Q&A for How to Write a Good Country Song

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  • Question
    How do you write a country song in 5 minutes?
    Tanisha Hall
    Songwriting Instructor
    Tanisha Hall is a Vocal Coach and the Founder and Executive Director of White Hall Arts Academy, Inc. an organization based in Los Angeles, California that offers a multi-level curriculum focused on fundamental skills, technique, composition, theory, artistry, and performance at a conservatory level. Ms. Hall's current and previous students include Galimatias, Sanai Victoria, Ant Clemons, and Paloma Ford. She earned a BA in Music from the Berklee College of Music in 1998 and was a recipient of the Music Business Management Achievement Award.
    Songwriting Instructor
    Expert Answer
    It's going to be pretty difficult to write anything especially powerful or dynamic in only five minutes! If that's really your goal though, you may want to jot down ideas as they come to you. Whenever inspiration strikes, put it down on paper. Then, you could put your ideas together and arrange them when you have a lot of material to work with. Still, you shouldn't focus on how long the process takes or just try to churn out songs super quickly. It's more about enjoying the songwriting process and engaging in your love of music.
  • Question
    How do I come up with the lyrics for a song?
    Community Answer
    Use a personal experience or story. Heartbreak, love, family, friends and work are common topics you can use for inspiration.
  • Question
    Can I say anything I want in my song?
    Community Answer
    Not necessarily, because you want it to make sense to the people listening to it, and you may not want to offend those people either.
  • Question
    How can I make my lyrics flow together more?
    Community Answer
    Think about what you want to write about and just let your imagination write the songs for you.
  • Question
    How can I start writing a song?
    Community Answer
    Write about how you feel or things that go good or bad in your life, or what you think is wrong in the world.
  • Question
    How do I express my feelings on paper?
    Community Answer
    Picture the last major heartfelt experience you had. Think about how deeply you felt your emotions and how you expressed them to yourself and others. Then, just write that all down. Repeat the process whenever you think about writing a song.
  • Question
    How can I overcome my shyness?
    Jonathan Smith
    Community Answer
    I would suggest sitting down with a few family members or maybe a few close friends to get the feel of being in front of a small crowd. Tell yourself every day that you are great! Having confidence goes along way in the music industry. Once you have performed for a few friends slowly grow your audience and eventually you will have no problem getting on a stage to perform. It takes time so don't get frustrated.
  • Question
    What if I don't play guitar? I only play fiddle and I'm learning ukulele by myself. How can I get a good tune without a guitar?
    Community Answer
    The instrument is not as important as the song. If you're learning ukulele, that should be a fine substitute. Don't let not having the instrument halt the progress of the song. But if you need a guitar for recording, scout around for a hireable guitarist, or a friend who might do you a favor. It's all in the chords!
  • Question
    How can I wrote a less cliche song, but still Taylor Swift-y?
    Community Answer
    Listen to what Meghan Trainor does. She is like a more original version of Taylor Swift.
  • Question
    How do I find a studio to make a demo? I have written and copyrighted two songs.
    Sebastian Carlson
    Community Answer
    You can search online for studios near you. If there are none near you, and you have enough money, you can buy equipment and convert a little-used room in your house, apartment, etc. into a recording studio.
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