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Songwriting:Lessons From A Pro With Over 150 Cuts.

Hi, my name is David. I'm originally from Glasgow, Scotland, but now live just outside of Atlanta, Georgia.

I got my first song cut in 2007, and since then have had over 150 of my songs recorded by numerous artists in Europe. I pretty much write across the board and have had songs cut by Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, Blues, Electronic & R&B artists. I've even had one song recorded by an Opera quartet! Those songs have been on many hit albums and have spent a total of 21 weeks at #1 on the official charts of Switzerland & Austria.

I’ve done all this WITHOUT being signed to a publisher, which means instead of giving away 50% of my royalties, I keep all 100% for myself!

Whether you want to write songs to record yourself or for others (and those can be two very different things), I can help you. I'll tailor the lessons to fit you. We'll work together, perfecting your strengths and building up your weaknesses. I'll show you how to write memorable melodies, heartfelt lyrics and innovative chord progressions. I'll also teach you how today's music business operates.

One thing I learned early in life is that if you want to learn something, learn from someone who has done it already. If you want to be successful in the music business, then learn from someone who has had some success themselves. If they haven't how can they show you how to do it? Just because someone has written hundreds of songs doesn't necessarily mean they know about songwriting. In my lifetime I’ve made thousands of meals for myself, but I’m still a lousy cook! It’s not how many songs you write that’s important - it’s how many good ones you write. With me, you'll learn how to write songs that stand out from the rest.

There's a craft to writing great songs. We all love that initial burst of inspiration when ideas come quicker than we can write them down, but once that burst is over, that's when the craft comes in. It's the craft that adds the polish and can turn a decent song into a great one. The trick is not to polish it too much, and not lose the thing that made you excited about the song in the first place. That's one of the things I'll teach you. Also, if you know how to craft a song, then Writer's Block really becomes a thing of the past.

Success won't happen overnight, but if you’re willing to put in the work, I can show you how to get closer to making a very good living from your music.

I’m not saying that I’m the best songwriter in the world. I’m just saying that I know how to write songs that get cut and I can teach you how to do it too.

I'm always looking for good co-writers, so if there's anyone here who I think is talented maybe that will be something we can look at further down the line.

I look forward to working with you.

Location

Online via webcam

General info

Age:
Children (7-12 years old)
Teenagers (13-17 years old)
Adults (18-64 years old)
Seniors (65+ years old)
Student level:
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Duration:
60 minutes
The class is taught in:English

About Me

I was born and raised in Glasgow, Scotland and now reside just outside Atlanta, Georgia with my wonderful wife, Julia, two-year old son, Andrew, pit bull/boxer dog, Rennie, and Siamese cat, Oban.

I've been a music business professional for over 25 years. I started as a drummer/percussionist, and played with acts as diverse as Rod Stewart, Belle & Sebastian, The Scottish National Orchestra and Stomp.

I've been a professional songwriter since 2007, with over 150 songs recorded by various artists in numerous genres.

My teaching style is to give the student an overall understanding of all aspects of songwriting, but also to tailor the lessons to each individual and move them forward in the shortest possible time.

There is a 'craft' to songwriting - it's not all about inspiration - and that's what I try to teach. It is possible to write a good song without knowing quite how it was done. The problem with that is, if you don't know how you did it it's almost impossible to do it again. That's why there have been so many 'One Hit Wonders'. If you learn the craft of songwriting and understand songwriting techniques then it becomes much easier to repeat the process. Not all of your songs will be great, but they should at least be to a professional standard.

I will take the time to take you where you want to go.

Education

2002-2003 Ico Ico Music Business Management Course
Learned the internal workings of the Music business from Primal Scream
guitarist Jim Beattie. Produced and developed a detailed Business Plan and
formed.a music management company.

1990-1991 Lecturer in Percussive Studies
Lectured at Clydebank College. Taught students from first percussion lessons
through to first recordings and SVQ Qualifications.

1989-1990 Clydebank College Electronic Music and MIDI Course
One Year Course. Awarded over 20 SVQ’s in music related subjects including:
Music Production, Composition, Recording Techniques, and Music Technology.

1982-1987 Privately Taught Drum Lessons
Studied drums and percussion under drumming teacher Charlie Stuart.

Experience / Qualifications

Over 150 songs released by various artists on both major and independent labels

Songs featured on gold and number One albums that have spent a total of 21 weeks at #1 on the official charts of Switzerland and Austria

Seven #1’s on the iTunes charts

Songs released in the US, UK, Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway & Finland

Tracks used in advertisements and TV shows

Winner of 2013 American Songwriter Magazine Lyric Contest

My songs have appeared on compilation albums alongside: Adele, Amy Winehouse, Britney Spears, Chris Brown, Dolly Parton, Janet Jackson, Lil Wayne, Maroon 5, One Republic, Rihanna, Shania Twain, Sheryl Crow, Usher and many other leading artists..

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Availability of a typical week

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from 72.51€Online via webcam

Good-fit Instructor Guarantee


If you are not satisfied after your first lesson, Apprentus will find you another instructor or will refund your first lesson.

Online reputation

  • Instructor since May 2018

Availability of a typical week

(GMT -04:00) New York
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from 72.51€Online via webcam

Good-fit Instructor Guarantee


If you are not satisfied after your first lesson, Apprentus will find you another instructor or will refund your first lesson.

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