Description
A Beginner’s Guide to Songwriting-Audiobook
A Sample from A Beginner’s Guide to Songwriting-Audiobook
Taken From Episodes 1, 2, 3 & 4 (Samples are faded in and out)
Ep. 1
Ep. 2
Ep. 3
Ep. 4
Although this audiobook presentation is primarily designed for beginner Songwriters, it covers a wide range of techniques, processes and styles of songwriting from the 1940’s through to more contemporary forms. The audiobook series looks at how to find good lyric choices, re-phrasing of lyrics (with exercises), character perspectives, story-telling techniques and in depth analysis of 10 of Andy’s songs. Parts of the songs are then demonstrated by award winning actress and vocalist, Catherine Lambert (Film: “Lost in Translation” and band “The Hep Hounds”)
Andy presents a brief glimpse into his over 30 years of songwriting and his general music theory knowledge into an entertaining and interesting package of just four parts, all jam packed with little nuggets of golden tips for student songwriters, using ideas, demonstrations and audio examples of the techniques and lyric choices.
The Product comes with a pdf workbook of Exercises and Answers so that the student Jazz improviser can test their knowledge and skills.
The Part Contents Are:
Episode One:
-What is Songwriting and lyrics?
-Where Should You Start?
-Melody or Lyrics First?
-How Do We Tell Our Stories Effectively?
-How to Find Lyric Choices
-Character Perspectives-1st, 2nd & 3rd with examples
-How Andy Writes His Lyrics
Analysis of “Oh What a Day!” (performed by Francine Bell)
-When to Rhyme and When Not To Rhyme
-Examples of Rhyming Techniques (with examples)
–Your First Lyric!
-Andy’s example:”I Still Love You” (with audio performance by Catherine Lambert)
Lyric Analysis of Andy’s Lyrics for:
-“Play Nice!” 1940’s Swing Style (with audio performance by Catherine Lambert)
-I Wished Upon a Star” 1940’s Ballad Style (with audio performance by Catherine Lambert)
-“Santa’s on His Way” Rock ‘n Roll Style (performed by Mitch Capone)
Episode Two:
Lyric Analysis of Andy’s Lyrics for:
-“I’m All Yours!” 1950’s Sultry Blues Styles (with audio performance by Catherine Lambert)
-“I Knew” Jazz Ballad Style (with audio performance by Catherine Lambert)
Episode Three:
Lyric Analysis of Andy’s Lyrics for:
-“It’s Over” Love Ballad/Stage Musical Styled (with audio performance by Catherine Lambert)
-“If My Dreams Come True” Bossa Nova Style (with audio performance by Catherine Lambert)
-“Well I Lied” 1960’s Lounge Style (with audio performance by Catherine Lambert)
-“Para Sepmre” Moderate Latin Styled (with audio performance by Catherine Lambert)
Episode Four:
-The Order of Lyrics
-Re-phrasing and re-ordering Lyrics exercises
-“Unlucky in Love”-Andy Writes Lyrics and discusses his thought processes in Real Time (On the Spot)
Pink Elephants in the Room Discussion
-Copyright and the Do’s/Don’ts
-Publishing Contracts and the things to be aware of before signing on the dotted line!
-What is More Important: The Melody & Lyrics or the Arrangement?
-Some Final Thoughts About Songwriting
Total Playing Time: 3 Hours
A Pdf “Exercises & Answers” Workbook accompanies this product.
Written, Composed, Perfomed & Produced by Andy Firth. Newcastle, Australia. 2025
©2025 Accessible Music Publishing.www.andyfirthmusic.com
All Compositions and Lyrics are by Andy Firth
All Recordings are the Property of Accessible Music Publishing
