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Hi Just Plain Folks members, Irwin is here. I am a songwriter I write in many styles and I produce my own (original) songs but I am not a trained musician I can create my beats, (the drums patterns) also I am not a gifted singer but have an amazing vocalist who works with me (she has an awesome voice)

I am in search of a musician who can play various instruments, someone who understands the way songs work, with Chords, bass strings etc. in difference style too (This is for collaboration between me, you (musician) and my vocalist).

I am very optimism that if I find the right person (musician) we will be making some super great song music productions

If interesting please send me an email; freshsongs@gmail.com

I appreciate you taking time to read this

Irwin this post shows growth.

This is what I would do. Buy band in a box. You need to understand music to use band in a box, but you can steal chord progressions from your favorite songs!

Chord progressions can not be copyrighted. So you can Google your favorite songs, get the chords and type them into band in a box, and suddenly you have a track. Then you can try to find your own melody to go on top of that track, have your singer sing the melody after you find it.

Once you get good, you can add your own beats to those tracks, and eventually your own chord progressions.

Rappers don't know anything about music either, but they get alot of help from people who dont get alot of credit.

You could even ask somebody here who has band in a box, give them the chord progressions (that you steal from your favorite songs) and they can make you a track pretty easily.

Once you have a track you can start to put your own ideas to it.

If I were you this is exactly what I would do.

Hey Irwin,

Music isn’t rocket science. A lot can be self-taught. Irving Berlin was a self-taught pianist who preferred to play on the black keys. Didn’t know much about music theory, but wrote many great songs – like “White Christmas”. Not a bad place to start. Most melodies and left-hand counterparts sound fine when using the black keys only. Experiment with them. Take time every day to compose something. You’ll be surprised how you develop musical instincts.

Start learning chords. Start with triads (three note chords). Keep it simple with major & minor chords. You can find chord charts online. Add extra notes creating 6ths and 7ths. You don’t have to know the names of the added note chords. But they’ll become part of your composing tools. Play simple melodies, along with those chords. Keep in mind, if it sounds good, it is good. Not every note has to be analyzed.

I think this would be a good way to start your music education. Also, listen to the great composers like Beethoven, Chopin, Mozart, Bach, etc. Start by listening to their solo piano works.

Last thought… you only have 12 half-tones (and their octaves) to deal with. But these 12 half-tones will never be exhausted. Good luck – and work every day at your craft!

Best, John

For your inspiration Irwin... One of the most beautiful melodies ever composed. Pavane by Ravel: https://www.bing.com/videos/search?...118174C57B505E305C0&&FORM=VRDGAR

When I hear this, everything is right in the World.

Best, John

In addition,

I would study the music that you love. If you love it, it must be good.

Studying modern techno or electro or r@b might be more practical for your style.

If you can get started like I described and you want more there's always music like the great composers to learn from

Sounds to me like your a samples and beat guy.

Always good to see you checking in Irwin! Glad to have you back!

Seems Irvin is gung ho on trying these ideas out....lol

Don't mind us Irvin, we're here for the beer.

Hi Fdemetrio, John, and Brian,

Sorry for the delay.
I read your suggestions and advice and I am very thankful for them all.

Fdemetrio, I think you wrote/said all I need to know like This below:

"Play simple melodies, along with those chords. Keep in mind, if it sounds good, it is good. Not every note has to be analyzed".

Very nice advice. Thank you

Irwin


John, Thank you for this that you wrote below;

"Chord progressions can not be copyrighted. So you can Google your favorite songs, get the chords and type them into band in a box, and suddenly you have a track. Then you can try to find your own melody to go on top of that track, have your singer sing the melody after you find it".

I think that said it all. Now I am asking myself, why haven't I thought about that before.

Irwin


And finally Brian,

You had always been responsive to my post here and I much appreciate the good work that you have put in has in making this forum a place that I could have and still can post my songs and lyrics for other to review and comment on . Thank you Brian.

Irwin

Actually my idea was the chord progressions lol

And you should do that to get started, hope you do!

Hmmm... I listened to that John and found it pretty underwhelming. That is not to disparage in any way, but rather to point out that you don't need to move everyone to move people. Start with yourself. You are the most important critic. Please yourself the best you can then let it loose to find its audience.

A trick I have long taught new writers is to take your best work and listen to it to along with someone you respect. They don't have to be experts. If it holds up to YOU with the pressure of that audience, then you've done well. If you are like most people, for the first time ever, you will hear ALL the things wrong with it at that moment. It doesn't even matter if the person likes it or not. YOU will know. Exceptions: No direct family members or girlfriends/boyfriends. It needs to be someone outside your home. Give it a try. Your mind plays tricks until it's caught. This little trick is an effective way past the tricks your mind can play.

Brian

Hey Brian, the first time I heard this, I was mystified. Captured me forever into the music world. Concert pianist Paul Schocker, my beloved music teacher, played this for me. It was a turning point in my life. RIP Paul. I wish you could see the seed you started growing so many years ago. I would hope I made you proud.

Best, John

John,

Just having you around is all the thanks I need. You're an invaluable part of us and I can't thank you enough!

By the way, the second part of that post you responded to wasn't to you, it was for young writers. You are too old and ornery for that!

I have done exactly that and it is working out. now I want to continue producing my songs more than before. Thanks to you Fdemetrio.

Irwin