Any songwriters here?

[rcguy]

Hi fin,

My songs come from simply sitting at the keyboard, and plunking out some chords. If the progression sounds good, I’ll use that as the foundation for the melody line. After that’s all laid out, the lyrics are written. As far as music theory, that was learned in music college. Hope your future posts will be about those compositions you call your own.

rcguy

 

[I_Believe]

Hi Cat, my apology for the slow reply.

We are different in that I’m a revert and you are a convert. It’s interesting reading your thoughts though, because although all my songwriting was done before I returned to the Church. Now that I’m back, I hesitate to write hymns for the same reasons as yourself. Will mine be "catholic enough "?

And, I’m not sure I even want to write Liturgical music. I’m wanting to continue writing songs that won’t * offend * Catholics, rather than write songs that * sound * Catholic. Shouldn’t be too hard.

As far as your success in writing based on need, congratulations It takes talent to be able to do that well. And if you can write a lyric that moves listeners to tears, you are blessed with a special talent indeed.

I like your idea of starting a catholic coffee house. We actually had one at a local parish back in the eighties. It was a mixture of Folk, Catholic, and Christian songwriters and their bands.

I suppose the nature of the Mass itself prohibits anything “performed”. It is so much different than a protestant service. The Mass is a sacrifice, not a celebration or prayer service. And that is where the problems with the NO come in, vs the TLM. When there is participation on the part of the faithful, it leaves the door open to questionable “additions”.

There are a few catholic singer songwriters and bands out there.
I googled “catholic songwriters” and got some interesting hits. This thread is/was #11 on the results

There seem to be a few internet radio stations that play catholic artists.

Anyhow, thanks for sharing your background, and best wishes for continued success

Charles

 

[I_Believe]

i play the piano but not the guitar. how do you guys compose music and learn music theory?

Hi Fin, I just browse the net guitar sites and learn new chords. Then I find a progression that inspires a melody. I’ll hit the record button and sing whatever comes to mind. When I luck into a decent line or two, I’ll usually jot it down and try to get a first draft of a lyric down.

I’m pretty good at writing the lyrics first, but I have to write them with a melody in mind. Otherwise I’ll have fits putting them to music.

Music theory as it pertains to songwriting isn’t that tough to learn IMO. Just the basics are necessary. Now, if one wants to write for broadway musicals or choirs, then I’d suppose a more formal foundation in theory is needed.

Charles

 

[I_Believe]

Ya know, that’s not a bad idea. It’ll be 10 years this summer.

There ya go !