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Lessons and Tidbits

 FROM EASTSIDE MUSIC SCHOOL

Songwriting 104: Song Forms Explored

Songwriting 104: Song Forms Explored

Note: this content was originally featured in the 7 Day Songwriting Challenge – a course created by Jamey Cummins and Alex Ballentine at Eastside Music School. We’ve made it free with the hopes that curious songwriters might learn something new. If you find this post...

Songwriting 103: All About Lyrics

Songwriting 103: All About Lyrics

Note: this content was originally featured in the 7 Day Songwriting Challenge – a course created by Jamey Cummins and Alex Ballentine at Eastside Music School. We’ve made it free with the hopes that curious songwriters might learn something new. If you find this post...

Are Guitar Lessons Worth It?

Are Guitar Lessons Worth It?

Are Guitar Lessons Worth It? This question comes up a lot among guitarists who’re just starting out or are self taught. The answer is “it depends”. It’s certainly true that there’s a ton of free content available for guitarists looking to teach themselves. Depending on your goals, free online lessons may be all you need. But if you’re serious about taking your playing to the next level, there’s no substitute for a great guitar teacher. 

Songwriting 102: How to Write a Memorable Melody

Songwriting 102: How to Write a Memorable Melody

There’s a lot of mystery surrounding what makes a great melody. There’s no one formula, yet we all recognize a good hook when we hear it. In this video, Eastside Music teacher discusses the elements of melody. You’ll learn about the major scale as well as using blue notes, or notes outside of the major scale to create melodic tension and release. Jamey also offers some strategies for crafting your own melodies

Demystifying the Voice

Demystifying the Voice

By: Samantha Wood The human voice is a fascinating and unique instrument.  Why is it unique?  Well, for one thing, it lives within us.  And for another, it is an instrument you have been carrying around, practicing, and experimenting with since the day you were born,...

Songwriting 101: How to write Chord Progressions

Songwriting 101: How to write Chord Progressions

When it comes to chord progressions, the sky’s the limit. There are no hard and fast rules, and if it sounds good to your ears, it works! But there are few tendencies to keep in mind to help your chord progressions function logically. What follows is an explanation of how chords tend to function in a major key.