Musical Composition, Theory, Songwriting, and Singing/Expert Profile

Daniel Johnson

Available

Expertise

I can answer questions on verse and chorus construction. I can answer questions on lyric and melody writing. I can suggest ways to overcome writers block and to spark a creative flow. I can`t answer advanced questions about notation or music theory. I can`t answer questions about composing classical music or eastern music.

Experience in the area

I am an active songwriter and have been writing off and on for over 35 years. I have written and performed in a wide variety of styles, including folk, rock, pop, bluegrass, country, old school R&B and soul. Over the years I've performed my original songs in a variety of bands, duos and solo in the USA, Canada, Europe and Central America.

Publications

I co-author a songwriting newsletter, the Songwriter's Tip Jar and I started an online songwriter forum also called Songwriter's Tip Jar.

Education/Credentials

I studied classical music at Penn State University as well as guitar, jazz and theory with several excellent private teachers.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

My goal is to bring songwriters together - songwriters all over the world, of all ages, genres and levels, to support each other, learn from one another and lift everyone's skills and knowledge.

Average Ratings

Recent Reviews from Users

User	Date	K	C	T	P	Comments
Srinivas	02/18/09	10	9	10	10	Thanks to Daniel and I hope to .....
Ellen	12/03/08	10	10	10	10
Cathryn	11/29/08	10	10	10	10	Thank you so much! I know I .....
John	11/20/08	10	10	10	10
Catherine	02/27/08	8	8	10	10	Thanks, that was helpful, I will probably .....

Recent Answers from Daniel Johnson

2009-07-28 musician's path:

Sean, Here's my answer and it's only my personal opinion. I suspect every songwriter you ask will give you a different answer. In my opinion, well-written songs most often come from someone who

2009-07-21 song composition:

Jen, What to do when the lyrics just won't come. And also, What to do when the melody just won't come. I believe this is a common problem for artists (painters, novelists, songwriters). When

2009-07-08 how do i get my songs out there:

Beth, Thanks for your question. These days most artists and record companies will not accept unsolicited material (your songs). One way around that is if you know someone, i.e. a recording artist or

2009-01-09 chord construction:

Prashant, The purpose of chords. I don't know if I can tell you the purpose of chords. I think in terms of these two opposite feelings: chords that feel at rest and chords that feel unresolved.

2008-11-16 Best way to making a song:

John, Let me try this, check out the post dated today November 17, 2008 at my songwriter's blog: http://songwriterstipjar.wordpress.com/ where we answer the question, "how do I get started writing songs?"

Answers by Expert:

Browse Answers: