Songwriter Career Overview
For those who have a passion for music, one of the most fulfilling career options is to become a songwriter. Songwriters work in a variety of music genres, including pop, dance, country, alternative rock, jazz, theater, and hip hop, to name a few. Though having a musical talent is one of the key skills to get into this field, it takes more than just having the skills to know how to become a songwriter in the music industry.
Song writers, or composers, create original music and lyrics performed by singers, musical groups and bands. Many composers create music for a particular genre. Some may write music for theater productions or produce jingles for commercials. Competition for jobs in this field can be strong, and work may not be available on a full-time basis.
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Depending on how far you're looking to go in your career, whether you're looking for side gigs or a full-time job, it may take more time and effort. Obtaining freelance gigs may have a different path when compared to learning how to become a songwriter for a record label, which could take some time as labels may have songwriter requirements or certain qualifications they're looking for.
| Degree Level | Bachelor's degree (for classical songwriters) |
| Degree Fields | Music composition, music theory, arranging, lyric writing |
| Experience | Experience playing the guitar, piano, or other instrument can be beneficial |
| Key Skills | Musical talent, creativity, and discipline; strong communication skills; knowledge of music composition software; ability to use mixers and synthesizers |
| Median Salary (2019) | $51,670 (for composers and music directors) $30.39 per hour (for singers) |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Song writers should have musical talent, creativity, strong communication skills, discipline, knowledge of music composition software and the ability to use mixers and synthesizers. In 2019, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found that music directors and composers earned a median annual wage of $51,670, while musicians and singers earned a median pay of $30.39 per hour.
How to Become a Songwriter
Before learning how to become a singer songwriter, you'll need to know how to song write. You'll also need to become familiar with the musical terms that apply for your area of work. You can do so by enrolling in a music program. It's also important to inform yourself on how to protect your work so you know what to do after writing a song, especially if you're submitting samples to producers or record labels. You can copyright your music through the U.S. Copyright Office. This will prevent others from taking your ideas and using them for monetary gain.
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Before putting your work into the hands of professional industry leaders, you might want to refine your skills by improving lyric creation and composing abilities. Learn how to craft a song with the correct placement of choruses and verses. Practice that song by performing it in front of a group to test out the sound. To perfect the song further, book a recording session or purchase a DAW (digital audio workstation) to use on your own computer. With the DAW software, you'll be able to record and edit your song and even add in extra sounds and effects to make your song complete and unique.
Learn to Play an Instrument
Before learning to write music and enrolling in a bachelor's degree program, song writers often learn to play an instrument at an early age. Whether it's the guitar, piano or other instrument, learning to play music can help individuals develop an ear for pitch and give them an understanding of melody and harmony. Some may choose to enroll in private lessons, while others begin playing in a school band or orchestra.
While not exactly the same as composing music, writing poetry can give students an idea of how to express their thoughts and feelings through words. Poetry classes may be offered in high school and can help students develop skills in poetic rhythm and lyric creation.
Complete a Degree Program
Individuals interested in developing their compositional skills can enroll in a bachelor's degree program in musical composition or theory. These programs teach students how to identify and analyze compositional formats and techniques. Courses may cover areas involving keyboarding, music history and analysis, music theory, aural skills, orchestration and composition. These programs may also offer opportunities for students to create original compositions and have them performed.
To apply to a music composition program, students generally need to provide a sample of original recorded music. This requires experience composing music prior to enrollment.
Make Industry Contacts
It's important for song writers to have their work heard by producers and agents. While writers can send their work to record agencies, they can also find musicians to perform their work. Some writers may even choose to use their musical talents to perform their own music in clubs and other venues. They may also enter into song writing competitions to gain notoriety. Contacts can also be made via social media networking and through collaborations with other song writers, performers and industry insiders.
Join Professional Organizations
Song writers can become members of professional organizations, such as the Songwriters Guild of America. This organization is designed to protect the rights of song writers and help them improve their skills. Members have the opportunity to attend seminars, workshops and network with other industry professionals.
What Skills Do I Need to Be a Songwriter?
So, what skills do you need to become a songwriter? While there are no technical requirements for professional song writers, many choose to begin learning how to play an instrument early before completing a degree program in music composition or a similar field and then either playing their own music or finding a musician who can attract the attention of industry professionals. While there are no standard requirements, singer songwriters may have certain skills that could assist in becoming successful:
- Musical talent - singing ability or playing an instrument
- Communication skills - ability to work with producers and other musicians
- Promotional skills - ability to promote music to gain popularity and fans
