Songwriting:Lessons From A Pro With Over 150 Cuts.

From 111.87 C$ /h

Hi, my name is David. I'm originally from Glasgow, Scotland, but now live just outside of Atlanta, Georgia.

I got my first song cut in 2007, and since then have had over 150 of my songs recorded by numerous artists in Europe. I pretty much write across the board and have had songs cut by Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, Blues, Electronic & R&B artists. I've even had one song recorded by an Opera quartet! Those songs have been on many hit albums and have spent a total of 21 weeks at #1 on the official charts of Switzerland & Austria.

I’ve done all this WITHOUT being signed to a publisher, which means instead of giving away 50% of my royalties, I keep all 100% for myself!

Whether you want to write songs to record yourself or for others (and those can be two very different things), I can help you. I'll tailor the lessons to fit you. We'll work together, perfecting your strengths and building up your weaknesses. I'll show you how to write memorable melodies, heartfelt lyrics and innovative chord progressions. I'll also teach you how today's music business operates.

One thing I learned early in life is that if you want to learn something, learn from someone who has done it already. If you want to be successful in the music business, then learn from someone who has had some success themselves. If they haven't how can they show you how to do it? Just because someone has written hundreds of songs doesn't necessarily mean they know about songwriting. In my lifetime I’ve made thousands of meals for myself, but I’m still a lousy cook! It’s not how many songs you write that’s important - it’s how many good ones you write. With me, you'll learn how to write songs that stand out from the rest.

There's a craft to writing great songs. We all love that initial burst of inspiration when ideas come quicker than we can write them down, but once that burst is over, that's when the craft comes in. It's the craft that adds the polish and can turn a decent song into a great one. The trick is not to polish it too much, and not lose the thing that made you excited about the song in the first place. That's one of the things I'll teach you. Also, if you know how to craft a song, then Writer's Block really becomes a thing of the past.

Success won't happen overnight, but if you’re willing to put in the work, I can show you how to get closer to making a very good living from your music.

I’m not saying that I’m the best songwriter in the world. I’m just saying that I know how to write songs that get cut and I can teach you how to do it too.

I'm always looking for good co-writers, so if there's anyone here who I think is talented maybe that will be something we can look at further down the line.

I look forward to working with you.

Location

Online from United States

About Me

I was born and raised in Glasgow, Scotland and now reside just outside Atlanta, Georgia with my wonderful wife, Julia, two-year old son, Andrew, pit bull/boxer dog, Rennie, and Siamese cat, Oban.

I've been a music business professional for over 25 years. I started as a drummer/percussionist, and played with acts as diverse as Rod Stewart, Belle & Sebastian, The Scottish National Orchestra and Stomp.

I've been a professional songwriter since 2007, with over 150 songs recorded by various artists in numerous genres.

My teaching style is to give the student an overall understanding of all aspects of songwriting, but also to tailor the lessons to each individual and move them forward in the shortest possible time.

There is a 'craft' to songwriting - it's not all about inspiration - and that's what I try to teach. It is possible to write a good song without knowing quite how it was done. The problem with that is, if you don't know how you did it it's almost impossible to do it again. That's why there have been so many 'One Hit Wonders'. If you learn the craft of songwriting and understand songwriting techniques then it becomes much easier to repeat the process. Not all of your songs will be great, but they should at least be to a professional standard.

I will take the time to take you where you want to go.

Education

2002-2003 Ico Ico Music Business Management Course
Learned the internal workings of the Music business from Primal Scream
guitarist Jim Beattie. Produced and developed a detailed Business Plan and
formed.a music management company.

1990-1991 Lecturer in Percussive Studies
Lectured at Clydebank College. Taught students from first percussion lessons
through to first recordings and SVQ Qualifications.

1989-1990 Clydebank College Electronic Music and MIDI Course
One Year Course. Awarded over 20 SVQ’s in music related subjects including:
Music Production, Composition, Recording Techniques, and Music Technology.

1982-1987 Privately Taught Drum Lessons
Studied drums and percussion under drumming teacher Charlie Stuart.

Experience / Qualifications

Over 150 songs released by various artists on both major and independent labels

Songs featured on gold and number One albums that have spent a total of 21 weeks at #1 on the official charts of Switzerland and Austria

Seven #1’s on the iTunes charts

Songs released in the US, UK, Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway & Finland

Tracks used in advertisements and TV shows

Winner of 2013 American Songwriter Magazine Lyric Contest

My songs have appeared on compilation albums alongside: Adele, Amy Winehouse, Britney Spears, Chris Brown, Dolly Parton, Janet Jackson, Lil Wayne, Maroon 5, One Republic, Rihanna, Shania Twain, Sheryl Crow, Usher and many other leading artists..

