Expressing yourself in song

Writing a song is a great way to enjoy composing music. The important thing is that you have fun doing it.

So, grab an instrument if you have one, warm up your voice and let's get to it!

Composing is all about experimenting and finding out what works and what doesn't.

Give yourself time to play and try lots of different ideas.

Starting points for songs can be very different. It could be:

• a sequence of chords
• a line of lyrics
• a guitar riff
• a drum beat
• or even just a feeling

When you get a spark of inspiration or an idea you like, start playing about with that idea and see where it takes you. One idea can quickly lead to another and another and… you get the point!

It's time to think about lyrics - the words for your song.

Lyrics can really make a song memorable and stand out.

Watch how Mwaksy gets on, when she learns what lyrics are with Cloggs.

When writing a song, it's easier to use one instrument, like the piano or guitar, to create the melody or pitch.

However, the final version of your song may include lots of different instruments and not the piano or guitar at all!

Instrumentation means:

• thinking about what instruments will play your music
• deciding where the instruments play during the song
• what notes they play

Remember, you don't need every instrument to play all the time.

Every song has a great melody. Experimenting with your melody and exploring different ideas is all part of the composing process. You will know when you get the right notes in the right order!

Watch Mwaksy and Mr Smith explore melody in this clip.

You may have lots of ideas now, but don't feel you have to use them all.

Think about how you want to structure your song, which ideas to use and where. This may mean repeating some ideas or leaving some ideas for another song.

Most modern pop songs follow the verse - chorus - verse structure. Lightning Jelly's song 'Bang, Bang, Boom, Boom' follows this simple structure.

Think about how you combine or change your ideas.

• Adding a melody on top of a chord progression can turn something a little boring into something great.
• Try playing your idea in different rhythms.
• Play it faster or slower depending on how you want the song to feel.

Remember, experimenting is the key to composing in music.

One of the best parts of composing a song, is that you can start a band with friends and play it over and over.

Play your song to a friend or family member. You can ask them to tell you what was good about it and what needs more work.

Listen carefully to the things they say, even if you disagree. Sometimes, watching their facial expressions whilst they listen, is a good way to understand which parts they liked or need a bit of work.

When you feel your song is ready you can perform it or record it, so you and your band mates can listen back to it whenever you want!