Product Description

Here are 126 Shortcuts that will take your songs from good to great! Discover the melody and lyric writing techniques of today's top songwriters and learn how you can use the very same secrets to give your songs the power and edge that will make listeners want to hear them over and over again. You'll learn... 38 proven strategies for creating powerful, unforgettable lyrics, 30 simple ways to make your melody fresh, exciting, and memorable, how to use hit songs as "ghost songs" to get quick results. Plus, there are 58 more Shortcuts to help you lay the groundwork, pick the perfect structure, and choose the chords that will give your songs even more hit potential. And there are more than 100 "Do It Now" exercises to get you started right away! "For people serious about writing great songs, it's got it all!" -- Kara DioGuardi, BMI "Songwriter of the Year," American Idol judge.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #7402 in Books
• Published on: 2008-10-15
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 290 pages

Customer Reviews

The BEST book on songwriting!
I've read a lot of songwriting books and I learned more in this one than all the other ones combined. The author has a knack for explaining things really clearly, and she breaks down the craft of songwriting into digestible "shortcuts." What really sets this songwriting book apart are the "Do it Now" exercises at the end of each section, where you get to try a real hands-on application of what you just read. It's a fun read too...the author manages to be entertaining and funny while teaching you everything you need to know to write a hit song. If you're a songwriter or want to be one, this is a must-read!

A new classic and must read for songwriters of all levels
Robin's approach to hit songwriting is a must read and a new classic for your toolkit as a songwriter! Thought provoking and concise, the examples are up-to-date and not from 20 years ago! If you have ever taken a class from Robin or attended one of her workshops, all you learned and more is packed into this book. What I love is that the focus is on helping you become the songwriter YOU are, not that she wants you to be and not a copy of what you imagine a hit songwriter is. Robin's vast experience and tools are original and will help you find the next step on YOUR road to becoming a successful songwriter. It is the FIRST pick in my toolkit every time.

Take your songs to the next level!
Here's a good question: why buy a book on songwriting? I'm willing to bet that most of your answers will fall into one of two categories: 1) you're a beginner who wants to learn where to start, or 2) you are a songwriter who strives to improve their craft. Regardless of your answer, this book is for you! With 126 practical songwriting tips and loads of valuable exercises, Robin Frederick has succeeded in creating a powerful book designed to help you achieve your songwriting goals.

This inspiring and informative book is not meant to stay on the bookshelf. It is an efficient, fun to use tool that is meant to be used-used-used! You'll learn techniques used by successful songwriters, and Robin's writing style is so enthusiastic you'll believe you can do it too. What's more, throughout the book you'll be encouraged to "Do It Now"!

A unique feature of the book is that it can be read in any order. Reading forward, backward, or inside out, you can quickly find something to improve and energize your songwriting skills. This book was truly written and organized with the creative mind in mind.

Because the information is so on-the-mark, it is easy to feel confident that Robin Frederick knows what she's talking about, and this trust factor really helps the learning process. And speaking of easy: I tell my friends this book is so user-friendly you can feel the life jumping off the page! I predict that it'll be hard to resist the urge to write a song after holding this book in your hands for only a few minutes.

I can't speak more highly of this honest, straight-shooting book. If you dive in with real determination, you'll come out soaked with all the ideas, skills, and energy you need to take your songs to the next level.