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Songwriting Lessons

In-home music instruction for kids and adults in Fort Mill, SC and surrounding areas

About our Songwriting Lessons for Kids

Songwriting is part of musicality that often gets overlooked, but not by us! We recognize that writers have a place in the world of music, and that it is very valuable to bring sounds and lyrics we’ve never heard before. It’s invention! We work with our student creators to:

  • Explore the creativity and composition ability of every writer

  • Discover the difference between musical and lyrical composition and the value of combining those skills

  • Find the creators personal voice and writing style, and develop it

  • Create original compositions that are professional grade and ready for use live or in studio

  • Complete a repertoire

Beginning Lessons for Kids

We make learning to write music fun from the very first lesson!

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  • Immersion - Our students will be immersed in different styles and genres of songs so that they can broaden their horizons and be better equipped for finding their own unique voice and style.
     

  • Song structure analyzation - For our younger creators, we know that breaking down the most basic and familiar songs will bring fun and familiarity to the more grown-up task of analyzation. Our older kids will start with basic songs but use some of their own favorites, as well as instructor suggestions, to learn the structure of songs, as opposed to symphonic compositions or poems.
     

  • Poetics - Our students will learn and study poetry, which is the foundation of a song. They will learn the different kinds of poems, and be able to note the difference between that and a song.
     

  • Composition - Our students will be able to write beginning-level songs on their own, utilizing the skills and knowledge they have learned.

Intermediate Lessons for Kids

Once a songwriting student has the foundations and disciplines outlined above:

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  • Genre Analyzation - Student creators will study and analyze the typical stylings of specific genres of music, as well as be introduced to atypical stylings and critique them.
     

  • Personal Voice - Using the knowledge gained in the basic lessons and analyzing genres, student creators will start to nail down their unique musical voices and writing style.
     

  • Song Structure and Poetics II - Our students will study more advanced song structures and poetry.
     

  • Music and Lyrics - Students will learn how to put words to music and vice-versa.
     

  • Composition - Instructors and student creators will critique the students’ songs, compile a repertoire and the student will create at least three new works to add to the repertoire.

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We teach adults too!

You're never too old to learn how to write the next greatest song! Our approach to teaching songwriting to adults is a little different, as we tailor our lessons to the goals and interests of the adult and what they would like to accomplish in their lessons even more. Whether you're writing a song for the very first time or are a skilled lyricist and composer already, our in-home lessons can create a comfortable learning environment to help you:

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  • Reach your personal and professional songwriting goals

  • Gain confidence to have your songs performed in front of an audience

  • Unleash your creativity with your own compositions

Beginning Lessons for Adults

It is never too late to learn to learn to write your own songs, which is why Creative Melodies offers flexible music lesson programs for every adult who wants to learn! Our adult songwriting course for beginners offers:
 

  • Immersion - Our students will be immersed in different styles and genres of songs so that they can broaden their horizons and be better equipped for finding their own unique voice and style.
     

  • Song structure analyzation - Students will start with basic songs but use some of their own favorites, as well as instructor suggestions, to learn the structure of songs, as opposed to symphonic compositions or poems.
     

  • Poetics - Our students will learn and study poetry, which is the foundation of a song. They will learn the different kinds of poems, and be able to note the difference between that and a song.
     

  • Music and Lyrics - Students will learn how to put words to music and vice-versa.

  • Composition. Our students will be able to write beginning-level songs on their own, utilizing the skills and knowledge they have learned.

Intermediate Lessons for Adults

Our adult songwriting course for intermediate students are for those who have written songs before, but have little experience developing their skill:
 

  • Genre Analyzation - Student creators will study and analyze the typical stylings of specific genres of music, as well as be introduced to atypical stylings and critique them.
     

  • Personal Voice - Using the knowledge gained in the basic lessons and analyzing genres, student creators will determine their unique musical voices and writing style.
     

  • Song Structure and Poetics II - Our students will study more advanced song structures and poetry.
     

  • Composition - Instructors and student creators will critique the students’ songs, compile a repertoire and the student will create at least three new works to add to the repertoire.

Advanced Lessons for Adults

Advanced songwriting lessons for adults is for the songwriter who has experience but wants to hone their craft. This course offers a tailored approach to the needs and interests of each student. Songwriters will find that their instructor is willing to adapt their lesson experience and accommodate the busy lifestyle we all have as adults! 
 

