Chord progressions are often predictable and simple in the context of pop music. Especially if you are starting out as a songwriter, it’s a good idea to start small at first and work from there.

The intro: An instrumental opening for the song that introduces the tone and rhythm of the song. Certain songs, like the Beatles’ “She Loves You” break typical form and open up the song with the melodic chorus. The verse: The most common part of a song, where the main body of the lyrics and music tends to go. In Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” and others, this is where the story is told. The “summary” of the song is reserved for the chorus. The chorus: A repeated section, often the most memorable melody in the song. Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” uses two verses before its chorus. The chorus uses repetitive lyrics stating the speaker’s summary of the action. The bridge: A change of pace featured later on in the song, often following a chorus. If a fresh idea happens right before a chorus, it may be called a pre-chorus. “Billie Jean” uses a pre-chorus after the verse and before the chorus. This is used to build up the tension before letting loose in the song’s melodic hook.

Practicing and rehearsing songs written by other people can be the springboard for your own creative ideas. [3] X Research source

Recording a demo will allow you to hear any changes you need to make in the song, and you’ll be able to work out details like what to do with the back-up vocals or when the song should get more powerful. [5] X Expert Source Tanisha HallVocal Coach Expert Interview. 22 April 2020.

Theory books are widely available. Community colleges also often host classes in music theory.

Keeping a thesaurus around with you will help as well.

Most often, sleeping things over will give your brain time to consolidate your thoughts. When you make up the next morning, you’ll have a fresh insight on what you worked on the day before. If you’re getting stressed out over the creative process, go for a walk and take half an hour to relax.

Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” tells the story of a man who is accused by a one night stand of being a woman’s father. The story incorporates romance and a dimension of tension.

Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” sneaks in rhyming within the same lines, but the rhymes are only used because they advance the story.

The most repeated lyrics in a song often ends up as the song’s chorus.

You can stretch vowels and vocal sounds to match the music. [11] X Research source If you’re writing a hip-hop track, a skilled rapper will usually be able to fit irregular verses into any steady rhythm.

You might pick a title that captures the essence of your song. If your song is story-based, pick a word or theme that describes what it’s about. If your song is about someone, name the song after them. Michael Jackson’s song “Billie Jean”, for example, is named after the primary character.

You can hire musicians or enlist friends to play your songs for you. The performance on a demo can make a major difference. If you plan to release your music commercially on sites like iTunes, Spotify, or Tidal, record them at a professional recording studio. [14] X Expert Source Tanisha HallVocal Coach Expert Interview. 22 April 2020.

If you have a friend who is already associated with professionals in the music industry, you should make an extra effort to show that person your music. Even if he’s not directly associated with a label or publishing house, he may know people that could be interested in the music you’re producing.

To help manage any royalties from your music, register with a performing rights organization (PRO) like BMI, ASCAP, or SoundExchange. [15] X Expert Source Tanisha HallVocal Coach Expert Interview. 22 April 2020.

The people in the music industry are quickly desensitized to the number of people who are pursuing their dreams. Don’t take it personally if you get the cold shoulder treatment from these people. It’s all part of the process. There are agencies that base their business around helping prospective writers find work Outlets such as Taxi may be of use to you if you’re having difficulty linking up with the right publishers. [17] X Research source Certain genres favour certain regions. Nashville, for example, is largely enough for its bustling country music scene.

It’s normal to question your path sometimes, especially in a tough industry like music. If you feel like you’re losing your passion, spend some time listening to the artists who originally inspired you so you can remember why you fell in love with music in the first place. [19] X Expert Source Tanisha HallVocal Coach Expert Interview. 22 April 2020.

Don’t be afraid to listen to types of music you don’t normally listen to.

“Roundabout” by Yes. “Yesterday” by the Beatles. “Trains” by Porcupine Tree. “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson.