young male musician playing acoustic guitar

Best Songwriting Tips from Top Musicians

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Ever felt like songwriting is this amazing mystery just waiting to be solved? In many ways, it is! Clues can come from all directions, and the answers seem to reveal themselves when you’re least expecting it. 

The best part? There’s no rulebook you need to follow. There’s no rule − the best songs come from your own ideas and heart, and songwriting should be about having fun and experimenting. That said, advice from seasoned songwriters can act as helpful signposts along your songwriting journey. Whether you’re just starting to explore your musical voice or you’ve been crafting songs for years, these tips from some of the world’s top musicians will help take your songwriting to the next level.

7 Ways to Find Inspiration

Let’s start with the big question – where do great songs come from? The answer is… everywhere! Creativity is not about waiting for the ‘perfect’ moment to be inspired. It’s about being open to everything around you, all of the time. 

1. Listen Widely

The most creative songwriters don’t stick to just one playlist. Take Billie Eilish. She grew up being exposed to a diverse range of genres, soaking in everything from classic rock to electronic beats. Now, her music is wonderfully unique because of it. So don’t just listen to your go-to genres – explore widely and let different sounds spark new ideas. You’ll be amazed at what happens when you start writing without limiting your options. Writing songs in different styles can broaden your creativity.

2. Pay Attention

When asked where she gets inspiration from, American rapper Doja Cat said: “I really pull from everyone. I’m absorbent.” You should be, too. Your next hit song could be hiding in a random conversation, a feeling you can’t shake, a poem, or even in a single word that catches your attention. Keep your eyes and ears open to the world around you.

3. Stay Curious

Curiosity is closely linked to creativity, and it’s your secret weapon as a songwriter. As singer-songwriter Aaron Espe puts it, “Curiosity is my compass.” When you stay interested in everything around you, song ideas will find you when you least expect them. The songwriting process often starts with curiosity, so don’t be afraid to see what comes.

4. Write What You Know

This common advice given to writers of all kinds applies to songwriting, too. Some of the most powerful songs come straight from real life. Taylor Swift, for example, has admitted this, saying: “My experience with songwriting is usually so confessional, it’s drawn from my own life and my own stories.” Personal experiences can shape your song in ways that others can relate to, so don’t shy away from writing about your life experiences – that raw honesty will resonate with others.

5. Be Authentic

When you’re writing, there’s no need to mould your style into that of someone else. As legendary songwriter Bob Dylan said: “All I can be is me.” You do you. Your unique voice is what’ll make your music stand out. Remember, there’s no rule − you can follow your own structured songwriting process and find your voice.

6. Go With the Flow

Sometimes, forcing creativity doesn’t work. If the mood doesn’t feel right, step away for a bit and return when it does. The songwriting tips from the pros suggest giving yourself the freedom to let ideas flow naturally.

7. Start With a Spark

Having a clear idea of what you want your song to say can be the perfect starting point. Begin with a message, a story, or even just a feeling you want to express, and let everything else build from there. Some successful songwriters recommend starting with the lyrics first, as this gives you a foundation to build the rest of your song. Whether you start with the lyrics or the main melody, trust the process.

Songwriting Techniques: 10 Tips

Now let’s get into the “how” of songwriting with these practical tips and exercises.

1. Learn from the Greats

One of the best ways to develop your skills is to study the songs you love. Try analysing and breaking down your favourite tracks. What makes them work? What chord progressions do they use? How do the lyrics flow with the melody? Understanding these elements will level up your own writing. Look at history’s greatest songs for inspiration.

2. Write Daily

Songwriting is like a muscle – the more you use it, the stronger it gets! Ed Sheeran didn’t become a songwriting superstar overnight. He has spoken about how he committed to writing one song a day, at first. Now, he writes at least three songs per day, but often it’s more like four or five. Make songwriting a daily habit, even if it’s just for 15 minutes. Start with the simplest form of your song and build from there.

3. Practice with Purpose

Don’t just write randomly – practice with intention! Focus on improving specific aspects of your craft each time you sit down to write. Maybe today you’ll work on creating catchier choruses, and tomorrow you’ll experiment with new chord progressions.

4. Don’t Discount the Demo

A demo is just a quick, raw version of your song – but it can become something huge. Did you know Adele’s demo for “Rolling in the Deep” ended up being the final version? So, always record your ideas, even if they’re rough. That initial spark often has something magical that can’t be recreated. When writing lyrics, don’t worry about making them perfect on the first try – just get them down and build the rest around it.

5. Jot it Down

You never know when a brilliant idea will pop into your head. This is why all writers should have a notebook or phone handy to make notes. Record anything that might contribute to a good song – interesting phrases, random thoughts, or cool rhymes. You never know − these little snippets could become the memorable lyrics for your next hit!

6. Access Your Subconscious 

To be creative, tap into your subconscious mind. One technique is stream-of-consciousness writing. Basically, you write without stopping or editing for 10 minutes straight. Just let your mind wander and allow whatever comes to mind flow onto the page. This tried technique can unlock lyrical ideas you didn’t even know you had.

7. Don’t Get Stuck in Your Head

Overthinking can be the enemy of creativity. As Arctic Monkeys’ Alex Turner says, “If anyone asks me about songwriting, I guess I’d say that you just gotta do it.” Sometimes you need to stop analysing and just write!

8. First Draft, Then Craft

Few songs (if any) will be perfect straight away. Writing your first song? Don’t be afraid to write a messy first draft – the real magic happens when you start refining and rewriting. Give yourself permission to polish your songs over time.

9. Find Your Focus Zone

You’ll need a distraction-free environment when you’re writing. To improve your songwriting, put your phone on silent, find a quiet space, and let your creativity flow without interruptions.

10. Create a Dedicated Songwriting Space

If you can, create a space that will support you while you’re learning how to write a song. Billy Joel – one of the world’s greatest songwriters −once said, “I find I write best when I sit myself down, have a coffee, go into wherever my space is.” Having a dedicated spot for songwriting can help signal to your brain that it’s time to create.

Harness the Power of Collaboration 

Two heads (or more) can be better than one when it comes to songwriting. We’ve found this to be true in our summer camps and songwriting workshops. So…

Team Up

Working with others can push your creativity in exciting new directions. Tor Erik Hermansen, from Norwegian songwriting duo Stargate, recommends you “Work with new people, keep it fun, and collaborate with those who have exciting ideas.” You could even have a songwriting party and get creative with other musical friends.

Seek Feedback

Don’t be afraid to share your songs and ask for honest feedback. As Beck says, “I enjoy the collaboration. I always envied people in bands who got to have that interaction.” Fresh ears can help you spot both the strengths and weaknesses in your songs.

Crafting Your Song Structure

Choose Your Blueprint

Understanding different song structures (like verse-chorus-verse or AABA) gives you a framework to build upon. Each section has a job to do – verses tell the story, choruses deliver your main message, and bridges offer a new perspective.

Make Melody King

Your melody is what people will remember long after your song ends. So focus on creating melodies that feel natural and are easy to sing along to. These are the ones that stick in people’s heads!

Harmonise Words and Music

Your lyrics should feel like they were made for your melody. When the words and music fit together perfectly, singing your song will feel as natural as speaking.

Start With the Hook 

Many hitmakers, including OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder, suggest starting with your chorus. Once you’ve got that killer hook, the rest of the song often falls into place much more easily. These lyrics are arguably your best way to begin. 

Repeat, But With a Twist

Repetition in songs makes a big difference in helping listeners connect with the music. Just make sure to add small variations each time to keep things interesting.

Breaking Through Writer’s Block

Feeling stuck? It happens! Here’s how to get unstuck:

Change Your Scenery

As we’ve said, if the words just aren’t coming, don’t force things. Go for a walk, listen to some music, or do something completely different. Sometimes your best ideas appear when you’re not trying so hard.

Call in Backup

Collaborating can be the perfect cure for writer’s block. Having someone else in the room brings new energy and fresh perspectives that might be just what you need to break through.

Try a New Perspective

If you’re stuck writing from your own point of view, try writing from someone else’s shoes. This empathy switch can open up completely new directions for your song. Experiment with how lyrics come when you approach songwriting from a different angle.

Learn from Mistakes

The late Johnny Cash had the perfect advice for dealing with setbacks: “You build on failure. You use it as a stepping stone.” Don’t get discouraged if things aren’t working out right away – every attempt teaches you something valuable.

Conclusion

The most important thing to remember? Songwriting takes practice, and the only way to get better is to keep writing. Don’t be afraid to experiment, step outside your comfort zone, and find what works for you. The journey of becoming a successful songwriter starts with writing songs that are uniquely yours.

And remember, you’re not alone! Song Academy is here to help you develop your songwriting skills, connect with other young writers, and share your music with the world. From our songwriting courses and song feedback to our Young Songwriter competition, we’ve got loads of ways to support your musical career.

Ready to start your songwriting journey? Join us and let’s get creative together! Check out our workshops or school songwriting programmes, enter our Young Songwriter competition, or join our supportive tribe of young songwriters. Your voice matters, and we can’t wait to hear it!

three children writing lyrics

Song Structure: The Blueprint for Your Next Hit

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If you’ve ever tried writing a song, you know it can be tricky to get all your ideas to flow just right. That’s where understanding song structure comes in. Think of song structure as the blueprint for your track—it helps organise your ideas, keeps your song moving, and makes sure your audience stays hooked from start to finish. A solid song structure can turn a jumble of great melodies and lyrics into a polished, memorable hit.

In this article, we’re going to break down the different parts of a song, show you how to lay them out, and give you some examples from popular songs to help you get started. Whether you’re a beginner or just looking to sharpen your skills, knowing how to work with song structure is an essential step in becoming a great songwriter. So get ready to become a lyrical genius!

What Is Song Structure?

In simple terms, the structure is like the skeleton of your song—it’s the framework that holds everything together. Just like how a skeleton gives your body shape and allows you to move, song structure gives your song shape and helps it flow smoothly. It’s what tells you where to put the verses, chorus, bridge, and other parts, so your song has a rhythm and pace that keeps your listeners interested from start to finish.

Different genres have their own style when it comes to the structure of a song. For example, pop songs often follow a simple and catchy verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-chorus layout (more on this later), which is easy to remember and great for getting stuck in your head. Rock songs might mix it up a bit with longer intros or instrumental breaks, while hip-hop tracks could focus more on verses with a strong beat. The cool thing is, no matter the genre, a solid song structure helps you keep your ideas organised and your song sounding tight.

The 6 Common Parts of a Song Structure

Now that we know what song structure is, let’s break down the main parts you’ll typically find in a song. While not every song includes all of these sections (sometimes less really is more!), these are the building blocks that will help you craft a well-rounded track.

The song title is an important piece of the puzzle when it comes to your song’s structure. A good title can set the tone for the entire track, give a hint to the song’s message, or even become part of the catchy hook that sticks in the listener’s mind.

But here are the actual parts of a song structure:

  1. Verse: This is where you tell the story or introduce the theme of your song. It’s the part where you set the scene, share emotions, or give context to the song’s message. Each verse is usually different from the last, progressing the story or revealing something new.
  2. Pre-chorus: The pre-chorus is a section that comes before the chorus, building tension and leading smoothly into the main hook of the song. It often adds energy, changes the melody slightly, or introduces a new lyric idea to make the chorus hit harder. 
  3. Chorus: The chorus is the catchy, repeatable part that hooks your audience. It’s often the most memorable part of the song, where you’ll find the main message or theme. Think of it as the part people sing along to at concerts. A good chorus is simple, energetic, and something that sticks with you long after the song ends.
  4. Bridge: The bridge offers contrast and builds energy before you return to the chorus. It’s like a refreshing change of pace that can add depth and emotion to the song. A bridge usually appears towards the end of the song and leads back into the final chorus, creating a sense of anticipation.
  5. Break: A break is typically an instrumental section that gives the song a moment to breathe. It can also create anticipation and smoothly transition into a new part of the song or even lead into a different track entirely.
  6. Outro: The outro is the closing part of the song, where you bring things to a satisfying finish. It can be as simple as a fade-out or a more elaborate musical statement that wraps up the song neatly.

