning sometimes that missing thing giving you writers block is the confidence to make it your own. Often we find ourselves toying with a familiar sound... dont patronize the listener, be generous in your outpouring of expression! Dont be a copy, dig deep and you'll find *your* sound. As john mayer once said "pretend for a second that the song already exists", for anyone that writes by ear this cannot be emphasized enough, but its true for anyone who wants to write genuinely. A song starts in the heart. Try to hang on to that first place of inspiration without clinging to just one motif and its chords. The place of inspiration will bring you to contrast naturally.
Absolutely brilliant, and that comment "I'm playing the guitar like a songwriter, so forgive me for that" made me laugh out loud I scared my puppy. True.
My best tips for getting creative are 1) listen to jazz music for a few years and forever after to get your brain out of structures and predictable melodies. Jazz will break open your mind. 2) Do mantra meditation using OM and become obsessed with it. Get really really deep in meditation with no purpose but letting go all thinking and coming back to the meditation object. This will remove discursive thinking from the mind and open it up to the infinite pool of creativity. The subconscious mind will then be connected with a deep well of creativity and song ideas and melodies will begin to creep into your conscious mind. 3) Just play your instrument with no purpose than sheer exploration. 4) Learn a new instrument to expand your mental/musical abilities. Go to a music store and play a new guitar. Sometimes a new sound will spark the creative juices.
The first point stuck with me the most. Stop overthinking it and telling yourself it has to be better. It doesn’t! The key isn’t to aim to write the best verse every time. The key is to write and write and write until the best verse appears. Create contrast is another good one. Glad I stopped to watch
i wish youtube existed when i was 15 this video would have helped me use the last 25 years of my life
you don't _need_ theory but you'll probably get super dispirited without it. writing "by ear" is usually a matter of either a) shifting positions on each string individually until you find a chord change that sounds right, or b) trying out chords/chord shapes you're already familiar with. both can potentially work great but they're also very limiting on their own.
paradoxically, learning theory aka "rules" actually allows you to be much more experimental, and your music to be much more interesting.
You're right but all the theory creates a box and some people will stay inside the box
@@emoquent9447 thats a great way of putting it
@@emoquent9447 thats exactly my problem. when i don't use theory i get stuck and when i used theory i also get stuck aka help me
@@emoquent9447 if you let it be so. I used to be lyrical and hit a limit naturally. I then learned theory in its basics, to write basic songs and the work flow was so much more fluid. Now that I want to write more complex arrangements and compositions, I will delve deeper into theory. Theory is a tool. Its best to learn it knowing what you will use it for. It is when you don't known exactly how you wish to use it, that you will become overwhelmed, and taken over by it and indeed, be trapped in a box or rules.
@@emoquent9447 theory is not a box unless you let it be. You can either spend months coming up with a chord progression without knowing theory, and it’ll end up being a simple I IV V. Or you can study a little theory and be able to come up with it in a second. Then instead of spending months trying to come up with a melody that sounds how you want it to sound, you can learn which intervals sound which way and it’ll take you way less time
This might just be the greatest video I've ever seen.
This was SO...much more helpful, than my favorite songwriter telling me, " There is no method, there are no rules...I don't know how to write songs....just do it".
Andrea is brilliant! Her advice is so thoughtful and encouraging. So grateful for all of the ideas she shares here and in other videos!
I LOVE you Andrea Stolpe for taking the time to have this available online! There’s some great musicians out here who were hidden for decades for these times an we were forced to teach ourselves in solitude what we know so I’m LOVING the GEMS you share thank you 🙏🏾
Blown away by how practical her advice is. Strumming my pain, killing me softly.
This was fantastic. So much packed into 30 minutes. She touched on many of the main points I took away from the two Berklee songwriting courses I took (both “Jimmy” classes). This was a really great refresher after those courses, helped me view the concepts with a fresh perspective and get them to sink in more. Now I'm going to replay the whole video and take notes, to try and absorb as much as I can. Very helpful. Thank you!!
theres one easy way, change your state:
physical state, mental state. physical could be taking a cold shower and mental can be changing your beliefs - for example a belief that you can do anything
One of the most important writing tips is that you have to write from the perspective of an ensemble or everybody-all-at-once point of view by including the audience. I.e. write with feeling, so that the audience member(s) either feel that they are the thing that is being described in the song or that somehow they have got something to do with the feelings that they're feeling when they "sing" your song.
