Songwriting for Everyone

Episode 148 Songwriting 101. Songwriting course for everyone

23 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

8 part songwriting workshop now available on You Tube

Episode #147 - "I Had Some Help"

09 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting - In this episode Joe illustrates how a complete song is created by developing 6 small musical phrases into a complete work through the us...

Episode #146 - Vocal Backing Track #7 "Mixolydian Mode"

08 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting -  This episode features a chord progression based on the  Mixolydian mode.  It is recommended  to improvise vocal and instrumental me...

Episode #145 - Vocal Backing Track #6 " Lydian Mode"

01 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting -  This episode features a chord progression based on the Lydian mode.  It is recommended  to improvise vocal and instrumental melodies...

Episode #144 - Vocal Backing Track #5 "Phrygian Mode"

25 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting -  This episode features a chord progression based on the Phrygian mode.  It is recommended  to improvise vocal and instrumental melodi...

Episode #143 - (FMA) "Voyage"

22 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hi everyone - I am thrilled to announce I have joined the Free Music Archive Website. I have uploaded 85 pieces of music which may be used by anyone i...

Episode #142 - Vocal Backing Track #4

18 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting -  This episode features a chord progression used for hundreds of years in all styles of music. In the key of A minor - Am, G, F and E mi...

Episode #141 - (FMA) "Angel" main theme & finale

14 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hi everyone - I am thrilled to announce I have joined the Free Music Archive Website. I have uploaded 85 pieces of music which may be used by anyone i...

Episode #140 - Vocal Backing Track #3

10 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting - In this episode Joe plays another popular chord progression used in modern music, all styles "6415".  In the key of D Major =...

Episode #139 - Vocal Backing Track #2

04 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting - In this episode Joe plays another popular chord progression used in modern music, all styles "6145".  In the key of C Major =...

Episode #138 - Vocal Backing Track #1

27 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting - In this episode Joe plays the most popular chord progression used in modern music, all styles "1 5 6 4. In the key of C Major = C G...

Episode #137 "Unlimited Lyrics"

09 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting: In this episode Joe explores  the techniques and procedures available giving you the ability to create an endless supply of lyrics.

Episode #136 Duet for Violin & Guitar

18 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hi everyone, this next work in the series  for guitar and various instruments features a dialogue between Violin & Guitar.  I hope you enjoy the...

Episode #135 Soundscape - Verona Park

11 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hi everyone, this next work is a soundscape of a beautiful park in New Jersey. A depiction in sound of following a path around the lake, in the center...

Episode #134 Dialogue #1 - Flute & Guitar

04 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hi everyone, this next work in the series  for guitar and various instruments features a dialogue between Flute. & Guitar.  I hope you enjoy the...

Episode #133 Dialogue #1 - Two Guitars

27 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hi everyone, this next work in the series  for guitar and various instruments features a dialogue between 2 Guitars.  In this composition I feature ...

Episode #132. Dialogue #4 - Flute & Guitar

20 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hi everyone, this next work in the series  for guitar and various instruments features a dialogue between flute and classical guitar.  Hope you enjo...

Episode #131. "Nuages" Duet for Violin & Guitar

12 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hi everyone, for the next series of episodes I would like feature some of my works for guitar, along with various instruments and  ensembles . All my...

Episode #130 - Hidden Signatures - Women Composers -Sister Rosetta Tharpe

05 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Sister Rosetta Tharpe - In this episode and the series that follow, Joe highlights the lives and music of women composers through the centuries, whose...

Episode #129 - Hidden Signatures - Women Composers - Clara Schumann

19 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Clara Schumann - In this episode and the series that follow, Joe highlights the lives and music of women composers through the centuries, whose compos...

Episode #128 - Hidden Signatures - Women Composers - Fanny Mendelssohn

26 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Fanny Mendelssohn - In this episode and the series that follow, Joe highlights the lives and music of women composers through the centuries, whose com...

Episode #127 - Hidden Signatures - Women Composers - Hildegard of Bingen

12 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hildegard of Bingen - In this episode and the series that follow, Joe highlights the lives and music of women composers through the centuries, whose c...

