Songwriting for Dummies
by Dave Austin, Jim Peterik, Mary Ellen Bickford

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Book Reviews of Songwriting for Dummies

Book Review: Great beginners guide, examples aside
Summary: 4 Stars

Where I fault this book is in the song examples covered. For the under 30 demographic, which I imagine this book is targeted at, the examples here are rather obscure. A good three quarters of them are from the 70s and earlier. That in itself I don't have a problem with, but where's the Zep, Hendrix, Who, Doors, Floyd, Beach Boys references? Aside from the Beatles and Berry and Elvis, there's not much mention of songs that would be indelible in a young person's mind, IOW, bands that made a huge social impact. Same with the newer stuff but it's even more spotty here, little mention of the likes of that class from a decade ago of Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, etc. - Train and Nickelback groundbreaking? Huh?!? My ears must have turned inside out. And one of the authors (a guy who co-wrote Eye of the Tiger), mentions his songs in examples ad-nauseum. It's one thing to casually mention some here or there to get his perspective as the writer, but IMO this comes off like a sleazy ploy to pump up royalties. I say this not as a fan of the all the bands or eras of music above but simply to illustrate the irony in what is preached by this book, that in which the successful writer should make his best effort to connect with her audience. I guarantee picking apart Survior and 38 Special songs is not the best avenue to achieve this.

All in all, this book is great info, just full of little things that might make you go 'hmmm'.

Summary of Songwriting for Dummies

Want to know how to make it as a songwriter? Songwriting For Dummies, 2nd Edition gives you a chance to learn from the best. Written by a group of music industry pros, this practical guide shows you how to develop your songwriting skills and successfully utilize the Internet to promote and market your work!

Whether you?re a first-time songwriter or songwriting vet looking for a fast-track into the recording industry, this friendly, easy-to-follow guide is the source for you. Using well-known tunes as examples, the authors walk you through everything you need to know to write hit singles, catchy jingles, and everything in between.

• 25% new and updated content, including information on social media networks YouTube, Twitter, Viddler, and Digg
• Coverage of the latest music industry trends and techniques
• Tips and tricks to combat songwriter?s block

Whether you want to know how to compose a love song for that special someone or you?re looking break into the industry Songwriting For Dummies, 2nd Edition is a gold mine of inspiration and how-to information.

Reference Books

• Subjects > Arts & Photography > Music > Reference
• Theory, Composition & Performance
• Education & Reference > Education