While these parts are common in many songs, don’t feel like you need to use every single one in every song you write. Some of the best tracks are straightforward and skip the bridge or outro altogether.

What About Chords?

A chord is a group of notes played together to create harmony. Chords and chord progressions are the musical backbone of your song structure. 

While the verses and choruses give your song its shape and flow, chords provide the emotional feel and movement. They create tension and resolution, support the melody, and help guide the listener through the different sections of your song.

Song Layout Structure: How to Organise Your Song

One of the most common song layouts you’ll see in popular music goes something like this: Verse – Chorus – Verse – Chorus – Bridge – Chorus – Outro. It’s a simple, tried-and-true structure that works because it keeps things moving and engaging.

But don’t feel like you’re stuck with this formula—experimenting with different layouts is a great way to keep things fresh and unpredictable. Maybe your song skips the bridge or has an instrumental break instead of an outro. Or maybe you flip the structure upside down and start with the chorus.

The key is to keep your song interesting and to match the structure to the emotion or vibe you’re going for. Play around with different arrangements, and you’ll discover what works best for your music. Keep your listeners on their toes by surprising them with new ideas!

Other Common Song Structures

While the Verse – Chorus – Verse – Chorus – Bridge – Chorus – Outro layout is pretty standard, there are a few other common song structures that you might come across in different genres. Here are a few to explore:

1. Verse – Chorus – Verse – Chorus – Chorus

This structure skips the bridge, going straight from the second verse into another chorus. It’s simple and effective, especially for pop songs that want to keep the energy high and focus on the catchy chorus.

2. Verse – Verse – Bridge – Verse – Outro

Used a lot in rock and folk music, this structure allows you to dig deeper into your song’s story with multiple verses. The bridge adds some contrast and the outro gives it a proper ending.

3. AABA (Verse – Verse – Bridge – Verse)

Common in classic pop and jazz, the AABA structure features two verses that are the same (or very similar), a contrasting bridge (often with a key change or different mood), and then the return of the final verse. It’s a timeless structure that lets the bridge shine more dramatically.

4. Chorus – Verse – Chorus – Verse – Chorus

Sometimes, songs jump straight into the chorus before moving to the verses. This structure can create an immediate hook and grab attention, making it popular in upbeat pop or rock tracks.

5. Verse – Pre-Chorus – Chorus – Pre-Chorus – Chorus – Bridge – Chorus

This structure is quite popular in pop and modern rock songs, where the Pre-Chorus (the section before the chorus) acts like a buildup that makes the chorus feel even bigger when it hits. The pre-chorus adds energy and anticipation before the main hook.

6. Verse – Chorus – Instrumental – Chorus

This is often used in instrumental-driven songs, like those in the electronic or dance genre, where the instrumental break serves as a transition or a way to bring more groove or atmosphere to the song.

7. Through-Composed

A through-composed song doesn’t have repeated sections like verses or choruses. Instead, the music continuously evolves from start to finish, often telling a story or creating a mood that changes throughout the song. This structure is often used in classical music or in progressive rock.

Song Structure Examples: Learn From the Pros

To give you a clearer idea of how different song structures work in real-world tracks, let’s look at a couple of popular songs and break down why their structures are so effective.

Example 1: “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift

This song follows the classic verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-chorus structure that we talked about earlier. It starts with a catchy verse that introduces the theme of shaking off negativity, then jumps into the super catchy chorus—the part everyone loves to sing along to. The bridge offers a change in energy and adds variety, making the final chorus even more exciting. This structure works perfectly because it gives the song a nice flow, keeps the energy high, and reinforces the main message in a way that’s easy to remember and sing along to.

Why it works:

  • The repetitive chorus is infectious, making it the centrepiece of the song.
  • The bridge provides a refreshing contrast to the verses and choruses, building up to a satisfying final chorus.
  • The structure creates a balance of predictability (through the repeating chorus) and surprise (through the bridge), keeping listeners engaged from start to finish.

Example 2: “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen

“Bohemian Rhapsody” is a famous example of a through-composed song, meaning it doesn’t follow the typical verse-chorus structure. Instead, it flows seamlessly from one section to the next without repeating any parts. From the slow, dramatic opening to the operatic middle section, to the hard-rock finale, this song takes the listener on a wild journey.

Why it works:

  • The constant evolution of the song keeps the listener intrigued. There are no predictable repeats, which adds to the surprise and intrigue.
  • The changes in style and tempo help express the shifting emotions in the lyrics—starting slow and reflective, moving to dramatic and operatic, then shifting to energetic rock.
  • The through-composed structure makes the song feel like an epic journey, rather than a standard pop song. It’s a perfect fit for a track that tells such a unique and intricate story.

Your Song, Your Structure

Understanding basic song structure is an essential tool for any songwriter, but remember: the rules are made to be bent! While learning the basics of structure can help your songs flow smoothly and keep your audience hooked, your creativity should always be the driving force behind your music. Think of song structures as a helpful guide, not a rigid rulebook. There’s plenty of room for exploration and putting your personal touch on every song you write.

So, keep experimenting with different layouts, switch things up when the mood strikes, and most importantly—have fun with it! Every time you sit down to write, you’re one step closer to finding your unique sound and making music that resonates.