Episode #126 - Songwriter Interview with McKenna Rowe from Nature Loves Courage

06 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriter Interview: In this episode, Joe interviews singer, songwriter, keyboardist, arranger and producer McKenna Rowe, discussing her life and car...

Episode #125 - Songwriter Interview with El Caplan

04 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriter Interview: In this episode, Joe interviews singer, songwriter, arranger and producer El Caplan to discuss his upcoming EP release and the l...

Episode #124 - Songwriting - Compositional Ear Training #5

25 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting: In this episode Joe continues the  combined  studies of ear training and composition, turning one's mind into the instrument of cr...

Episode #123 - Songwriting - Compositional Ear Training #4

18 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting: In this episode Joe continues the  combined  studies of ear training and composition, turning one's mind into an instrument of cre...

Episode #122 - Songwriting - Compositional Ear Training #3

12 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting: In this episode Joe continues the  combined  studies of ear training and composition, turning one's mind into an  instrument of c...

Episode #121 - Songwriting - Compositional Ear Training #2

04 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting: In this episode Joe continues the  combined  studies of ear training and composition, turning one's mind into the instrument of cr...

Episode #120 - Songwriting - Compositional Ear Training

25 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting: In this episode Joe combines the studies of ear training and composition, turning one's mind into the instrument of creativity. The ...

Episode #119 Dialogue #3 "FLUTE & GUITAR"

25 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hi Everyone, as I am working on the next episode, for now I have included one of my compositions which I hope you  will  enjoy -  This is one of th...

Episode #118 - Songwriting - Song Analysis - "IT'LL BE OKAY" Shawn Mendes

10 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting:  In this episode Joe analyzes the song "It'll Be Okay" by Shawn Mendes, Eddie Benjamin, Scott Harris and Michael Sabath. ...

Episode #117 - Songwriting - Song Analysis - "Beat It" Michael Jackson

22 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting:  In this episode Joe analyzes the song "Beat It" by Michael Jackson . This song was chosen in order to highlight the importanc...

Episode #116 - Songwriting - Song Analysis - "Don't Stop Believin"

17 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting:  In this episode Joe analyzes the song "Don't Stop Believin" by Jonathan Cain, Neal Schon and Steve Perry of Journey.  I...

Episode #115 - Songwriting - Song Analysis - "Shivers" Ed Sheeran

31 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting:  In this episode Joe analyzes the song "Shivers" by Ed Sheeran, Johnny McDaid, Steve Mac and Kai Lavelle.   Through detailed ...

Episode #114 - Songwriting - Alternative Keys

02 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting: In this episode Joe introduces the concept of creating your own keys based on synthetic and exotic scales, opening a vast reservoir of ma...

Episode #113 - Songwriting - Improvising Unlimited Melodies #12

22 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting: In this episode Joe continues this ongoing study, creating an unlimited amount of melodies through  various musical techniques . This ep...

Episode #112 - Songwriting - Improvising Unlimited Melodies #11

16 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting: In this episode Joe continues this ongoing study, creating an unlimited amount of melodies through  various musical techniques . This ep...

Episode #111 - Songwriting - Improvising Unlimited Melodies #10

09 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting: In this episode Joe continues this ongoing study, creating an unlimited amount of melodies through  various musical techniques . This ep...

Episode #110 - Songwriting - Song Analysis - "Easy On Me"- Adele

02 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting:  In this episode Joe analyzes the song "Easy On Me" by Adele Adkins and Greg Kurstin.  In this episode, through analysis, we ...

Episode #109 - Songwriting - Improvising Unlimited Melodies #9

22 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting: In this episode Joe continues this ongoing study, creating an unlimited amount of melodies through  various musical techniques . This ep...

Episode #108 - Songwriting - Improvising Unlimited Melodies #8

19 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting: In this episode Joe continues this ongoing study, creating an unlimited amount of melodies through  various musical techniques . This ep...

