Pelham Records

When you look at someone who is great at something whether it be song-writing, guitar playing or even playing golf. We often think “Wow what natural talent that person has”. What we never think about is the long journey that the person took to arrive at the level they’re at today.

Success is a journey not a one time even that occurs. In terms of song-writing we are only as good as how consistent we are with the creative process. So in this article I want to share with you three habits that are worth cultivating and integrating into your daily life and routine if you strive to become better then you are today.

#1 Keep Learning Your Instrument

Whether you write with the piano, guitar or other instrument you should always be pushing yourself to become better. Why? Well not so that you can be the lead guitarist of a band, but because the more knowledge and understanding of your instrument you have the more creative and versatile you’ll become in your songs.

The easiest way to do this is through some form of online or self study lessons. There are piano DVD courses available for purchase which you can follow along with at your own pace or online guitar courses you can subscribe with to sharpen your skills.

#2 Listen to the Radio

Now I don’t mean news radio, I mean listen to the station which plays the type of tunes you’re trying to write. If it’s country then digest country radio when you’re driving. Pay attention to the songs that seem to get played a lot. What do they have in common? What are you missing in your songs that they might have? Pay close attention to the quality of their lyrics and the stories the song tells. Often times it will push us to do re-writes on songs we other wise thought were complete.

#3 Write Each Day

Writing every day on either a new tune or an old one or even drafting ideas for a future song is essential to not becoming stagnant. We need to treat song writing seriously, even if it is only a hobby. Writing only once and a while doesn’t lead you to a place where you’ll be successful. Often you’ll stay stuck where you’re at now.

Try integrating some of these habits into your daily routine and I can almost guarantee that your song writing will improve inside a month.