Want to improve your songwriting? Song Academy offers courses, workshops, mentoring, and feedback to help young songwriters develop their skills. Whether you’re just starting or refining your craft, you’ll get expert guidance, try new song structures, and turn ideas into great songs. Check out Song Academy and start writing your next hit!

song lyrics on a notepad

How to Write a Song: A Fun Guide for Kids, Teens, and Parents

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Writing a song is like creating your own little piece of magic! Whether you’re an aspiring pop star or just want to have fun with music, the process of writing a song can be exciting and super rewarding. 

Don’t worry—this guide will help you break it down into simple steps, so you’ll be able to write songs in no time. Let’s get started!

1. Start with an Idea

Before you write a song, it’s helpful to know what you want the song to be about. This is called the theme or topic. Your song can be about anything: love, friendship, fun, challenges, or even something silly like your favourite food!

  • Brainstorm ideas: Write down a list of things that inspire you. Maybe you love the ocean, your pet, or a recent holiday you took. Anything can be the spark for a song.
  • Pick your theme: Choose one idea from your list that excites you the most. This will give your song direction and make writing easier.

2. Write Lyrics

Once you’ve picked your theme, it’s time to write the words—also known as the lyrics.

  • Start with a hook: The hook is the catchy part of the song that people will remember. Think of it like the chorus of a song. You want something that sticks in your head, like “I just wanna dance!” or “You’re my sunshine!”
  • Structure your song: Most songs have a structure that repeats in a specific order:
    • Verse: The verses tell the story or set the scene. They have different lyrics each time but keep the same melody.
    • Chorus: This is the part of the song that repeats. It often has the most powerful lyrics and melody.
    • Bridge: This part comes after the second chorus and adds something different. It might have new lyrics or a change in melody to keep the song exciting.
  • Rhyme: Rhyming isn’t necessary, but it often makes your song sound catchier. If you want to rhyme, pick words matching your theme. For example, if your song is about summer, you might rhyme “sun” with “fun.”

Important tip: Don’t worry about getting the perfect lyrics right away. Just start writing whatever comes to your mind and then develop and refine it!

Let’s use a popular and simple example: “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift to illustrate what we mean (we see you Swifties). Here’s how the song breaks down into its key components:

Example Breakdown of “Shake It Off”

Verse 1:

This part sets the scene and introduces the theme. In “Shake It Off,” the verse talks about the people who criticise and how Taylor feels about it.

🎶 I stay out too late
Got nothing in my brain
That’s what people say, mm-mm
That’s what people say, mm-mm

  • Purpose of the verse: Introduces the situation or story. It’s where the details come in.

Pre-Chorus (Optional):
A short section of your song that builds tension and leads into the chorus. It’s often more melodic and emotional.

🎶 But I keep cruisin’, can’t stop, won’t stop movin’

  • Purpose of the pre-chorus: Builds anticipation for the chorus.

Chorus:
The catchiest and most repetitive part of the song—the big moment. It often contains the hook and the main idea of the song.

🎶 Cause the players gonna play, play, play, play, play
And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate
Baby, I’m just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake
I shake it off, I shake it off

  • Purpose of the chorus: This is the part people remember. It delivers the song’s main message and emotion.

Verse 2:
The second verse builds on the first. It adds new details to the story but keeps the same melody.

🎶 I never miss a beat
I’m lightning on my feet
And that’s what they don’t see, mm-mm
That’s what they don’t see, mm-mm

  • Purpose of the second verse: Keeps the story interesting and gives the song depth.

Bridge:
A completely different section, musically and lyrically. It often provides contrast or a new perspective.

🎶 Hey, hey, hey
Just think while you’ve been gettin’ down and out about the liars
And the dirty, dirty cheats of the world
You could’ve been gettin’ down to this sick beat

  • Purpose of the bridge: Adds variety and gives the listener a break from the repeating song structure.

Hook:
The most memorable line or phrase. In this song, the hook is right in the chorus:

🎶 Shake it off, shake it off

  • Purpose of the hook: Grabs attention and sticks in your head.

Outro (Optional):
The closing lines that wrap up the song. Sometimes it’s a repetition of the chorus or a slower, faded ending.

🎶 Shake it off, I, I, I shake it off, I shake it off
Shake it off, I, I, I shake it off, I shake it off

  • Purpose of the outro: Leaves the listener with a final impression.

3. Create a Melody

The melody is the tune that your lyrics follow. It’s the part you’ll sing or hum, and it’s often what makes a song stick in your head.

  • Pick a rhythm: The rhythm is the speed or pace of the song. Do you want it to be slow and emotional, or fast and upbeat? This will help you decide what kind of melody to create.
  • Sing your lyrics: Start by singing your lyrics out loud. You’ll probably start to hear a melody forming. If not, don’t worry—just keep playing around with the words and the rhythm until something clicks.
  • Use instruments: If you play an instrument, like the guitar or piano, use it to help find your melody. You can experiment by playing different chords while singing your lyrics. If you don’t play an instrument, try clapping your hands or tapping your feet to find a beat that feels good.

Important tip: Don’t stress if your first melody isn’t perfect. The beauty of songwriting is that you can always tweak it until it feels right!

4. Add Chords and Harmony

Now that you’ve got a melody, it’s time to add some chords and harmony to support your song. Chords are the group of notes that you play together, and they give the song a fuller sound.

  • Start with basic chords: Chords are groups of three or more notes played at the same time. If you’re learning an instrument, start with simple chords like C, G, and D. These are used in many pop songs and can make your song sound amazing.
  • Experiment with harmony: Harmony is when you add more notes or voices to the melody to create a richer sound. You don’t need to add too much at first; just a few extra notes can make a big difference!

A chord progression is a sequence of chords played in a particular order within a song. Chords are combinations of notes played together, and when arranged in a specific progression, they create the musical foundation or “backbone” of a song. A chord progression sets the mood, emotion, and flow of the music.

