Question:
Is it necessary to go to a school (college or university) to learn how to write songs? Or is there a faster, better way?
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Answer:
No, you don’t HAVE to go to a college or university and get some sort of songwriting degree.
I don’t have anything against schools or schooling (in fact, I stayed in college and got my MBA), and I know some very talented, successful musicians who went to well-known music schools.
But those schools are very expensive. These days, a great music eduction doesn’t have to be thousands and thousands of dollars per year.
I didn’t go to music school. I went to business school. All my songwriting training was through self-study, books, cowriters, and workshops. It took time, but I eventually learned enough to get some cuts, hits, and publishing deals.
You can learn faster than I did – if you’re willing to focus.
There are so many more ways to learn songwriting – from anywhere in the world – now than there were when I was back in Arkansas. Heck, I’m putting out valuable FREE content every week here at this blog and through my podcast (www.theclimbshow.com).
There are also paid courses and coaching where you can learn from the pros. You get personalized attention for just a fraction of the cost (and time) of one semester of a college. Plus, you can focus on what you REALLY want to learn. (In other words, you don’t have to take math classes if you don’t want to.)
So if you have the ability to read this blog (and you obviously do), there is no excuse for you to put off your music education.
And believe me, if you want to get paid for your songwriting and music skills, you NEED to invest in yourself and your craft. After all, many of the people competing against you for a spot on a record, on a stage, or on a record label ARE investing in themselves.
A little time and/or money invested in your craft can save you years and thousands of dollars of costly mistakes down the road.
Music schools aren’t a bad thing. But a lot of you out there can make big gains in your songwriting and music career in a lot less time while spending a lot less money. If you feel like you’re ready to get some more personalized, focused attention, I have a great opportunity for just a few folks.
In August 2017, I’m hosting “The C4 Experience” (C4X). This is YOUR opportunity to really focus in on writing more commercial songs. You’ll get expert coaching and a small, supportive community. And with it being online, you can join us from anywhere in the world with an internet connection. If you want details, just CLICK HERE. Tickets are on sale now, and space is limited to only 10 songwriters!
God Bless and Enjoy the Journey,
Brent
Brent Baxter is a hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson, Randy Travis, Lady Antebellum, Joe Nichols, Gord Bamford, Ruthie Collins, Ray Stevens, and more. He’s written a top 5 hit in the US and a #1 in Canada… so far.
Being in Nashville with professional songwriters and up and coming songwriters is the best songwriting education you could get I think.
Next best would be learning from pros in Nashville like Brent Baxter who’ve learned their lessons the hard way and are willing to share openly what works and what doesn’t.
Thanks, Andrew!
What this guy said. Having gone to one of those fancy schools, I say, save your money. If you want to go to college, go to college but go to one you can afford. Read this blog, do what Brent says, find other writer’s blogs/communities, play writer’s nights in whatever town you are in, focus. The stuff in here is stuff you don’t really get in college (or, perhaps, the same stuff you would get in that college these days.) There are no short cuts. They don’t hand you a publishing contract with that degree. You might make some friends that end up having careers in the business down the road, you might not. Ultimately, it’s you that has to put in the work. We all make our own way. If you can start yours without $100K in debt, I highly recommend it. I’m not bitter. The school was good. I just know better now. This is what I would tell my closest friends and family.