Age

Children (7-12 years old)

Teenagers (13-17 years old)

Adults (18-64 years old)

Seniors (65+ years old)

Student level

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

Duration

60 minutes

The class is taught in

English

Skills

Music composition

Availability of a typical week

(GMT -05:00)

New York

Online via webcam

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

00-04

04-08

08-12

12-16

16-20

20-24

Lou-Indigo

4.87

(84)

The course that I propose is BILINGUAL FRENCH / ENGLISH, as well as 2 BOOKS.

Age and musical taste are not restrictive when in the program, you can with qualitative daily work (not quantitative) quickly observe your progress.

Here the pleasure of playing music is put forward.

The kind of music you love most will be the focus of the course, their codes and secrets will be the focus of our study, that's what I want to share with you.

We can do technical lessons and simply learn together how to play one or more songs of your choice or mine, enrich your game with this approach and your repertoire!

(For example, We can re-arrange the pieces and make them more original by approaching the system (CAGED), and enriching their chords, resulting in new positions, new techniques and new sounds, using arpeggio techniques rather than strumming for 4-chord pieces, voicing and fingerstyle techniques, in short, expanding the instrument's playing fields and playing skills to keep progressing in your game and improve your rehearsals ...)

If you make a request, this program is obviously accompanied by the pleasure of learning more in theory and being able to directly apply new knowledge on its instrument and identify its common or rare use in the pieces discussed in class.

In this case, the theory is translated to be accessible to anyone, both for those who are connoisseurs and for those who discover everything from absolute zero.
The exercises, songs, and theoretical explanations offered throughout the program are organized in an order of progressive difficulty.

I wrote and produced 2 books of my method to learn the guitar and the music, that I sell to accompany my course and your apprenticeship in the best conditions and so that you can continue the course even at home and to review etc ... .
There is ONE BOOK OF COURSES containing all the theoretical and practical program of the year, as well as a BOOK OF EXERCISE on the ranges and the modes that you can obtain directly.

You can find here an indicative list of objectives that I propose in my theoretical program, which can of course adapt to your request.

The general theoretical objectives of the course:

--- Tuning / tuning and knowing his guitar:
* Standard Tuning
* Drop Tuning
* Open Tuning
* Adjust the optimal tension of the strings
* Adjust the shaft axis
* Adjust the action of the strings
* Choose the strings adapted to the style of play / tuning
* Change his strings

-Know his chords:
* Triads: Fundamental State & Inversions
* Tetrads: Fundamental State & Inversions
* The chord progressions of the Range
* Arpeggio techniques (tapping, sweep, 1/2/4 fing.shape, etc ...)

--- Know his scales and his modes

* The Mode of the Major scale
* 3 Modes of the Minor scale: Natural / Melodic / Harmonic
* Modes of the Pentatonic range: 5 positions
* Modes of the Blues range: 5 positions
Etc ...

--- Technique to the Pick / Plectrum / Tab / Pick (Electric Guitar):
* Alternate Picking
* Fast Picking / Tremolo Picking
* Hybrid Picking
* Palm Mute
* Natural Harmonics
* Pinch Harmonics
* Artificial Harmonics
* Shredding
* Tapping
* Sweep Picking
* Legato Picking

--- Strumming / Hand Picking (Acoustic Guitar)
* "SnareDrum" percussion on the guitar
* Arpeggios pinched with 4 fingers + thumb
* Rasgueado (Flamenco Technique)
* Generic Strumming
* Fingerstyle Picking
* Two-finger picking + Legato for fast melodies (eg a solo)

-Play the metronome
* exercises on click
* practice on song riffs

-Learn his favorite songs
* without thinking about the difficulty, nothing is impossible with the right methodology

-Improvise
* choose ranges and positions
* to place oneself rhythmically, to finish on the judicious notes

-Theory of Harmony
* Understand harmonization and its practice

-Theory on the Melody

-Theory of Rhythm

Ryo

4.87

(84)

Hello,

Electric & Acoustic Guitar tuition from complete beginners to advanced.
(Also Ukulele lessons would be available if fancy)

If anyone considers taking up the guitar exams and becoming a qualified guitarist, I can back you up.

Any styles,
pop/rock/blues/jazz/funk/classical guitar, etc.
Whatever songs/riffs/comps/(16th note) strumming patterns (lead guitar/rhythm guitar) harmony and music theory, solfeggio(aural), and so on.

Lessons will be tailored to you.
it's not brain surgery. it's going to be a lot of fun!

