Songlab: A Songwriting Playbook for Teens

by Alex Forbes

Created exclusively with and for teen musicians, this hands-on, step-by-step program uses insight, enthusiasm, and humor to teach teens how to brainstorm ideas, craft effective lyrics, and put those lyrics to music. An award-winning and Billboard-charting songwriter and teacher, Alex Forbes has taught dozens of teens via her Manhattan workshops and coaching sessions how to turn their thoughts and feelings into incisive, evocative songs. Her music has also been heard in feature films and on TV shows like MTV’s smash teen docudrama, The Hills. Chapter by chapter, Alex goes through the basic elements of the craft, including song form and dynamics, lyrics and melodies, chord construction, and killer hooks. Filled with lots of fun exercises to strengthen your abilities and your confidence, Songlab is the ideal teen’s guide to making your songwriting dreams come true!

Genres: Music

136 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 16, 2013

Reviews

[Senka Hodžić · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book dealing with songwriting pedagogy I had the chance to read. Excellent introduction to songwriting for teenagers and young adults. Explanations made easy without the necessity to read musical notes. Plenty of useful advice and resources from the author, accomplished songwriter herself. Highly recommended!

[AP · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intended audience is teenagers starting to write songs. She had many great ideas on how to analyze songs like mapping the vocal melody with the lyrics. She seems to know what she's doing. Rating is 3.5 rounded up to 4. I did not feel more motivated by this book, but I think that my lack of motivation is my own personal issue. If my favorite composer is Beethoven, I just need to become ok with the fact that I may never measure up to him. I can still write lame little ditties but will have to accept where I am while aspiring for more.