Examples of Common Chord Progressions

Here are some popular progressions in Western music:

  1. I–V–vi–IV (1–5–6–4)
    • Found in many pop songs.
    • Example: “Someone Like You” by Adele or “Let It Be” by The Beatles.
    • In C major: C → G → Am → F.
  2. I–IV–V (1–4–5)
    • A classic rock and blues progression.
    • Example: “Twist and Shout” by The Beatles.
    • In C major: C → F → G.
  3. vi–IV–I–V (6–4–1–5)
    • A common pattern for emotional or inspirational music.
    • Example: “With or Without You” by U2.
    • In C major: Am → F → C → G.

Important tip: If you’re unsure how to play chords, there are tons of apps and websites that can teach you. Or, you can ask a teacher or someone who plays an instrument for help.

5. Refining Your Song

Once you’ve got your lyrics, melody, and chords in place, it’s time to refine your song.

  • Edit the lyrics: Look at your lyrics again and see if there’s anything you can improve. Are there words that don’t fit? Could you make the lines catchier? Try singing your song a few times and see if it flows smoothly.
  • Experiment with the structure: If your song feels too short or too long, you can adjust the structure. Maybe you need a longer chorus or a bridge to make it more exciting.
  • Add details: Think about the mood of your song. Do you want it to sound happy, sad, or dramatic? Add details that match the mood, like a change in rhythm or using a different instrument.

Important tip: Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback – especially if you’re a beginner! Sometimes, a fresh pair of ears can help you find new ideas or improve your song. Not sure who to get feedback from? Submit your song to our feedback service and our expert songwriters will get back to you.

6. Record Your Song

Once you’ve perfected the writing of your song, it’s time to record it!

  • Use a phone or computer: You don’t need fancy equipment to record your song. You can use your phone or computer to record a simple version. There are also free recording apps that let you layer sounds and make your recording sound amazing!
  • Make it fun: If you’ve got a friend or family member who’s willing to help, invite them to sing or play an instrument with you. Recording with others can be a blast!

Important tip: Remember, recording doesn’t have to be perfect. The more you practice, the better your recording will sound.

7. Songwriting Tips and Tricks

  • Keep it simple: Sometimes, the best songs are the simplest. Don’t overcomplicate things—focus on your message and melody.
  • Write about what you know: Personal experiences can make your song feel more genuine. Write about things you’ve felt, seen, or imagined.
  • Stay true to yourself: It’s easy to get caught up in trying to write a song that sounds like your favourite artist. But remember, the best songs come from your own heart and ideas.

8. Where to Go From Here

Now that you’ve written your first song, you might be wondering, “What’s next?” The answer is simple—keep writing!

  • Join a songwriting club: If you want to take your songwriting to the next level, join a songwriting group or workshop. We offer fun workshops where you can get feedback on your songs and connect with other young songwriters.
  • Enter a competition: Why not enter a songwriting competition? Our Young Songwriter competition is a great way to showcase your talent and listen to the songs of other like-minded peers!  The Young Songwriter 2025 competition is open for entries from the 1st February to 31st March 2025.

Conclusion

Writing a song is all about having fun, experimenting, and expressing yourself! Whether you’re writing a song for a special occasion, like Christmas, or just to share your thoughts and feelings, the process can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Remember to keep things simple, stay true to your unique voice, and keep practising – you can’t expect to be a lyrical genius from the get-go.

Now that you have all the tools you need, it’s time to get started on your own song! And if you ever need help or feedback, don’t forget that Song Academy is here to support you every step of the way. So grab your pen, your guitar, or your keyboard, and start writing—your next hit song is waiting to be created!

Want to win The Young Songwriter 2025 competition?

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Every year we get asked the questions “what type of song should I enter into The Young Songwriter competition?” and “do you have any songwriting tips?” so we thought we would put together some ideas and guidelines to help you write a winning song!

We’re looking forward to listening to your songs!  This post aims to give you an insight into what we believe are some of the important elements of a brilliant song.  Please also see our songwriting resources for young people.

The main things that we listen out for when judging The Young Songwriter competition entries are captivating melodies, evocative lyrics, a coherent structure, a catchy chorus, emotive performances, clever use of rhyme, a sense of anticipation, and strong concepts.

It’s important to say at the outset that songs which break all the rules and defy any expectation can be the biggest hits of all! Therefore, in as much as there are so called ‘rules’, feel free to bend and break them if you feel inspired to!

The power of songwriting is that no matter what inspired the songwriter to write a song, the listener interprets the song in their own unique way, and finds strength from the message and connection.

Here are some elements of the songwriting process which we think are important:

Have a strong theme/concept

One of the key components, and biggest challenges, of songwriting is trying to express common, relatable feelings in an original and interesting way. The more inventive you can be when describing your feelings or experiences (for example, the pressures and joys of growing up and living in our society), the better. It’s a great way to express yourself by talking about issues you are passionate about in an engaging way.

Young Songwriter competition entries always cover a huge spectrum of topics, from personal experiences and feelings, to wider issues involving the writer’s communities, or even the entire world. Looking back on prior years, a popular theme was the state of the planet and awareness of environmental issues such as climate change. Another theme that came up a lot was mental health, with songs exploring anxieties, depression, drugs, death and high expectations. We also received many entires that explored the need be who you are, embrace your individuality and go for your dreams. Many songs took a stand for equality and freedom from barriers. Love and heartbreak always feature highly in Young Songwriter entries, with many different spins: we broke up, we’re breaking up, we’re about to break up, we’re not going to break up, I wish I could break up with you, we didn’t break up, I wish I had someone to break up with. Also, songs about the pain of toxic relationships and unrequited love.

But not all songs have to be dramatic and poignant – many people wrote songs about aspects of everyday life, like nature, sunlight, boredom, society, the stars, anything! Through lyrics and harmony the seemingly banal can sometimes be lifted onto another plain. It is great to be able to find inspiration in ordinary things, and it’s an amazing skill to be able to present those things in a way that people find exciting.