Episode #107 - Songwriting - Improvising Unlimited Melodies #7

12 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting: In this episode Joe continues the study of the creation of an unlimited amount of melodies through  various musical techniques .  These...

Episode #106 - Songwriting - Improvising Unlimited Melodies #6

04 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting: In this episode Joe continues the study of the creation of an unlimited amount of melodies through  various musical techniques .  These...

Episode #105 - Songwriting - Improvising Unlimited Melodies #5

28 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting: In this episode Joe continues the study of the creation of an unlimited amount of melodies through  various musical techniques .  These...

Episode #104 - Songwriting - Improvising Unlimited Melodies #4

21 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting: In this episode Joe continues the study of the creation of an unlimited amount of melodies through  various musical techniques .  These...

Episode #103 - Songwriting - Improvising Unlimited Melodies #3

14 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting: In this episode Joe continues the study of the creation of an unlimited amount of melodies through  various musical techniques .  These...

Episode #102 - Songwriting - Improvising Unlimited Melodies #2

07 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting: In this episode Joe continues the study of the creation of an unlimited amount of melodies through  various musical techniques .  These...

Episode #101 - Songwriting - Song Analysis - "BILLIE BOSSA NOVA" Billie Eilish

23 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting:  In this episode Joe analyzes the song "BILLIE BOSSA NOVA" by Billie (Eilish) O'Connell and Finneas O'Connell. This ...

Episode #100 - Songwriting - Song Analysis - "Bad Habits" by Ed Sheeran

19 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting:  In this episode Joe analyzes the song "Bad Habits" by Ed Sheeran, Johnny McDaid and Fred Gibson. This composition is a master...

Episode #99 - Songwriting - Kate Schutt Interview

06 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting:  In this episode Joe interviews award-winning singer, songwriter, guitarist, and arranger Kate Schutt. Winner of the 2007 John Lennon so...

Episode #98 - Songwriting - Song Analysis - "Butter" by BTS

17 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting:  In this episode Joe analyzes the song "Butter", written by Jenna Andrews, Alex Bilowitz, Sebastian Garcia, Robert Grimaldi, N...

Episode #97- Songwriting - Improvising Unlimited Melodies #1

10 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting: In this episode Joe outlines various methods for  the creation of  unlimited  melodies. He shows the development of a basic motive int...

Episode #96 - Songwriting - Song Analysis - "Dynamite" by BTS

26 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting:  In this episode Joe analyzes the song "Dynamite" written by David Stewart and Jessica Agombar. This is the bands first fully ...

Episode #95 - Songwriting - Song Analysis - "All of Me" - John Legend

12 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting:  In this episode Joe analyzes the song "All of Me" by John Stephens (John Legend) and Toby Gad. This composition is a masterpi...

Episode #94- Songwriting - Mixing Major and Minor Keys "Nothing Compares 2 U"

30 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting:  In this episode Joe illustrates how through the mixing of major and minor keys, the possibilities for constructing unlimited chord prog...

Episode #93 - Songwriting - Unlimited Chords, Progressions, Songs #8

22 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting: In this episode Joe continues a series of podcasts that combine harmony, ear training and improvisation in the creation of song  section...

Episode #92 - Songwriting - "drivers license" - Olivia Rodrigo

09 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting:  In this episode Joe analyzes the song "drivers license" by Olivia Rodrigo and Daniel Nigro. If ever a song should be analyzed...

Episode #91 - Songwriting- Unlimited Chords & Progressions, Songs #7

01 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting: In this episode Joe continues a series of podcasts that combine harmony, ear training and improvisation in the creation of song  section...

Episode #90 -Songwriting - Unlimited Chords & Progressions, Songs #6

22 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting: In this episode Joe continues a series of podcasts that combine harmony, ear training and improvisation in the creation of song  section...

Episode #89 - Songwriting - Unlimited Chords & Progressions, Songs #5

15 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting: In this episode Joe continues a series of podcasts that combine harmony, ear training and improvisation in the creation of song  section...

Episode #88 - Songwriting -"Save Your Tears" - The Weeknd

08 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting:  In this episode Joe analyzes the song "Save Your Tears" by The Weeknd. This song is an amazing textbook example of modern son...

