Songwriting for Everyone

In this episode Joe discusses the techniques of songwriting, chord  cycles, chord and non-chord tones, rhythmic and melodic motives, repetition of motives exactly or with variation, ostinato patterns, the order and use of sections, symmetry and bass and drum relationships, plus unusual and innovative sectioning. In the song "Perfect", we see how Ed Sheeran develops musical and lyrical ph...

In this podcast Joe illustrates how, through the use of an unlimited reservoir of chords and their progressions, songwriters will never be at a loss for original material -  a foundation on which to build their compositions. Techniques discussed are: 12-tone music, pandiatonic harmony, chord extensions, chordal cadence and sectioning, along with aleatoric concepts.

In this episode Joe discusses the techniques of songwriting, Chord  Cycles, Chord and Non-Chord Tones, Rhythmic and Melodic Motives, Repetition of Motives exactly or with Variation, Ostinato Patterns, the order and use of sections, Symmetry and Bass and Drum Relationships, unusual and innovative sectioning, in the song "Circles" written by Austin Post (Post Malone), Adam Feeney, Louis Be...

In this podcast Joe analyzes "Bad Guy" by Billie Eilish O'Connell and Finneas O'Connell. Discussed are techniques such as implied harmonies, melodic, harmonic and rhythmic obstinato patterns, syncopation, the use of silence as an organizational technique, harmony as a reinforcing technique, counterpoint, two-part verses and coda, as well as many other innovative techniques in t...

In this podcast Joe analyzes Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit". Discussed is the impact of this song on modern songwriting and the techniques, many below the surface, that set it apart and influence to this day: modulation, continual flow of tension and calm, added note chords, anticipation, chordal, melodic and lyric ostinatos layered against each other, along with suspensions an...

In this podcast Joe analyzes George Harrison's guitar solo. George's solo, considered by many his finest, is a textbook example of a how to construct a musical statement through thematic development, repetition, sequence, alluding to past and future events, melodic and rhythmic motives as well as the creation of tension and calm through the interplay of chord and non-chord tones.  

In this series of podcasts Joe traces the evolution of song from the Middle Ages until the present. In "Something" by George Harrison we have a classic song covered by many artists, most notably Frank Sinatra who called it "the greatest love song of the past 50 years". The song, and equally important, George's solo - called by many his greatest - I believe had a strong inf...

In this episode Joe discusses the influence on music, poetry, songwriting and history in general by the Troubadours and Trouveres. They were the first to compose a substantial, systematically formed body of work in the vernacular (language of the people). Their imaginative construction of poetic forms, music and literature influenced the world for a thousand years reaching into the present day. Th...

In this series of podcasts Joe traces the evolution of song from the Middle Ages until the present. Throughout time, songs have mirrored the lives of the people and events that shaped history. We attempt to uncover the techniques, differences and similarities that have  evolved, influencing  succeeding generations.

In this episode Joe discusses and illustrates the importance of linking a certain lyric with a particular interval. This connection underscores the importance, meaning and emotion of that lyric while simultaneously creating continuity, cohesion and understanding throughout the entire work.  Examples are given from famous works such as "Over the Rainbow", Theme from Titanic, "Under t...

In this episode Joe discusses the use of shifting keys and tonalities in creating an unlimited reservoir of chord progressions. This influences melodic construction as well as shifting moods and tonal colors, underlying and enhancing the feeling and meaning of the lyrics. Also highlighted is the use of borrowed chords, chord extensions and substitutions, pivot chords, major and minor scales and ke...

In this episode Joe discusses the use of songwriting techniques such as repetition, repetition with variation, ambiguity, motivic development, lyric and interval association, melodic phrasing and construction, dynamics, rhythmic variation, instrumentation to aid in section recognition, and the importance of architectural planning.

In this episode Joe examines various techniques for songwriters making a demo or finished recording of their songs, utilizing the baseline to make a memorable recording. With the use of digital-audio workstations combined with social media there are no limits to ones ability to record, publicize  and eventually reach millions of people with a hit song. Using famous basslines as examples, he explor...

In this episode Joe discusses the use of Songwriting, Chord  Cycles, Chord and Non-Chord Tones, Rhythmic and Melodic Motives, Repetition of Motives exactly or with Variation, Ostinato Patterns, the order and use of sections, Symmetry and Bass and Drum Relationships.

In this episode we hear 5 songs composed for flute and classical guitar using the compositional method Counterpoint, as well as chords formed by 2nds, 3rds, 4ths, 5ths, 6ths, 7ths, octaves and Pandiatonic clusters. The technique known as chord planing is also utilized.

In this episode Joe constructs a Modal Song's Background using the Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian and Mixolydian Modes - however this time we move into 4 different keys for the Intro, Verse, Pre Chorus, Chorus and Bridge - this is  accomplished through the use of a pivot chord and unprepared modulations, in order to illustrate the endless possibilities  for chordal background layers and melodic con...

In this episode Joe constructs a Modal Song's Background using the Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian and Mixolydian Keys for the Intro, Verse, Pre Chorus, Chorus and Bridge in order to illustrate the endless possibilities  for chordal background layers and melodic construction.

In this episode Joe continues discussing  the construction of Modal Scales and Keys along with  the use of the Mixolydian Key in creating chord progressions for use in modern songwriting as well as in all forms of musical composition.

In this episode Joe continues discussing  the construction of Modal Scales and Keys along with  the use of the Lydian Key in creating chord progressions for use in modern songwriting as well as in all forms of musical composition.

In this episode Joe continues discussing  the construction of Modal Scales and Keys along with  the use of the Phrygian Key in creating chord progressions for use in modern songwriting as well as in all forms of musical composition.

In this episode Joe discusses the construction of Modal Scales and Keys along with  the use of the Dorian Key in creating chord progressions for use in modern songwriting as well as in all forms of musical composition.

In this episode Joe discusses the use of "Sound-Color-Melody" (Klangenfarbenmelodie). Techniques covered include: Aleatoric Music, Pandiatonic Chord Structures, Serial Composition, and 12 Tone Music.  Modern composers mentioned in this episode: Arnold Schoenberg, Anton Webern, and Alban Berg. 

In this episode Joe discusses the use of Minor scales - Natural, Harmonic and Melodic - in the construction of chords, keys and progressions. Songwriting examples in this episode include famous songs by artists such as The Eagles, Jimi Hendrix, Ed Sheeran, Adele, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, and Santana.

In this episode Joe discusses the use of Motives in developing a melody. Elements discussed include: Repetition, Sequence, Augmentation, Diminution, Random Rhythmic Variation, Retrograde, Inversion, Fragmentation and Extension, and Silence.  

In this episode Joe discusses the use of Chord  Cycles, Chord and Non-Chord Tones, Melodic and Rhythmic Patterns, Instrumental Interludes, Symmetrical Patterns, Modulation through Pivot Chords, Use of a Refrain, Expansion and Contraction and Continuity.