I can travel to your house or you come to my place.
Also, Skype lessons would be available.

Lessons are always for students.
So enjoy playing the guitar and lessons to move up to the next level.

Any further questions, please feel free to ask.
Thanks for reading and look forward to working with you.
You can't afford to miss it!!

Cheers,
Ryo

App

4.87

(84)

< Learning Piano is not merely about playing the piano >

Before starting to learn the piano, it’s essential to recognize that :

'' What we are actually learning is "Music", but not only "Piano". ''

The goal of learning any instrument is to acquire the language of music, enabling us to express ourselves and enjoy music with others. Playing the piano is for creating beautiful sounds, not really for developing finger speed or strength. That’s the function of gym.

< Music is like cooking >

When we cook, to make roast beef tender, of course, it’s nice to have a tender heart, but without knowing how to control the temperature, the roast beef won’t become tender merely by our tender heart.

By only adding salt, the dish won’t be sweet. Similarly, simply playing or writing a C major triad chord won’t convey a sorrowful feeling.

To create the feeling we want, no matter how much sentiment we have in our hearts, to convey it via music, it needs to be translated into the language which the piano can understand, which means, how we press and lift the keys and pedals. Similarly, when we compose, it needs to be transferred into chords, and notes we write.

< Difference between an audience and a musician >

There is a common belief that a musician can make music with sentiment or feeling. While it’s partially true, the most essential thing is knowing ‘’How’’ to create the sound that conveys the feeling we want, rather than merely knowing ‘’What’' feeling we want to convey.

The understanding of the mechanism behind music is essential, as cooking, and that is the difference between an audience and a musician. As an audience, one can simply feel the music. Like a chief who knows how to create a specific flavor to convey, a musician knows how to create the sound which can convey the feeling we want. While knowing which feeling we want is great, it’s merely the first step. Your emotions are not too different from Chopin, Beethoven, Adele or Taylor Swift, otherwise, they can’t resonate with you. But they know how to create the sound that conveys the feeling they want to their audience.

< Course Content >

I consider my course to be a form of "Music Consultation" because it contains a wide range of subjects that are essential to a professional musician. While we focus on piano playing, there are also music theory, music history, instrument construction, ergonomics for performers, analysis of composer styles, composition, arrangement, recording, MIDI, computer music, the physics of sound, and more.
In avoid of confusion, let’s still call my course as "Piano Course”.

< Duration >

For each course, I will reserve at least 70 minutes in my schedule for you, including 60 minutes of class time and an additional 10 minutes for discussion and any questions you may have. This will ensure that your courses are not rushed by the next student. This ensures that there is enough time for you to solve your piano and music problems.

< Recording >

I highly encourage my students to record their progress. This can provide an objective standard for comparison and help you analyze your playing precisely. In my nine years of experience teaching music, I've found many students, including those advanced, already play certain sections very well, while other sections may not be not well enough. But they still try to improving those fine sections, while not aware of those weak sections.
Without an objective reference, it’s hard to distribute our effort precisely. This can lead to not only unstable performance, but also practicing without a precise goal can easily reduce enthusiasm. Recording your results and comparing them with those recordings you like on YouTube or Spotify can be an effective way to analyze your playing and set precise goals.

If you have a digital piano, I can help you produce a video of your performance for each session. This can be a tangible record of your efforts and you can share it with your friends and family via YouTube or other platforms.

Gema

4.87

(84)

The most important matter that I could write here about is my passion to teach. I've been teaching already for more than 10 years, from kids to adults. I'm a classical pianist, but I am opened to other musical styles. What I want you to get from your lessons with me, is not only a huge knowledge of theorical stuff or a great technique, I would like to show you my musical world, the imagination and inner exploration that is required to understand and to love music in a whole new level. Once you have found them, it will be very hard to quit playing!

The class duration: You can choose!
20 minutes (Great for the youngest : 3 years old)
30 minutes (Ideal for young beginners from 4 years old)
45 minutes (Intermediate+ adult beginners)
1 hour (Intermediate and combined with some Music Theory)

I use different methods depending on:
1) The goals of my student
2) The language that we will use on class
3) Age and musical preferences: I start to teach children from 3 years old, we make games and they learn to play through musical stories that I have created throughout my pedagogical career.

Elisa

4.87

(84)

I offer private music theory tutoring lessons to students of beginner level of different ages Depending on the student's final goal we adjust the knowledge and skills that we focus on with the student. I mostly focus on classical music theory, but can also provide an introduction to jazz and pop music theory.

My goal as a teacher is to keep and increase the students' love for music as well as to offer necessary and appropriate knowledge/skills to keep the student challenged and of course enjoy the fun of music!