Episode #87 - Songwriting - Unlimited Chords, Progressions, Songs #4

01 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting: In this episode Joe continues a series of podcasts that combine harmony, ear training and improvisation in the creation of song  section...

Episode #86 - Songwriting - Unlimited Chords, Progressions, Songs #3

21 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting: In this episode Joe continues a series of podcasts that combine harmony, ear training and improvisation in the creation of song  section...

Episode #85 - Songwriting - Unlimited Chords, Progressions, Songs #2

12 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting: In this episode Joe continues a series of podcasts that combine harmony, ear training and improvisation in the creation of song  section...

Episode #84 - Songwriting - Unlimited Chords, Progressions, Songs #1

04 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting: In this episode Joe begins a series of podcasts that combine harmony, ear training and Improvisation  in the creation of song  sections...

Episode #83 - Songwriting - Tension & Calm / Dark & Light

21 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting: In this episode Joe describes how, through the creation  of " Tension and Calm" "Consonance and Dissonance",  a fl...

Episode #82 - Songwriting - "Monster" Shawn Mendes & Justin Bieber

08 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting:  In this episode Joe analyzes the song " Monster" by Shawn Mendes, Justin Bieber, Adam King Feeney,  Ashton Simmonds and Must...

Episode #81 - Songwriting - "Holy" Justin Bieber & Chance the Rapper.

20 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting:  In this episode Joe analyzes the song " Holy" by Justin Bieber, Chancellor Bennett (AKA Chance the Rapper), Jonathan Bellion,...

Episode #80- Songwriting - Song Analysis: "Adore You" Harry Styles

04 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting: In this episode Joe analyzes the song "Adore You".   This work by Tyler Johnson, Amy Allen, Tom Holland and Harry Styles is a ...

Episode #79 - Songwriting - Ostinato

11 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting: In this episode Joe describes how, through the use of Ostinato in all forms and genres of music, we have a technique that offers an unlim...

Episode #78 - Songwriting - Pedal Tones

30 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting: In this episode Joe describes how, through the use of pedal tones, the sound,  directional pull, and overall effect of the chords you ch...

Episode #77 - Songwriting - Song Analysis: "Rain On Me"

21 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Joe analyzes the song "Rain On Me" sung by Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande. iIt was written by Stefani Germanotta, Ariana Grande...

Episode #76 - Songwriting - Alternative Chords - Chords by 5ths

31 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting: In this episode Joe describes the construction of chords by the interval of the 5th and its use in creating new tonal colors and movement...

Episode #75 - Songwriting - "Cardigan" Taylor Swift

17 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Joe examines the song "Cardigan" by Taylor Swift and Aaron Dessner, which is a masterpiece of modern songwriting constructio...

Episode #74- Songwriting - Quartal Harmony -Chords by 4ths

03 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting: In this episode Joe describes the construction of chords by the interval of the 4th (Quartal Harmony) and its use in creating new tonal c...

Episode #73 - Songwriting - Chord Extensions and Substitutions.

23 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting: In this episode Joe lists and explains the use of chord extensions and substitutions for basic triads, adding shades of color and and/or ...

Episode #72 - Songwriting - Song Analysis: "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds"

13 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting: One of the most written about songs in music history is John Lennon's  "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds". Mirroring the abs...

Episode #71 - Songwriting - Combining Melody & Chords

01 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting: In this episode Joe discusses the way composers and soloists use certain techniques to create melodies against chords or support the melo...

Episode #70 - Songwriting - Intervals, Motives and Melody

24 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting: In this episode, Joe discusses how intervals and motives opening a composition, or supporting the meaning and emotion of a lyric, can mak...

Episode #69 - Songwriting - Motives into Sections

17 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting: In this episode Joe examines the techniques of Motivic Development into musical phrases and Sections. By combining these motivic phrases,...

Episode #68 - Songwriting - Melody First - The "MOTIVE"

10 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting: In this episode Joe examines the techniques of Motivic Development into musical phrases: repetition, sequence, augmentation, diminution, ...

Episode #67 - Songwriting - Song Analysis: "Stuck with U"

03 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting: In this episode Joe analyzes Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber's "Stuck with U".  Here we have a textbook example of modern...

Episode #66 - Songwriting - Borrowed Chords - Modal Interchange.

27 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting: In this episode Joe examines the technique of borrowing chords from one key into another in order to create a never-ending reservoir of i...

Episode #65 - Songwriting - Song Analysis: "Moon River"- Emotion & Dissonance

20 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting: In this episode Joe analyzes Henry Mancini' classic  "Moon River". Highlighted is the connection between varying degrees ...

Episode #64 - Songwriting - Song Analysis: "Born to Run" Bruce Springsteen

13 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting: In this episode Joe analyzes Bruce Springsteen's classic "Born to Run".  This song elevated him to superstar status. A te...

Episode #63 - Songwriting - Song Analysis: "Imagine" by John Lennon

06 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting: In this episode Joe analyzes John Lennon's classic ode to peace for all the people of the world.  Poetry and music are fused into o...

Episode #62 - Songwriting - Song Analysis: "Yesterday" by Paul McCartney

29 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting: In this episode Joe analyzes one of the most covered and recorded songs in modern music history. Innovative and revolutionary in it'...

Episode #61 - Songwriting - Famous Chords and Progressions

22 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting: In this episode of "Songwriting For Everyone", Joe analyzes the chords and progressions from two famous songs - "Hotel Cal...

Episode #60 - Songwriting - Song Analysis: "My Girl" by The Temptations

15 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting: In this episode Joe analyzes a true classic of modern songwriting. Discussed are such topics as - melody, rhythm and harmonic hooks as we...

Episode #59 - Songwriting - Song Analysis: "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson

08 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting: In this episode Joe analyzes one of the most famous songs of all times - Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean". Topics and techn...

Episode #58 - Songwriting - Song Analysis: "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen

01 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting: In this episode Joe analyzes the classic work "Hallelujah". Discussed is the abstract symbolism of the lyrics which have been a...

Episode #57 - Songwriting - The "HOOK"

25 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Songwriting : In this Podcast Joe discusses the importance of motivic hooks at every level of a song's construction: rhythm, harmony, melody, acc...

Episode #56 - Songwriting - Analysis: "Crazy" by Willie Nelson

18 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Songs through Time, Joe analyzes one of the greatest songs in country music. Composed by Willie Nelson and sung by Patsy Cline, the...

Podcast #55 - Songwriting - Songs Through Time - "Frottola" - 1525

12 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of "Songs Through Time" Joe analyzes and discusses  Frottola - Italian songs of the 16th century. Highlighted are the simil...

Episode #54 - Songwriting - Analysis: " No Time To Die" by Billie Eilish

04 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this Episode Joe analyzes the new James Bond theme, "No Time To Die", by Billie (Eilish) O'Connell  and Finneas O'Connell - a ...

Podcast #53 : Songwriting - Rhythmic Layer #3 "Melody"

26 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Joe discusses the 3rd rhythmic layer - melody. It may be the main melody or the countermelodies, such as the baseline, high strings, p...

Episode #52- Songwriting : Rhythmic Layer #2 - Harmony

19 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast Joe discusses how modern songwriters / producers fuse rhythm and harmony into the foundation of all that follows. He investigates the ...

Episode #51- Songwriting : Rhythm - Layer #1

12 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast Joe discusses how modern songwriters / producers fuse rhythm and harmony into the foundation of all the following: melody, background ...

Episode #50 - Songwriting - Analysis: "IM SO LONESOME I COULD CRY" by Hank Williams

05 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Songs Through Time  1949 - Joe analyzes the  songwriting techniques of Hank Williams, one of the greatest songwriters of the 20th...

Episode #49 - Songwriting Analysis - Program music and You Tube

29 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Joe shows how by combining your music and various art forms such as :painting, poetry, photography, sculpture, literature, film and ar...