  • Repertoire Critique - Instructors will help students to critique and perfect their existing body of works (including songs that are unfinished or have been utilized professionally.)
     

  • Voice Determination - Instructors will help students properly define, streamline and sharpen their unique voice and musical/lyrical styling.
     

  • Push the Envelope - Students will overview song structure, poetics and genre stylings and (within their own genre) experiment with new sounds, structures and lyrical compilations in order to create something unheard of. This will further solidify their voice, as well as do what music does best: invent.
     

  • New Composition - Students will complete at least 5 new songs to add to their repertoire utilizing the skills and knowledge they have learned in the intermediate class, as well as the repertoire and voice work they have already completed.
     

  • Collaboration - Students will learn how to collaborate with other song-writers and/or musicians to formulate and execute songs.

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Additional Opportunities

Open Mic Night

For adult Intermediate and Advanced level students only,:

 

  • Open Mic Night is a different kind of recital for our adult students.
     

  • Students will have the opportunity to perform their original works- or have their original works performed by someone else- in front of a live and un-biased audience.
     

  • This is a fun, exciting and courageous way to show off your hard work!

Advanced Song-writers Forum

Students will be invited to participate in the Advanced Song-Writers Forum (for those with a complete repertoire or comparable experience level), where they can meet other song-writers, critique each other’s work, help finish compositions, have the opportunity to find partners and regular collaborators, form groups/bands, or learn new things. Forums are held once a quarter.

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From our students:

“The kids are truly enjoying your lessons. I find Ayush going to the piano sometimes 2 or 3 times on the weekend (on his own!). We love having music in own house and I love that you are nurturing that in my kids.” 

—  Sweta from Matthews

Ready to start learning?

If you live in the Fort Mill or surrounding area (find out more about our service area on our About page), the easiest way to find out if we're a good match is to try us out with a trial lesson. There's no obligation, and gives you a chance to meet your assigned instructor.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Where do you teach piano lessons?
    We offer in-home piano lessons in Fort Mill, South Carolina and the surrounding area, including: Communities in York County including Riverview, Tega Cay, India Hook, and Red River Indian Land and upper Lancaster County, SC Communities surrounding Charlotte, NC including Pineville, Ballantyne, South Park, Piper Glen Estates, Marvin, Matthews, Waxhaw and Weddington Other areas, including Lake Wylie, Rock Hill, Clover, and more
  • Do you offer piano lessons online?
    Yes, we do! We use modern video conferencing software to connect with students online. We find that the best candidates for a successful online music lesson experience are adults, self-motivated teenagers, and passionate children who really want to learn. A basic understanding of how to play piano can help overcome the initial learning curve best addressed in an in-person setting, but is not necessary in order to begin online lessons. Contact us to see if you're a good fit for online music lessons.
  • What ages do you teach?
    We teach adults of any age and children as young as three years old.
  • What skill levels do you teach?
    Our piano lessons range from no playing experience at all to beginner to intermediate to advanced. We match each student to the instructor best suited to their skill level and goals.
  • What piano instruction curriculum do you teach?
    The short answer is that we customize the curriculum for each student according to their experience level, interests, and goals. Our instructors don't just walk you through the lessons in a book...we use a variety of tools including flash cards, sheet music, and especially with children we often get them out of their seat to play games to help them learn music theory.
  • What happens if I miss a lesson?
    We understand that emergencies happen, as do vacations and holidays. Communication is key to making sure that an instructor doesn't arrive at your residence when you aren't able to keep a lesson (and vice versa if an instructor is sick or has an emergency). You can read a summary of our student policies to find out how to handle reschedulings and make-up lessons, and your Lesson Agreement will detail contact information and information as well.
  • How often do you conduct piano recitals?
    Recitals represent important milestones in a student's education, and our instructors enjoy the opportunity to celebrate our students' accomplishments! Creative Melodies typically hosts a total of around 5 recitals each year combining smaller informal recitals in student family homes or coffee shops as well as formal recitals. Be sure to check out our Recital Gallery page for a glimpse at our recent recitals!
  • How much do lessons cost?
    We aim to make learning to play piano affordable and offer several tuition packages. Our pricing packages vary by lesson duration. You can even split your lesson plan between siblings or instruments!
  • How can I get started?
    The best way to find out if Creative Melodies is right for you is to give us a try! Get in touch for more information or to schedule a trial lesson!

Have more questions?

We'd be happy to connect to answer any of your questions about our songwriting lessons!

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