!DA
Or the marketing technique of writing with a particular person in mind - how old are they? what is their background? etc.
She's so wonderful and smart
Wow this is super helpful & you have an amazing way to simplify & teach - that's a gift!! Thank you also for making it free & available - I've had unfinished songs for 3-4 years & finally getting back into them...means a lot to have found this
Excellent teacher. I love how she follows up her examples with a brief demonstration.
Wow! I can not express how gracious I am for you sharing your insight and wisdom. I feel inspired and musically revitalized. Much love & respect.
Hi Andrea, you nailed it again! Every time I listen to your videos there is a new song in my mind. The way you capture the tools of songwriting in a nutshell is simply compelling. I always and reliably get inspiration instantly. This time, inspiration fired at 10:20 when you changed from descending to ascending. Boom, tried it with my own voice and instantly had a strong motif that can carry the whole song.
Thank you so much!
"Is this landing with y'all?"
"I love you."
I play the guitar "like a songwriter" too! Loved hearing how much you can do with just a few chords and looking for ways to add contrast one tool at a time. Also the tip about trusting your instincts and allowing yourself to write faster without so much editing or judgement. I appreciate knowing there are hit songwriters out there that don't know a lot of music theory or even really read music at all. So much packed in this video. Thank you!
Things like this makes me grateful for the internet :)
As someone that is new to song writing, all the things you mentioned here make sense and are so helpful!
Thanks thanks!
The most helpful I've heard from any writer's group, workshop or instructional video. Very good points. I've have a good number of songs published with no major successes. I've been writing thirty years. I sincerely thank you.
25:15 I was having such a bad day because I feel like I can’t write anything of value, and when she mentioned “Free Fallin” I immediately felt better. Now I’m so happy. Tom is always there to cheer me up, just by someone mentioning him. Oh my God I love this video even more now, I’m so happy, 😄😄
This really helped me think about writing differently and to just let ideas flow!
Brilliant, this talk is dense with actionable tips.
I love listening to Andrea Stolpe
This is such an amazing presentation. Stople is the bomb.
This is FANTASTIC! Thank you!!
So much knowledge shared in just 30 mins!
oh my God, i can never say thank you enough Andrea, i think you are that Super Teacher i have been waiting for all this while. i wish you could do more videos. a million thanks to you.
Amazing teacher, I can visualize so clearly what I need to do to improve my songwriting
This is a GREAT lesson !
Thank you! The availability of amazing first-hand stuff like this really is a blessing of our day... Still, that cool stuff just wouldn't be there without people sharing it. So thanks again!!
Very useful 30 minutes! Got the handout, thanks.
This was SUCH great information - I'm shocked that it's free. Thank you!!
This is so great, thank you for posting these wonderful videos!
Her voice is so soothing 😂
That was so well delivered, thankyou :)
I've never been huge on theory, but a lot of these are skills i already have used but never thought about them in such ways. Ideal pointers for moving on to my next round of songwriting :)
Very useful things to consider, beautifully articulated.
Differentiating sections is so vital and maybe one of the biggest things new writers miss. I love the discussion of varying the melodic contour between sections. Vital.
massive crush on this lovely lady
Lool lowkey
I like how a braindead shitpost about wanting to fuck the teacher ended up being the top comment.
Getindor don’t project ur shit onto other people
Get in line
@@getgle I love how people like you think you’re enforcing the principles of the left when you’re actually obliviously, unwittingly destroying the true, foundational core of what it’s really about because you don’t have a clue, even though you think you’re totally enlightened (or should I say “woke”?...because you’d probably say “woke”, wouldn’t you?). Fuck-tard.
Love Andrea! So thankful to have had her for two classes at Berklee. What a very informative video. Thank you!
Hello LSJ, was the class(es) through EdX? I play guitar,don't read,have written a little,but really like andrea's videos.If you can could you please let me know how they are.Thank You :-)
John Mills
Hi John! I'm currently enrolled at Berklee Online for Songwriting. I took two lyric writing classes with Andrea as part of my curriculum, Lyric Writing:Writing from the Title and Lyric Writing: Writing Lyrics to Music. They are incredibly powerful and useful. They give you so many "tools" to write solid, strong lyric lines and contrasting sections. I highly recommend their courses.
This helped me in the first 2 minutes 👏👏👏 she was great 😊
Mesmerizing lecture!
22:27 bless you
What a wonderful voice
very informative, and very smart!! Great job!!
