From the course: Music Theory for Songwriters: The Fundamentals

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The importance of song form

The importance of song form

From the course: Music Theory for Songwriters: The Fundamentals

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The importance of song form

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- I can't sit here in good conscience at this piano and talk about the music theory of songwriting without discussing song form. The study of any art leads to the analysis of form, and music is no exception. Form in music is how we structure melodic, harmonic, rhythmic, and in the case of a song, lyrical content. It gives our ideas shape and provides them with function. Songwriting is a tradition that is subject to culture and the values of a culture at a given time contribute to the estimation of what makes a song great. Now when I say great, I'm not using the word to describe whether I like something or not. I'm using it to describe a song as being effective. The goal of most songs, and therefore most songwriters, is the same regardless of genre, to present a coherent musical experience that transports the listener from beginning to end. Great songs are the bridge that bring the listener into the world of the songwriter.…

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