A guitarist playing their instrument near a pond.

How to Write Better Chord Progressions

I love it when songs just fall out. If I could write every song without consciously applying a single tool of the craft, I would. Tools are hard work, and let’s face it, I’d rather be lazy.

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Beginning Songwriting

I recently finished a new book with co-author Jan Stolpe called “Beginning Songwriting,” and I’d like to talk about its contents here.

Songwriting Outside the Box

We all have a particular style of writing, whether we’re aware of it or not. Our style supersedes genre, and characteristics of it bleed through.

Networking Tips for Songwriters

One of the first questions I ask songwriters and artists I work with is, “what are you doing to network with other writers and artists?”

A person's hand holding a shell in a pool of water.

How to Use Sensory Language in Song Lyrics

Berklee Online songwriting instructor Andrea Stolpe teaches you how to use sensory language in your lyrics to write more vivid songs.

Lyric Writing Roadblocks and How to Overcome Them

As our newest creative group is about to get underway, I’m thinking about some of the frustrations they’ve expressed with their writing and how to guide them through these challenges.

A woman standing on a mountaintop.

5 Steps to More Songwriting Inspiration

There are a few things we songwriters can do to increase the odds we’ll write something slightly more rare and coveted than our average gleaning.

Student Spotlight: Lindsay Ell

Lindsay Ell has played on stage with Buddy Guy and Keith Urban. But did you know that the rising country music songstress is also a Berklee Online alum?

How to Turn Your Rough Draft Demos into Finished Songs

It’s easy for me to advise you to finish all of your productions, no matter what, but what exactly are the steps to getting your tracks done?