Ahhhh I love her! So inspirational and enlightening
Thanks again Berklee!
Thank you! :)
Great information and tips for writing lyrics. Thank you very much for sharing.👌🏼👍🏻👌🏼👍🏻👍🏻👌🏼👌🏼👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👌🏼👌🏼👍🏻👍🏻👍🏾👍🏽👍🏽👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾🌸🌺🌺🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🌸🌺🌺🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌺🌺🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Really helpful techniques right now as I am new to songwriting. ❤️ thank you for this.
Great video, opened my eyes up to a few things. I took notes too.
this is why im applying to berklee
Thank you so much for this great video! Really helpful 👍
I feel like I need to go back and listen to some of the songs she mentioned with these tools in mind. This was so very informative and helpful.
After this I got really inspired...very instructive, informative, thanks! Also you made me want to watch Inside Llewyn Davis once again!
LOVE THIS!!
Best thing on the internet! Wow.
I had this video sitting in my watch later playlist for the longest time and it was everything I was looking for.
I'm gonna practice these tips so my music isn't so cluttered and complicated. Even the greatest songs we hear on the radio are simplest. Thank You :)
Are you related to sayward?
First time I see (and hear) this woman but she sounds so sweet and caring
Really, really good. Very helpful. Thanks.
Wow i've watched alot of videos on youtube about some of the 20 things you've discussed, but listening to this reminded me of the most important fundamentals & taught me so many new things too. I paused after the first 3 minutes because the advice was so solid and helped me get rid of my writers block, and I wrote an amazing song. Then I watched the other 24 minutes of it and wrote (then recorded a rough copy of) this song. I think its the best music ive ever made I cant wait to record it in a studio. I dont think ill ever look at music the same way. Im sharing this on facebook
amazing speech and masterclasd..thanks
So many thanks for all advices 😀
Wonderful insightful and informative instruction. Thank you for sharing your knowledge Andrea Stolpe!
Glad you enjoyed it!
So good!
This is great!!
This was great. Thank you! 💚🤍🧡
Long story short no one in my family was interested in music so I never got to go to school for it. So I’m super excited just to be seeing these videos. There’s a songwriter bursting to get out but I’ve never had a single lesson. My first attempt I co wrote a song that got regular rotation on Detroit’s biggest stations so here I am ready to write everyday now that I have a quality studio..so now I’m wanting to see what I missed so I can go forward with confidence
Great educator. Very pleasant to learn from.
My writers block is annoying. I feel like I cant even write songs anymore.
WriTe a SonG abOUt tHAt! ! ! !
@@r.devonbell2288 lol
At least you’ve written a full song you’re happy with.
Your emotions need a rocking. Your boats boring. Take it somewhere.
I tried writing a song about that
Thanks for the video, I got couple of nice tools for my songwriting.
very helpful, thank you!
So helpful! Subscribed
This is very practical advice. Top stuff.
thanks for this video, really nice picture quality and camera work!😃
I found this to be very helpful
Mediator between the head and hand must be the heart... Metropolis. Very good lessons I bought the book.
Something no one talks about that with writers block is the possibility is that either nothing goes there at all, or that it is not you that is supposed to fill that space.
When all the tools have failed you or you just don't love the result, look for a collaborater.
Such an AWESOME video with so many tools to use to create a more memorable song to express ourselves through the music we write! Thanks so much! I actually just signed up for Andrea's songwriting retreat online starting this Friday-Sunday...looking forward to taking my songwriting to the next level as it's all about continuously improving! :)
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks so much for posting ;)
this is incredible information, THANK YOU
Thank you!
This is sO useful. I always end up writing songs which sound similar and it's so frustrating hahah, this helped a lot
wonderful video
Andrea, thank you so very much! You are so alive in your didatics, it fells like you're transposing the knowledge to who's watching; it has given me so much detail in my compositions, as I try to sense what they need. Thank you and all the best, truly. Júlia
Very useful stuff!
Excellent!
Gold discovered!
wow Andrea really analysis things so that it all makes
time to grab a pen...
Thank you So much 🖤
brilliant
Love this channel... Berklee has some of the best classes...! It's amazing how simple songwriting is if you can just remember all the things you learned at the moment of writing the song. So much to consider! Ximre's session player talks about general beginner writing ideas and ways to write songs. Ximre has their first video out March 1, 2018.
Thank You!
This was very useful
Thank you!