Sebastián

4.87

(84)

At my studio my students will not only learn how to play the piano, but they will receive a complete musical education in order to achieve their musical dreams. I will give all my best so everybody will get the tools for developing their own voice, helping them to master the instrument and teaching them all the theoretical knowledge they’ll need to make their particular personality shine. Openness, joy, dedication, creativity and passion for music are some of the things that you will find in the international environment of my studio. I care about who my students are and what they have to say to the world, and I will help them to develop it from the very first lesson.

In my class you will not only be able to receive piano lessons but also will learn to understand how the music works as a language. If the interest and the profile of the student goes in the direction of the purely classical music performance, the lessons will be focused on a deep and conscious piano technique development, practicing techniques, musical interpretation, history of music, history of the piano, applied harmony on the keyboard, analysis, and score reading by a method that I have developed for over 15 years of experience. And if the students wish, I can help them to prepare for the ABRSM exams and competitions as well. All this is aiming to achieve in a very practical and exciting experience the best results in the fastest way possible. But if the profile and the interests of the students goes on another way, I will give them all the tools they need to understand the language of music in depth, so they can find their own voice on the instrument. In that case the lessons will include contents of piano technique, score reading, applied harmony on the keyboard, composition, improvisation, musical arrangement, music production, recording techniques, jazz and pop music analysis and performance. Both programs can be combined depending on the focus and the profile of the student, or in case the student would like to go deeper in one of the previously mentioned subjects there is the opportunity to take an independent course of specialization on the desired topic. At the end of the semester every student will perform at the winter and summer concerts held every year and will have the possibility of making a recording session with the material worked during the term. With this, the student will not only be able to see his progress and work, but also will give him a direct experience of performing and working on a live or studio recording session, which is a fundamental part of the developing process of every musician.

Hope you can join and if so, I’ll be very happy to teach you!

Stefano

4.87

(84)

Are you ready to discover the magic of one of the most beautiful instruments ever created? Look no further! The piano has transformed my life and I'm confident it will do the same for you.

With my guidance, I'll equip you with all the tools you need to approach this majestic and stunning instrument. I'll take you on a personal journey, step by step, showing you how to master the Piano in a way that suits your individual style. Whether it's Jazz, Classical, or Pop, you'll fall in love with playing the Piano!

But that's not all - I'm also thrilled to offer you the opportunity to explore:
- Music theory
- Songwriting and Composition skills

With my expert guidance, you'll develop a well-rounded musical education that will take your talent to new heights.

So why wait? Get in touch with me today and let's embark on this wonderful journey together!

Jan

4.87

(84)

Do you want to learn how to write music but don't know where to start? Do you want to take your composing and songwriting skills to higher level? Do you want to feel free when improvising? Do you want to know what is the theoretical background behind the music you love so much? I can help you with all of that.

I offer theoretical and practical lessons about composition, producing and music theory in any genre. Do you wish to understand the music you love and get a new appreciation for it? I can help you with better understanding of it. I will do my best to find out what is the best and the most fun process for you to learn and start developing your own musical ideas.

Steve

4.87

(84)

Would you classify improvisation as composition or performance? Well actually it is both! When you improvise you are composing music on the spot, performing what you have made up at the same time as you have composed it.

For many people improvisation is a scary word and having to improvise in a group or band is an alarming prospect. However, this really does not need to be the case. As long as you have a basic knowledge of how to play your instrument you will be able to improvise. Once you know the principle of how chords are formed you will soon be improvising with ease.

The key to success is understanding chords. Once you know how chords are formed and know what notes make up a few chords you will be well on your way towards being able to improvise. We will, therefore, start by ensuring a firm knowledge of certain chords. After this we will progress to improvising a simple melody over the top of these chords. The next stage is to start using notes that are not in the chord. The process is then open ended with emphasis on developing the melody.

If you play a keyboard instrument you will be able to improvise your own pieces and be able to entertain your friends at a moments notice. On the other hand if you play in a band or a group you will be well equipped to do a real 'jam' session.

Whether you play a single line instrument (flute, saxophone, trumpet, violin etc.) or keyboard instruments, this class is for you.

Andrea

4.87

(84)

Hello! I've been teaching nonstop for over 10 years, and I'd love to tell you what a class with me offers:

100% personalized approach: The first step is to define your goals. Learning for pleasure? Preparing for entrance exams? Or taking the professional leap? I'll adapt the methodology, curriculum, and even the repertoire to your goals.

Dynamic environment (without losing rigor): Relaxed but demanding classes, where practical methods (and my irremediable sense of humor) prevail.

