Songwriting Interventions/Experiences

Aiken Drum

This songwriting experience was shared by music educator & music therapist Jenny Focht, MT-BC.

Get the chords/lyrics here

Love Letter

This song and songwriting experience by Lydia Collins, MT-BC was shared by Jessica Zieche, MT-BC. This song can be adapted to be used year-round (not only for Valentine’s Day).

E (switch between E and E7)

_________ got a letter

I wonder who it's for?

__________ got a letter

E (switch between E and E7)

I wonder who it's for?

B7 A7 E (switch between E and E7)

It's for someone who ___________________.

Piano Storytelling

This song and music-making activity was shared by Bonnie Houpt, MT-BC.

Get the visuals HERE.

10 Songwriting Tips for Music Therapists & Music Educators

by Stephanie Leavell

One of the most valuable things I've ever done was a series of songwriting courses at Berklee College of Music. I was already a songwriter down in my soul, but this helped me learn that songwriting is not only an art, it's also a science. There are tricks to making songs sound pleasing and "correct" to the listener's ears.

I am NOT advocating formulaic/cookie cutter songwriting here (can you tell from my songs?), but what I learned was invaluable. With a few new tricks up my sleeves, I was more productive, less frustrated and composing better songs. (Read the full article HERE.)

Songwriting Game

A game that you can do in collaboration with kids, OR as a songwriting exercise for yourself! It guides you through 11 possible chord progressions that always sound great.

Get the Songwriting Game HERE.