Keen on Music Publishing

Where can I find instruction, professional feedback and critique on my songs?

Michelangelo's motto was, "Ancora imparo." In English it translates into, "I am still learning." 1[1] Norman Vincent Peale wrote, "The problem with most of us is that we would rather be ruined by praise than saved by criticism." 1[1] In the Holy Bible, the book of Proverbs 9:9 states, "Give instruction to a wise man and he will be yet wiser."

We have always been saddened to hear a writer declare that they aren't open to feedback, that their songs are already perfect. A common statement from neophyte Christian songwriters goes something like this, "God gave me this song. Don't tell me I need to rewrite it. "

An appropriate response might be, "God gives us bad breath in the morning too. Does that mean we don't need to brush our teeth?"

Craftsmanship is as essential to the creative process as inspiration. Perhaps it's easier to visualize the need if we compare songwriting to the art and craft of making pottery. If you have a vision for a gorgeous vase, the clay still just sits there on the wheel until you transform your abstract vision into a tangible form by using your hands and tools to shape the clay.

"Shaping" your songs is like any other craft; it requires study and practice. The wise and motivated writer will seek guidance and instruction for the duration of their career or they won't have one. There are many sources of feedback and instruction. For a staff songwriter at a publishing company the process is built into their relationship with their publisher. Even then it can be helpful to read books and articles on the songwriting craft and to attend workshops. Most workshops are available to published and unpublished songwriters.

Another advantage to attending workshops is the expansion of your contact network. By fellowshipping with other writers and instructors you can establish relationships and connections that can prove beneficial in connecting your songs with appropriate artists to record them.

Recently, on-line communities of songwriters have sprung up which include options for critique and feedback. This can be very useful for the writer who lives in an area devoid of many resources or the writer who prefers to work at odd hours.

In selecting workshops and other forums for critique and feedback it is crucial to scrutinize the credentials of those conducting the workshop or offering the service. Many individuals or groups who conduct workshops and conferences have experienced very modest success and are hoping to lure you into hiring their services so that they can derive income from some semblance of the music business. Their appeal to you will push your emotional buttons and prey upon your ignorance. They may present themselves as the perfect antidote to claims (interestingly enough, made by them) that the music industry is ineffective, inefficient or uninterested in you. That is a classic sham.

Not only must you look for credibility in their resume or discography but you are looking for a good match; you need expertise and contacts with regard to the type of music you create. Not only do you seek professional knowledge and legitimate success in the presenters but musical compatibility between them and yourself. An extreme example of a mismatch would be for a church music writer to attend a workshop led by a successful honky tonk songwriter. Another folly would be to attend some sort of so-called "Indie" event when your goal is to land a contract with a legitimate music industry publisher. Judging the character of these presenters (or yourself) is not the issue. It's a matter of goal compatibility.

If your goals include receiving instruction and feedback from creative Christians who have enjoyed success in the music industry (including mainstream pop, rock and country as well as the Christian music industry) then it makes sense for you to consider involving yourself in the programs offered by the Gospel Music Association (GMA). The GMA Academy offers workshops at various times and locations throughout every year. The GMA's demo critiquing service is also available on an ongoing basis.

ASCAP offers a multitude of creative services as well. They will be glad to guide you towards credible workshops and other music business educational events involving writers and publishers whose credibility and integrity can be trusted. ASCAP's I Create Music Expo is the only known national music conference dedicated solely to songwriters and composers.

Copyright 2007 Dan Keen. All Rights Reserved
1[1] Condavi, Ascanio (trans. A. Sedgewick) (1999) The Life of Michelangelo
State College, PA: Penn State University Press
1[1] Agel, J. (Ed). (1987) Pearls of Wisdom New York, NY: Harper & Row