Below are edited highlights from an excellent songwriting course published by the International Songwriters Association (ISA). The links below are to PDF documents (articles abstracted from ISA material and presented in PDF document format for convenience)
- A basic introduction to songwriting (lyric writers, songwriting collaborators, non-performing songwriters, songwriting methods, demos and tip sheets)
- Copyright or face the consequences
- Writing hits: What the pros do (Words of wisdom from 30 songwriters)
- Don’t get ripped off by your best pal (Songwriting credits)
- Problem solving for songwriters (Why do publishers/artists reject my songs?)
- Advice about selecting a music publisher, song sharks, checking out contracts, normal royalty percentages, and income earning potential
- Jingle bells (The business of writing jingles) – see also “Tips for writing and selling great jingles” (in the Disc Makers Resources section)
- Twenty questions about songwriting answered
- All about the International Songwriters Association
- What is available on the ISA website: sample information
The International Songwriters’ Association was founded in Limerick in 1967. Today, there are ISA Members in more than sixty countries worldwide. Members receive such ISA Publications as Songwriter Magazine, Songwriter Update, and Songwriter Newsflash. They may also access such free ISA Services as Song Copyright, Song Assessment, Advice and Directory Information. Members receive a very comprehensive introductory package. They also have access to the ISA Private Members Site, which has hundreds of articles, interviews, back issues of all publications, a notice board, tip sheets, videos, and directories.
The Brill Building contained 165 music businesses by 1962 and was literally a hit factory. Click here for interesting background information.