Songwriting for Everyone

8 part songwriting workshop now available on You Tube

Songwriting - In this episode Joe illustrates how a complete song is created by developing 6 small musical phrases into a complete work through the use of repetition and repetition with variation. In all genres and styles of music this is the technique composers use to make their music cohesive and memorable

Songwriting -  This episode features a chord progression based on the  Mixolydian mode.  It is recommended  to improvise vocal and instrumental melodies, and  in addition, incorporate these chords and progressions  into your songs as is, or with variation. In addition I have included a complete song background.

Songwriting -  This episode features a chord progression based on the Lydian mode.  It is recommended  to improvise vocal and instrumental melodies, and  in addition, incorporate these chords and progressions  into your songs as is, or with variation. 

Songwriting -  This episode features a chord progression based on the Phrygian mode.  It is recommended  to improvise vocal and instrumental melodies, and  in addition, incorporate these chords and progressions  into your songs as is, or with variation.

Hi everyone - I am thrilled to announce I have joined the Free Music Archive Website. I have uploaded 85 pieces of music which may be used by anyone in need  of background music for any project absolutely free of charge. My music is divided into 3 categories - Classical Guitar & Various instruments and ensembles - Orchestral Miniatures for Orchestra lasting between 2 & 5 Minutes and Sounds...

Songwriting -  This episode features a chord progression used for hundreds of years in all styles of music. In the key of A minor - Am, G, F and E minor and E major. It is recommended  to improvise vocal and instrumental melodies and  in addition, incorporate these and those that follow in future episodes into your songs as is, or with variation.

Hi everyone - I am thrilled to announce I have joined the Free Music Archive Website. I have uploaded 85 pieces of music which may be used by anyone in need  of background music for any project absolutely free of charge. My music is divided into 3 categories - Classical Guitar & Various instruments and ensembles - Orchestral Miniatures for Orchestra lasting between 2 & 5 Minutes and Sounds...

Songwriting - In this episode Joe plays another popular chord progression used in modern music, all styles "6415".  In the key of D Major =  Bm, G, D & A Major.  This will enable you to practice improvising musical phrases and sentences anytime anywhere. In addition it is recommended to practice chordal ear-training and using your instrument to improvise using the D Major and B minor...

Songwriting - In this episode Joe plays another popular chord progression used in modern music, all styles "6145".  In the key of C Major =  Am , C,  F and G.  This will enable you to practice improvising musical phrases and sentences anytime anywhere. 

Songwriting - In this episode Joe plays the most popular chord progression used in modern music, all styles "1 5 6 4. In the key of C Major = C G Am and F.  This will enable you to practice improvising musical phrases and sentences anytime anywhere. 

Songwriting: In this episode Joe explores  the techniques and procedures available giving you the ability to create an endless supply of lyrics.

Hi everyone, this next work in the series  for guitar and various instruments features a dialogue between Violin & Guitar.  I hope you enjoy these compositions, all my best wishes -Joe

Hi everyone, this next work is a soundscape of a beautiful park in New Jersey. A depiction in sound of following a path around the lake, in the center of the park.  Hope you enjoy - Take care Joe

Hi everyone, this next work in the series  for guitar and various instruments features a dialogue between Flute. & Guitar.  I hope you enjoy these dialogues, all my best wishes -Joe

Hi everyone, this next work in the series  for guitar and various instruments features a dialogue between 2 Guitars.  In this composition I feature what I believe is the most important compositional technique in all genres of music -  "R epetition and repetition with variation". In addition the use of petal tones and drones , notes sustained or repeated under the middle or above the musi...

Hi everyone, this next work in the series  for guitar and various instruments features a dialogue between flute and classical guitar.  Hope you enjoy, all my best wishes Joe.

Hi everyone, for the next series of episodes I would like feature some of my works for guitar, along with various instruments and  ensembles . All my best wishes Joe

Sister Rosetta Tharpe - In this episode and the series that follow, Joe highlights the lives and music of women composers through the centuries, whose compositions were discouraged, suppressed and even forbidden. Known as "the Godmother of Rock and Roll", the following are links to Sister Rosetta's Music : https://youtube.com/watch?v=Y9a49oFalZE&feature=shares , https://youtube....

Clara Schumann - In this episode and the series that follow, Joe highlights the lives and music of women composers through the centuries, whose compositions were discouraged, suppressed and even forbidden. The following are links to some of Clara's  composition:  https://youtube.com/watch?v=xhDFHqOLgeQ&feature=shares .    https://youtube.com/watch?v=O4k7ioNBp7o&feature=shares

Fanny Mendelssohn - In this episode and the series that follow, Joe highlights the lives and music of women composers through the centuries, whose compositions were discouraged, suppressed and even forbidden. The following are links to some of her compositions. https://youtu.be/ti1eZ2B63Ro ,  https://youtu.be/MxlMuaO5hng

Hildegard of Bingen - In this episode and the series that follow, Joe highlights the lives and music of women composers through the centuries, whose compositions were discouraged, suppressed and even forbidden, starting with "Ordo Virtutum" by Hildegard von Bingen.  You can hear the piece here: https://youtu.be/zUMlhtoGTzY

Songwriter Interview: In this episode, Joe interviews singer, songwriter, keyboardist, arranger and producer McKenna Rowe, discussing her life and career as a professional composer and songwriter.  Based in L.A., she has led bands and created music for TV, film and ads under the "Psykick Girl" moniker. Her new band is Nature Loves Courage,  an "electronic art-rock" project wher...

Songwriter Interview: In this episode, Joe interviews singer, songwriter, arranger and producer El Caplan to discuss his upcoming EP release and the life of a professional songwriter.  While working at Dr. Dre's Aftermath studios, El Caplan created and contributed the all-important guitar part to "Not The Same" by Kyle which you can hear here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6d4JVC...

Songwriting: In this episode Joe continues the  combined  studies of ear training and composition, turning one's mind into the instrument of creativity. The fifth chord in the major key is added along with ear training exercises and the creation of the verse section of a song.