In a world full of similarities, it’s the differences that stand out the most”.

When I was studying music theory and composition in high school I remember having a conversation with my music teacher one time about the “rules” we were learning and why we had to learn them.

Being a precocious 15 year old I remember saying “If anything goes in music, why do we have to learn all these rules and structures?”

Being a very knowledgeable and insightful chap my teachers answer was simple and straight to the point. He said to me that “you must first learn the rules in order to break them”.

I was blown away by that statement. All of a sudden it all made sense. My enthusiasm for music theory suddenly doubled (no, tripled) overnight.

What I’m outlining here is that even though the music industry seems to be only wanting young, good looking female singers (who can sing songs of little or no substance) something or someone will always come along and shatter that perception.

The music industry is indeed a constantly changing and dynamic beastie with a voracious appetite for great songs. Always remember, the music industry would die a slow and horrible death if no more songs were written.

It’s the songs we write today that make the music industry what it is tomorrow.

When you are honing your craft, perfecting your process, increasing your songwriting activity and researching your art you’re not doing this to find some magic formula that will make you millions upon millions of dollars. You’re doing the work to multiply the amount of sonic colours you can paint with.

It’s the difference between looking at songwriting as a long term passion or as a short term hobby.

Don’t use the rules and tips that you pick up on your journey as a way of stifling your creativity or to corral your songwriting output into a certain genre. Use them as a point of reference so you know how to do things differently.

Change your direction from time to time and challenge yourself. Don’t be content with formula. Nurture your desire to keep learning.

I hope that in some small way this songwriting blog is of great help to you.

Until next time, happy writing,

Corey Stewart
Singer/Songwriter/Musician

Article Source:
http://songwritingzen.wordpress.com

For more education on careers in the music industry, check out: www.Music-Career-Guide.com

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