Hearing + Musicality + Analysis: We'll work on listening, understanding, and analyzing your musical references. The goal: for you to make artistic decisions with confidence and feel music as your own.

No stylistic biases: For me, all music is valid. We'll explore everything from classical to electronic, using each style to work on key aspects: melody, harmony, production... We'll even explore genres you're unfamiliar with together!

Important! I balance classes with concerts and projects. Although you're my priority, I appreciate the occasional flexibility to reschedule (only when strictly necessary).

If you like this approach, write to me! Learning music is an exciting journey, and I'd love to be your guide.

Eto

4.87

(84)

Piano Classes: From the first notes to advanced repertoire, I tailor lessons to your level and goals — classical, pop, or even improvisation.

Jazz Voice Classes: Discover the freedom of jazz singing! Learn vocal technique, phrasing, interpretation, and improvisation in a relaxed, expressive way.

🧒 All ages and levels welcome – children, teens, and adults!
💬 Lessons can be in English – and I'm happy to adapt to your pace and style.

Let’s explore music together and make learning both fun and inspiring!

Matea

4.87

(84)

I am eager to work with you and share my biggest passion with you, and hopefully reveal new and interesting aspects of music for your own practice.

After many years of studying in ZHdK, and having students of all levels attending the entrance exams in Zürich, Luzern, and Basel, I am looking forward to prepare you to your upcoming exam or without regards to it.

Topics will include different aspects of music theory: analysis, ear training, sight reading, rhythm, score-reading, music history, etc.

Lucio

4.87

(84)

This class is designed for conservatory students, private candidates and advanced musicians who need solid guidance in harmony, counterpoint and fugue, especially in preparation for exams and auditions.

We work on written exercises, stylistic correction and analytical understanding, with a clear method and step-by-step feedback. Particular attention is given to Renaissance and Baroque practices (modal counterpoint, species, tonal counterpoint, fugue), helping students understand why rules exist, not just how to apply them.

I have many years of experience teaching harmony and counterpoint, and several of my students have successfully passed conservatory composition exams thanks to this guided approach.

Lessons are adapted to the student’s level and goals, with a strong focus on clarity, consistency and practical results.

Mayssa

4.87

(84)

Do you dream of turning your words into a song, or of your ideas becoming your signature? I'm here to provide you with a complete composing and writing service for Eastern songs, tailored entirely to your artistic taste and preferred style. Whether you're looking for a personal song, an artistic project, or a major release, I'll work with you every step of the way to achieve your goal.
What I offer you in this service:
🔹Textual wordplay: Transforming your words into a powerful and harmonious tone that reflects your feelings and style, whether in an authentic Eastern or modern Western approach.
🔹 Composing a song from scratch: I write you original lyrics and a melody to suit your vocal personality and the message you want to convey.
🔹He lost in: Autumn and Winter between Eastern melodies and Western-Eastern rhythms, or the innovative and distinctive integration of photographers.
🔹 Working with details: I pay attention to the sound, the rhythm of the music, the musical expression, and the song only, and it can be listened to or performed live.
🔹Options available: I can provide you with the melody in an audio format, or a ready-to-use musical score, depending on your needs.
I believe that every song tells a story, and every melody from the Poverty Era is unique. Therefore, I put passion and a reasonable attention to detail into simple yet truly meaningful songs that resonate with love and leave a lasting impression on the listener.
We started working, transforming your ideas into an Eastern or Western song that captivates hearts and showcases your artistic identity.

Sebastian

4.87

(84)

Personalized bass lessons for all levels, focused on building a solid musical foundation from day one.

We work with fundamental exercises to develop technique, instrument control and rhythmic sense, integrating music theory, ear training and improvisation in a practical and applied way.

The technique is not approached mechanically, but from the real interpretation, the groove and improvisation, so that what you study translates directly into the music.

The classes are adapted to the styles, techniques and contexts in which you want to improve: jazz, popular music, funk, rock, folklore, accompaniment, reading, improvisation or music production.

Online mode
• Individual classes in
• Customized materials and exercises
• Spanish or English

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Personalized bass lessons for all levels, focused on building strong musical foundations and real-world skills.

We will work with fundamental exercises to develop technique, time feel and control of the instrument, integrating music theory, ear training and improvisation with a practical and musical intent.

Technique is approached through interpretation, groove and improvisation, rather than isolated mechanical drills.

Lessons are fully adapted to the styles, techniques and musical contexts you want to improve in: jazz, popular music, funk, rock, Latin music, accompaniment, sight-reading, improvisation or music production.

Online classes
• One-on-one
• Customized material and exercises
• Lessons in Spanish or English