Plested, one of the fabulous Young Songwriter competition judges gave a great songwriting tip ‘Try to find a word or a phrase that a lot of people say in everyday life but not many people have sung about”, then write a song about it.

Come up with an interesting song title

A song title is almost like a book cover, so make it interesting! Compare a heartbeat to a flashing light or the feeling of losing fear by roaring it away – the more inventive the concept around the ordinary, the better. Think of recent hits Dark Horse, Wrecking Ball, Pompeii – interesting titles and concepts talking about everyday feelings to do with fear, love and empowerment. It can also be a good way to start a song, having a strong title that sets the theme of the song can inspire more lyrics around it!

We’ve had many interesting song titles in The Young Songwriter competition past entries, including; Biting Into Ice, Concrete Sheets, Sneaks & Geeks, Dead Plants, Like Lava, T-shirt, Packet Full Of Noodles, Armour, Paperclips, Shine in the Darkness, Blue Fingertips, Burnt Peaches, Lies In Makeup, Sungrazer, Hijacked By Parasites, Reset, Little Alchemy, Dopamine, Me Myself and I, Mrs Ocean, Keyboard Warrior, Battlecry, Muddy Clear, Growing Gills, Swim Against The Stream, Muddy Boots & Messy Hair, Ode To Ego, Painting With Colour, Helvetica, Puppeteer, Head Full Of Clouds, Same Blood, Mindless Town, Can’t Buy Forgiveness, Cat And Mouse, Fading Rainbow, The Taste Of Dust.

Make the first four lines agree with your title

The great songwriter Ralph Murphy says it very well in his books on the laws of songwriting – if the first four lines of your first verse can link back to your title then you’re onto a winner. Take for example Roar by Katy Perry:

I used to bite my tongue and hold my breath,
Scared to rock the boat and make a mess,
So I sat quietly,
Agreed politely,

Now you’re gonna hear me roar.

You create an expectation, and then you fulfil it. By doing this, you never lose sight of the message of your song, you keep in mind what you’re trying to say by always referring back to the title, thus never losing your listeners’ attention or the concept you’re expressing in your song. It also helps emphasise the message of the song and helps people remember it!

Have a good song structure

Here’s an example of a great song structure:

Introduction — An opening passage, either instrumental or vocals without lyrics

Verse I — Introduces the song’s message and sets the scene

Pre Chorus — Link between the verse and chorus
— Builds up both melodically and lyrically

Chorus — Main message of the song
— Catchiest part and most memorable part of the song (normally includes a ‘hook’)
— Most dynamic part of the song

Verse II — Continuing the explanation of the song

— Solidifying the message and introducing new imagery

— Lyrics change, melody stays broadly the same as verse 1, but you can tweak it a bit to keep it interesting!

Bridge or Middle Eight — A contrasting section that brings the song to a new level

— Rhythmically and melodically the song changes

— Looking at the message from a different view point
— Can build up tension leading up to the climax of the song

Chorus — Repeat (can add hooks to the outro of it)
Outro — The closing passage. It can be instrumental or vocal

Write engaging lyrics

Young Songwriter finalists write lyrics that show the listener a scene unfolding rather than simply telling the listener how they feel. American songwriter Jason Blume, who has had hits with Britney Spears and the Backstreet Boys, says whilst there are no rules to songwriting, there are tools to help you craft that perfect hit. And all you need is a simple AID – action, imagery, detail.

Action:

Use verbs (action or doing words) to help illustrate what is going on in your song. For example, instead of saying ‘I miss you and I’m sad’, try and show what missing someone and being sad looks like :

  • ‘I wipe the tears falling from my eyes’
  • ‘I clutch a tear stained picture of you’
  • ‘I drove by where we first met’
  • ‘I couldn’t walk through the door where we said our last goodbye’

The action words are ‘wipe’ ‘clutch’ ‘drove’ ‘walk’.

And instead of saying ‘I love you’ or ‘I’m in love’, why not show what a person in love does?

  • ‘I wrote our names inside a heart, engraved upon a tree’
  • ‘I hand picked and carried home 100 flowers for you and put a vase in every room’
  • ‘I sing your name like a favourite song’

The action words are ‘wrote’ ‘picked’ ‘carried’ and ‘sing’.

Write a list of action words down before starting on your next song and try and use at least 5 of them in your next song to show what your feeling.

Imagery:

Blume says ‘whilst you cannot see heartbreak you can see the images and actions that convey that a person is heartbroken’:

  • ‘She fell to her knees, laying flowers on his grave’
  • ‘He kisses her photo’
  • ‘His tears hit the floor like a waterfall of pain’

The images are ‘knees’ ‘flowers’ ‘grave’ ‘photo’ ‘tears’ ‘floor’ ‘waterfall’. Blume also states that by including ‘tangible items’ and nouns in your lyrics like ‘furniture, clothing, a car, a house, a specific place, food’, you enable your audience to enter your song.

Along with your list of action words, try and write down a list of images and every day nouns to try and include in your next song.

Detail: 

This is the third part of AID that will help you to show your listener what is going on in your song. This time we’re searching for adjectives and adverbs to help the listener visualise your song more clearly. For example, if we were to go one step further with some of our examples from the Imagery section above and add a bit more detail to the floor, or the grave, you have something like this…

  • ‘She falls to her knees on the cold, muddy ground and lays white lilies on his grave’
  • ‘He tenderly kisses the photo of their wedding day in his old rocking chair’
  • ‘His bitter tears slowly hit the wooden floor of his kitchen, like a cascading waterfall of pain’

Even with a few additional adjectives and adverbs, the scenes are much clearer to visualise; you can hear the creak of the old rocking chair, you can taste the bitter tears that fall onto the floor and see him in the kitchen, you can feel the cold muddy ground that she falls to – instantly you have transported your listener directly into the scene of your song, as if they are there with the singer, watching over what is happening.

So next time you’re stuck for lyrics, all you need is a little AID to help you on your way!

