Browse recommended books including songwriting guides, music business books, AI creativity reading, and developing and inspiring an artistic mindset.
Here are some of our favorite books on songwriting and music that currently reside on our bookshelf.
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The Comprehensive Guide to Writing and Marketing Hit Songs | by Jason Blume
If you could only buy one book that covers everything about the craft and business of songwriting, this is the one to get. Also includes bits of sage advice from various industry professionals, particularly hit songwriters and music publishers.
by Sue Young
Sure, you can use online rhyming dictionaries but none of them are organized in the way they need to be for songwriters but this one is — and that's why you need it!
(Amazon): Paperback | Hardcover
by Ralph Murphy
The late Ralph Murphy had several number one hits as a Nashville songwriter and platinum records as a producer. This book is filled with gold nuggets and helps define your target audience.
Survival in the Music-Biz | by Rand Bishop
As an artist, producer, and songwriter with a career spanning over 45 years, Rand Bishop has some stories to tell and does so in a humorous and entertaining way. This is a great behind-the-scenes look at the business that will teach you lots along the way!
Freeing the Writer Within | by Natalie Goldberg
This book is all about unlocking creativity and may just be the best book ever written on the subject. Any writer of any kind needs to read this book!
(Amazon): Paperback | Kindle | Hardcover | Audiobook
A Step-By-Step Course & Workbook | by Sheila Davis
This workbook puts you through exercises that will help you learn, develop, and polish lyric writing techniques.
(Amazon): Paperback
by Julia Cameron
This book is considered one of the best books on creativity ever written. It dives deep into the creative process and takes you on a 12-week course of exercises.
(Amazon): Paperback | Kindle | Hardcover | Audiobook
Inside the Art of Songwriting | by Jimmy Webb
For an extremely deep dive into the craft of songwriting, this book is like looking over the shoulder of a master craftsman to learn both the thinking process and the hands-on techniques to get from idea to polished work. Chapter 7 is a gem in the art of chord substitution.
(Amazon): Paperback | Kindle | Hardcover
by Chas Williams
This is the system Studios in Nashville used to "chart" a song for session musicians. It's a shorthand version of musical notation. Its main advantage is that it's applicable to any key, making last-minute key changes easy. Plus, it's a quick method for writing down your own songs, song arrangements for gigs and covers, etc. Includes CD or download of 10 instrumentals so you can see and hear how the charts work.
(Amazon): Spiral Bound | Kindle
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