When a song connects with listeners in such a deep and powerful way that it transcends the realm of “hit” to become a bona fide international phenomenon, it is an incredible accomplishment for both the artist and the writer. But what makes a song so special that it can capture people’s attention for such an extended period of time? In this workshop, we will explore some of the key factors that have allowed some songs to transcend the ordinary and achieve unprecedented levels of success.
A song is a vocal composition that can be performed solo (a cappella), with a group of singers such as a duet or trio, or even larger groups such as a choir or a full orchestra. While the term “song” may seem a bit broad, it is generally accepted that any piece of music with a vocal component can be considered a song.
Most songs follow a predictable structure with a verse, chorus, and bridge. Some songs, however, don’t follow a cyclical verse-chorus pattern and instead break off into a unique bridge section at the end that doesn’t loop back to previous sections (like Radiohead’s “There, There”).
Regardless of which song structure you choose, it is important to have a clear understanding of the fundamental components of a song in order to write effective lyrics and melodies. Every song you hear is an opportunity to develop a more heightened appreciation of how different artists incorporate these common elements into their work.