Play around with new melodies and chord sequences

Play around with different combinations until your find the melody you’re looking for. Choose a key for your song and then try out the I, IV and V primary chords as well as the  II III, VI and VII chords.

Hooks

It has been said that the most successful ABBA songs have 5 hooks in each of their songs. A hook is a musical idea, melodic instrumental part, rhythmic phrase or a vowel/consonant sound or word repeated, that catches the ear of the listener to draw them into the song and helps to create its ‘catchiness’. According to popular commercial music today, the more hooks you can introduce throughout the song, the catchier it will be, because it’s constantly enticing the listener and, most importantly, keeping them interested. Listen to the start of Dancing Queen and the vocal ‘ahh’s and piano part before the hooky first line of the chorus, or Jessie J’s Price Tag (It’s all about the money, money, money/We don’t need your money, money, money). Other songs with simple but strong hooks include One Kiss by Calvin Harris featuring Dua Lipa, or Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen.

A lot of hooks are incredibly simple and may even be made by manipulating vocal parts, cutting them up or re-pitching them in an interesting way, songs that do this include Latch by Disclosure featuring Sam Smith, or Stay High (the Hippie Sabotage remix of Habits) by Tove Lo. Try and think about hooks for your own song, either lyrically, melodically or instrumentally. They can be incredibly simple and consist of a couple of notes, or a bit more interesting, just make sure they stick in your head!

Rhythm

Rhythm is an important part of many songs, it’s what makes people dance, or makes them nod their head and tap their feet. A solid rhythm can be a hook in itself, and it will lay the foundation on which to base the rest of your song around. It will also determine what kind of song it is, is it a fun, dancey song that makes you want to dance, like Get Lucky by Daft Punk? Or is it a slow, wistful song that people will sway along to, like Imagine by John Lennon? It could even be a fast, uptempo song that sounds exciting and triumphant, like Feel The Love by Rudimental ft John Newman.  If the aim is to make the listener dance, try writing a song to the BPM of 120. If you’re writing a romantic acoustic song, experiment with different time signatures like 6/8 as this will get people swaying along to your song!

Another thing to experiment with is using triplets, it can open up a whole new world of melodic and rhythmic possibilities! A good example that we mentioned in the previous section about hooks is Latch by Disclosure featuring Sam Smith, you’ll hear the hi hat doing triplet rhythms where traditionally for that genre you would expect an even number of hi hats (either quarter notes, eighth notes or sixteenth notes).

Beats and rhythms also don’t have to be perfectly on beat, and often a beat that makes you want to dance will be a ‘swing’ or ‘shuffle’ rhythm, this is a technique that changes the length of notes to create a more uneven but interesting rhythm. An example of a swung rhythm is Ex’s and Oh’s by Elle King, hear how some of the hits are slightly late which gives a driving feel to the song.

Production

The Young Songwriter competition entries are mainly judged on the song itself rather than the production, but there are some entries that use the production to help present their song in a stronger way. For example, a more pop/electronic entry might rely on solid drum sounds and more bass than an acoustic entry. Both are totally acceptable approaches and it’s important to note that you do not need incredible production skills and a top mix in order to submit a successful song, many of the best songs ever written would still be just as good whether they were produced fully or just played on one instrument!

Recording

We receive many different styles of recordings, many people record themselves at home, even in their bedroom with a phone! We understand that not everyone has access to recording studios or fancy equipment, and much like the production, if your song is strong it will shine even without an expensive or time consuming recording process. The most important thing is that the recording is clear enough for our judges to hear the individual parts, try to avoid recording in noisy environments that may make your recording difficult to hear, or distract from the song itself. You can record elements separately and combine them in a DAW (SoundTrap, Logic, Pro Tools, Reaper, Ableton or any other suitable software) or record with one microphone in one go, whichever you feel most comfortable with!  If recording onto voice memos be sure to sing as clearly as possible as the judges don’t want to miss out on hearing your amazing lyrics. That goes for all recordings.

THE POWER OF SONGWRITING IS THAT NO MATTER WHAT INSPIRED THE SONGWRITER TO WRITE A SONG, THE LISTENER INTERPRETS THE SONG IN THEIR OWN UNIQUE WAY, AND FINDS STRENGTH FROM THE MESSAGE AND CONNECTION.

Check out our insightful song feedback service to make sure your songs are the best they can be before entering The Young Songwriter 2025 competition!

More information on The Young Songwriter 2025 competition and how to enter!

Check out our songwriting resources.

Songwriting programmes for beginners to advanced young songwriters

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We run songwriting programmes tailored for every stage of the songwriting journey – from total beginners to songwriting (Vol.1), those who’ve just started (Vol.2) and those who’ve been writing songs for a while (Vol.3). Check our which programmes are best for you and read our songwriting resources to make your songs the best they can be!

Click here to check out all songwriting programmes and resources.

Residential songwriting summer camp 2024

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An immersive & motivational experience for aspiring young songwriters aged 11-18

Following the huge success of this year’s songwriting camp we’ve booked dates to return next year and we’re now open for bookings! We only have 45 places available so please book soon.

Our residential songwriting camp is designed for aspiring young songwriters to develop their songwriting skills, connect & collaborate on exciting songwriting briefs over 4 days & immerse themselves in all parts of the songwriting process, from finding inspiration, lyric writing, melody improvisation and composition to producing and performing.  Our expert team of top songwriters and producers all share a passion for inspiring the next generation.

The 4 day programme includes engaging sessions on:

Creating song concepts and understanding song structure

Creative lyric writing

Chords, Melody and Harmony improvisation (with some music theory)

Ways to develop your sound and style

Recording and producing your songs

Choir & Band

How to engage your audience

How the Songwriting/Music industry works and latest trends

How to create your own brand & fanbase

Masterclasses where we give feedback on songs previously written and work in progress songs

Open songwriter/mic night

Quiz night

Special guest speaker nights with opportunity for Q&As

Performances at the end of camp showcase from 2-3:30/4pm on the last day.

Here are some highlights of the end of summer camp 2023 showcase.

Click here to book your place.

Songwriting video course for beginners

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Our fun and easy to follow songwriting video course for beginners is a perfect way to write your first song.

Scarlet and Brendan from Song Academy will talk you through each stage of the songwriting process to write your own song – from start to finish – deciding on a concept for your song, writing lyrics, improvising melodies, creating chord progressions and recording your song.

You don’t need to be able to play an instrument to write your first song with our new video course as we’ve created backing tracks for each part of your song. If you do play an instrument we’ve shown you how to play the chords (on piano and guitar).

There are useful worksheets for each stage of the process to make it really easy to write your song.  For example worksheets on: suggested song structure, song map outline (blan and an example) piano chords chart, guitar chords chart, writing rhyming couplets and putting your song together.

“This is such a fun course!  Thank you!  My daughter Sara is 11 years old and loves singing, she wrote a fantastic song with your help and now spends most of her free time writing songs.  Watch out Taylor Swift!”  Paul, Father

Click here to get started!

Click here to get started!

Songwriting workshops this Autumn half-term

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We’re calling all young people who love music, singing & writing lyrics!  Join our songwriting workshops this Autumn half-term.  It’s a perfect opportunity, in a condensed time frame, to write an original song with professional songwriters.  Some groups for beginner to advanced young songwriters aged 8-18.  Get creative, express yourself and find your voice! Songwriting workshops are both in London and online.

Our holiday songwriting workshops are a perfect opportunity, in a condensed time frame, to write an original song with professional songwriters. Participants will develop their lyrical & musical skills with new ideas and techniques.  They will develop their confidence and ability to express themselves…as well as meeting other like-minded young creatives and having a lot of fun!

Small groups for beginners and those already writing their own songs and wanting some inspiration/guidance.

Here are some of the reasons why parents love their children taking part in our songwriting workshops.

  • My child already loves writing her own songs in her bedroom and really benefits from the guidance and inspiration from Song Academy to make her songs the best they can be.
  • My child loves singing and loved the challenge to develop her skills and write her own songs to sing.
  • My child has been a fantastic singer, but his voice is starting to break and writing his own songs filled the void of not singing as much.
  • My child is learning a musical instrument but isn’t that motivated to practice her grade pieces. Writing her own songs and accompanying herself brings her instrument to life and it’s played a lot more.
  • My child loves music and really enjoyed the freedom of writing her own lyrics and making up melodies.  She now writes songs the whole time.
  • My child was super shy and writing her own songs in a supportive & nurturing environment has given her a boost of confidence and she’s proud of what she has to say through her songs.

Check out all details including dates and prices.

Our inaugural residential songwriting camp was a big hit!

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Sparking ideas for new songs

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At Song Academy we use interesting songwriting briefs for our aspiring young songwriters to spark ideas for new songs.  Here are some ideas for starting new songs both starting with lyrics and starting with music.

 

Ideas for starting lyrically

  • Start from thinking about what’s important to you – certain people, social movements, events, activities, feelings etc.
  • Start from words/phrases that you hear a lot. Write a song inspired by a word or phrase that a lot of people say in everyday life – but not many people have sung about.  Perhaps something that your parents/ grandparents/teachers always say to you or words/phrases that your friends say/you hear on TV shows or social media.
  • Start from a title – Select 5 things in your bedroom i.e bed, chair, window, guitar, books – and then turn them into interesting song titles. For example: Bed – Safe Haven, Chair – Where I’ll Stay, Guitar – Broken Strings, Books – Read All About It.
  • Start from a quote – Find a quote you like. For example: “It is never too late to be what you might have been”, “an obstacle is often a stepping stone”, “to avoid criticism, say nothing, do nothing, be nothing”, “your only limitation is your imagination”.
  • Write a song inspired by the question “What if?”  This could be a “What if?” about your own life, thinking forwards to the future or asking a “What if” about a significant decision you have made. It could also be simply imagining another world, a dream coming true.  Think about your interests, what would you have fun writing about? Or is there something you would be fascinated to imagine and describe?  Think about historical events that have had a massive impact on the world (9/11, WW2). What could the world look like if these events had not occurred?
  • Song to self idea for a song. Write a song to yourself in a different stage of your life. This can be you talking to yourself in the past or the future. Decide whether you want to write the song in letter form, conversational (as if you are talking to someone else) or in the third person narrative (a story). Think about what you would love to say to yourself as a child and an adult, would there be any warnings you would like to give? Or reassurances? Do you want to give yourself some advice? Think about something that has had a profound impact on you or shaped you in some way. This can be positive or negative. What would you say to yourself? You could free write around this if you are stuck.

Ideas for starting musically

  • Start from a bassline – Listen to ‘Uptown funk’ by Bruno Mars and Mark Ronson.  The bass line can be the hookiest part of the song in some occasions – think about the simplicity that is needed, the importance of rhythm (the bass and drums work so closely together in bands to achieve the best sound). The bassline has also rhythmic and harmonic importance it helps the listener feel the beat/pulse and add a groove/funk/atmosphere to the song.
  • Start from a chord progression – Choose a key for your song and choose one of the three chord progressions, perhaps start with the key of C, E, F or G. Play your chords and improvise different melodies for your lyrics. Try these three main chord progressions:
    • I, IV, V (Which is C, F, G when played in the key of C Major)
    • I, V, VI, IV (C, G, Am, F in C Major)
    • I, VI, II, V (C, Am, Dm, G in C Major)

Have fun writing your songs!  It’s also a great idea to collaborate with musical & creative friends to develop your songs.

We’re looking forward to listening to your songs in The Young Songwriter 2023 competition!  The entry period is the 1st February to 31st March 2023.

Click here for all information on The Young Songwriter 2023 competition.

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