1. How to Write Successful Music By: Michael Garcia http://michaelgarcia48.blogspot.com/

2. Why did I choose this topic? My deep interest music The desire to understand the music I listen to and play

3. Music Business Handbook and Career Guide by David Baskerville Discusses the music business and what makes up a hit song Describes key elements to grabbing the attention of listeners Helps songwriters in the publishing process to gain recognition

4. Music Business Handbook and Career Guide by David Baskerville (cont’d) Four key elements to a good song: 1. The song must be memorable 2. Must have immediate appeal 3. Lyrics must have a recognizable theme 4. Must be equally as well written all the way through

5. Interview I interviewed a family friend, Gary Jones who writes music Things I learned from him: Sticking to a musical formula is the easiest way to write If frustration and writer’s block sets in, take a break and come back to it later The music usually comes before the lyrics are formed

6. What I learned Out of all the musician interviews I found, the majority agreed: Don’t get frustrated if it doesn’t come to you all at once Stick to “the math,” or music theory, a theory that relates all music to make it understandable Write the music before the lyrics; it’s much easier Practice, practice, practice!

7. What I would have done differently Researched music theory more Explored different genres Gotten in contact with a famous writer, and not procrastinate Discussed writing techniques rather than so many interviews with famous writers