Song Writing with world renowned Gardner Cole
Desert Sky Records has teamed up with WORLD renowned artist and songwriter Gardner Cole. Gardner Cole specilizies in music production, songwriting, engineering and/or studio services to every major label and music publishing company. Gardner has topped the Billboard Charts numerous times and been involved in countless #1 HITS! Gardner has earned over 100 Gold and Platinum Records and worked with superstars such as Madonna, Amy Grant, The soundtrack to Top Gun and many more.
Even the most experienced and accomplished musician will tell you that there is one skill that cannot be practiced enough: the skill of listening. For beginning musicians and songwriters, listening to music with a critical and analytical ear is of the utmost importance. When we begin to listen to music from the perspective of the creator, rather than the consumer, we can begin to identify the elements of a song that work for us as a listener. We identify more clearly why certain songs evoke particular emotions, annoy us, energize us, or put us in a thoughtful mood. On the more mundane level, Gardner can look at the fundamentals of a song and begin to recognize the patterns in its construction, and how it might be similiar or different than other songs.
Songwriting Fundamentals:
- Melody is the part of a song that most of us latch on to when we're listening. It is the aspect of music usually carried by the vocal line in popular music, though occasionally it may be carried temporarily by another, non-vocal, instrument.
- Harmony is the part of a song that supports the melody over time. Harmony helps to give motion and accentuates the emotion by adding tension and release. Harmony is most often carried by the backing instruments such as guitar, piano, and bass, though occasionally other vocalists will harmonize with the lead vocal to make an even stronger musical statement.
- Rhythm is the part of a song that literally is in motion. Every aspect of a song, from the drums to the lead vocal, has a rhythm that works in conjunction with all the other rhythms to form a complete whole.
- Lyrics are often the aspect of a pop song that imparts the most emotion. These are the words that make up the song, and often tell a story or lead the listener on some kind of journey.
- Form is the structure of a song, which can range from very simple to very complex. Song form often includes an introduction, at least one verse, at least one chorus, possibly a bridge, and an outro.
To learn more about Gardner Cole visit his website at http://www.gardnercole.com
Gardner Cole
