In this interview with Susan Cattaneo we discuss:
- Writing lyrics that are open to interpretation
- How to grow as a writer through co-writing
- When to apply craft / technique and when to use inspiration in the writing process
- How to apply metaphor in your songs
- How to use a double chorus in your songs
- What makes a great song
- The importance of being part of a music community
- How to get really good as a songwriter
- Common mistakes songwriters make
- How to make a connection with your listeners
- How to get past writer’s block
- The most important things to keep in mind when writing lyrics and melodies
- How to avoid improperly stressing your lyrics
- How to listen to and analyze a song to learn from it
- How to apply metaphor in your songs
- The importance of being part of a music community
Press play below to listen to it now:
About Susan Cattaneo
Susan Cattaneo has been a songwriting professor at Boston’s prestigious Berklee College of Music for over 15 years. She’s written songs covered by numerous artists in Nashville, and her tunes helped launch the careers of Jillian Cardanelli and Erica Nicole. She has also released several albums of her own upbeat, catchy pop-country music. You can learn more about here at her website: http://susancattaneo.com/
5 replies to "An Interview with a Berklee Songwriting Professor"
Good of you to share Anthony.Thanks to you and Susan.I believe in recording true performances.(The public knows; even though not often fancy performances)Longevity is important..Sincerely,J.D.Sage
Thanks.Good points.
Thank you very much for sharing this Anthony and Thank you Susan..Great points
Huge amt of great reflections and tips on crafting songs…thanks so much!
Thank you very much for sharing this interview Anthony! I’m always interested and listening to Berklee songwriting professors as they have so much to offer.