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Songwriting Music Theory 101

Debbie Ridpath Ohi By Debbie Ridpath Ohi

© 2001 - 2002, Debbie Ridpath Ohi. All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission.

You don't have to know music theory to become a successful songwriter. In addition, knowing music theory won't guarantee that you'll succeed, either. Then why bother? you may be wondering. My answer: Because it can't hurt. And it will likely make you a better songwriter.

"Ack!", I can hear some of you already crying out. "I remember music theory back in school. I fell asleep during the class and dreamed that I was still in class, so I woke up from sheer boredom!" Believe it or not, the learning process doesn't have to involve acts of self-torture. It might even be fun. :-)

Using plenty of examples, illustrations, and cartoons, I'll be guiding you step-by-step through the fundamentals of basic music theory, always with a focus on how everything can be applied to your songwriting.

A short bio

Articles:

A short bio:
Debbie Ridpath Ohi is a freelance writer, editor, and songwriter living in Toronto, Canada. She performs with the folk group, Urban Tapestry, and her songs have been aired on national radio. Debbie taught piano and theory lessons to adults and children for over twenty years, and successfully completed the theoretical requirements of her ARCT degree at the Royal Convservatory of Music in Toronto. Her book, The Writer's Online Marketplace was published in Jan/2001 by Writer's Digest Books.

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