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The Muse's News
The Muse's News
The Muse's News
An E-zine For And About Songwriters.
Issue 16.0
March 2013

In This Issue:
* Editor's Musings
* Music Reviews - Dan Cohen
* New Artist Spotlight Additions
* Songwriting Book Review - by John Thomas
* Musical Notes - Songwriting Contests & Market Info.
* Muse's Clues - Songwriting Web sites that inspire - brought to you by Songwriter's Hall of Fame member, John Brhel.
* Featured Article: Quick Tip: #1 Secret Songcrafting Technique by Brad Dunse
* On Site Featured Article - An article (or articles) already online for your viewing pleasure.
* Classifieds & Useful Services
* Contact information
ISSN 1480-6975. Copyright 1998-2013 - Jodi Krangle.
For more contact information, see end of issue.

FIND THE PERFECT GIFT FOR THE SONGWRITER IN YOUR LIFE!

All sorts of products and services especially for songwriters, negotiated so that you get the best price possible. You'll find means of promotion and distribution, songwriting aids, educational products, musical instruments and their accessories, and lots more. Any of these items would make a fantastic present for a songwriter in your life (even if it's you! :-) ) Check it out!

Sponsor Message:
(Many thanks to the sponsors that help support this newsletter!)

Write Better Songs with MasterWriter 2.0 - at a New Price!WRITE BETTER SONGS WITH MASTERWRITER 2.0 - NEW PRICE!
(And Muse's News readers *still* get a special discount!)

Looking for something really special for that songwriter in your life? (Maybe it's you!) MasterWriter 2.0 is the most powerful suite of songwriting tools ever assembled in one program. MasterWriter is endorsed by ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, NSAI and is used by some of the world's leading songwriters including Gwen Stefani, Rob Thomas, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Jimmy Webb, Kenny Loggins, Trent Reznor, Clint Black, and many more.

In addition to giving you Rhymes, Close Rhymes, Phrases, Pop-Culture, Synonyms, and the Definition, new features include Word Families and Parts Of Speech, two unique and revolutionary reference dictionaries that will open up a new world of possibilities for descriptive words and ideas. There have been updates and improvements to the existing features, including greatly expanded Sound-Alikes (close rhymes), and a completely redesigned Interface. These are serious tools for the serious songwriter.

MasterWriter's NEW price is now only $199 - but you'll still get a *$20* discount (your price is just $179!) by ordering through The Muse's Muse! Take the Tour, Download a Free Trial, and get a $20 discount! Note that the auto-inserted discount number 3004 will apply the $20 discount when ordering online. Windows and Mac compatible.

Editor's Musings:

Welcome to another information-packed issue of The Muse's News, folks! I hope those of you enjoying warm weather right now are really not taking it for granted, because those of us toward the north east are getting hammered with snow. Bleh. I'd rather be rained on ANY time. Guess I'm living in the wrong place, huh? ;) Ah well. If you're being buried right now, I hope you stay safe and warm! And wish me luck too. Brrr.

In other news, we now have two reviewers who have agreed to take up the mantle from Anastasia (yes, it takes two to do what she was doing alone. She was that awesome. :) ) - and they're both great writers with a lot of interesting things to say about the upcoming books they'll be reviewing for you. John is the first to have his review in this issue. Tim's review will appear next month. They'll be alternating for a bit. I hope you'll help me make them feel welcome. I certainly know how grateful I am for the help!

Beyond mentioning that there are several new articles to check out on the website, and new articles right in this very newsletter that I think you'll find interesting and inspirational, I'll get right to mentioning the raffle winners below:

  • Karen Blue, from Keaau, HI, has won a copy of Virtual Studio Systems' Lyricist software.

  • Kate Schuerch, from Kurtistown, HI, has won a free 3 month membership to SongU, an Internet-based learning environment providing online coaching, co-writing and pitching opportunities, in addition to over 70 multi-level courses developed by award-winning songwriters.

  • Sherry Town from Tyler, Texas has won a copy of "Startin' a Band (Or All the Stuff No One Told Me)" by Randy Ballard, reviewed in our October 2012 issue. Congrats, Sherry!

INSTRUCTIONS FOR POTENTIAL RAFFLE WINNERS:
If you'd like to be considered for a raffle prize yourself, have a look at the various prizes offered at the top of The Muse's News webpage, decide which prizes you'd most like, and email me with your top two choices along with your mailing address so that I can get the prizes to you. Yes, it's really that simple. :) (And yes, the mailing address is kinda important. I promise it won't be used for any other reason than to send you your raffle prize - and to mention your approximate location in the notice of raffle winners you see above here.)

Hope you have a wonderful and writer-ful March, everyone!

All the best,

--Jodi

Sponsor Message:
(Many thanks to the sponsors that help support this newsletter!)

BRETT MANNING'S SINGING SUCCESS SYSTEMATIC VOCAL TRAINING SYSTEM:

It's the "secret weapon" used by some of the winners of the world's most prestigious vocal awards, including the Doves, the CMA Awards, and yes, the Grammies.

Learn the one mistake even professional singers make, that drains away 3 times more vocal energy and yields only half the needed vocal power. Find out about the 3 simple exercises that allow even a "beginner" to make rapid increases in range (this also eliminates vocal strain). Learn Brett's secret for "dissolving" your break, so you'll never have to flip into falsetto again, but you'll still sing as high as you want--in full voice - and LOTS more.

The package includes 12 audio CDs (packed with 17 repeatable lessons, including both technique--the simple, yet powerful exercises, and style lessons for building vocal licks and trills); a workbook for illustration; and a DVD for visual reference and demonstration. It's a complete course - and it has a money-back guarantee!

Drop by for more details and start yourself on the road to improving your vocal chops today.

Music Reviews: Dan Cohen

NEW MUSIC REVIEWS SINCE LAST MONTH INCLUDE:

Dan Cohen:

* Damani Phillips
* R.C. KOHL
* Raina Krangle

Click here for bios on each of the reviewers. If you're considering sending in your own CD for review, you can also view that page to find out which reviewer reviews your genre. Thanks!

Artist Spotlights:

Great music is only a click away!
Here is a selection of the great artists and bands highlighted
in the Artist Spotlight section of The Muse's Muse.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Rick Stephenson - Genre: RELIGIOUS & DEVOTIONAL

Fascinating, moving music that will draw your heart and your spirit towards a deeper relationship with God. You will enjoy the unique sounds and style of Rick Stephenson's original Adult Contemporary Christian music. This is thought-provoking and reflective upbeat yet worshipful music that will get you singing right along with it! You will certainly appreciate the idea that God loves you with a Love that goes Beyond all Reason once you experience Rick's music.

Songwriting Book Review By: John Thomas


The Songwriter
's Voice
by Jane Eamon

http://www.thesongwritersvoice.wordpress.com

What if you had the opportunity to ask 26 songwriters 21 questions about songwriting, performance, music business and all of the tensions and interrelations between those different facets of what we do?  That’s exactly what Jane Eamon did, and she has compiled the answers to those questions, along with her own commentary, in her book, The Songwriter’s Voice.

This is a short book (104 pages) packed with great insight from songwriters.  And, while the songwriters featured primarily come from folk, “roots,” and country styles, don’t let that deter you if you write in rock, pop or some other genre.  The principles here are sound.

It’s a lively discussion in the book.  Eamon has grouped the answers from her different responders by question and placed them side-by-side, so you can see the similarities between the answers, and the differences and contrasts between answers.   And there is always food for thought.

For example, in Chapter 4, Eamon asks, “Do we write to please ourselves or with others in mind, writing for an intended audience as opposed to just writing?”  And, as you might expect, you get a variety of answers depending on the writer.  I found myself thinking, as I read through them, “How do I tend to write?  There are some good arguments for the other point of view.  How would I change my approach if I wrote with that other point of view in mind?”  And this sent me off thinking of how I can approach my work differently, to open myself up for change and, hopefully, become better at this lifelong effort and joy.

So, if you’ve ever wondered if you’re the only one who asks yourself questions like why do I write, or am I dooming myself to poverty by becoming a songwriter, or are there rituals that can help me sit down and write, or 18 other questions the answer is: No, you’re not the only one who asks themselves those kinds of questions.  There are at least 26 other songwriters who go through those varieties of questions, and you can get access to nice veins of insight by going through this book.

Grab yourself a nice cup of blonde roast, sit down and have a read.  Recommended.

******

ABOUT THE REVIEWER:

John Thomas is a singer, songwriter, bass player, and occasional guitarist living in Macon, Georgia.

You can see him thinking on paper about his passion for songwriting, along with thoughts on bass playing, coffee, and seeing people live their personal revolutions online at johnthomascafe.com.

Sponsor Message:
(Many thanks to the sponsors that help support this newsletter!)

LEARN HOW TO PLAY GUITAR WITH GuitarMasterClass.net AND START COMPOSING YOUR OWN SONGS NOW!

GMC is a video lesson archive & community. GMC has tons of helpful videos, instructors and lessons. GMC also features forum for chatting with teachers and students 24/7, recording collaborations, attending video chats + content for bass, drums, singing, piano etc. All genres and styles are covered - Rock, metal, shred, blues, jazz, country & acoustic, funk.. We want you to have fun while learning - so get rocking NOW!

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Musical Notes: Songwriting Contests & Market Info.

In the interest of conserving space (when I need to), I will be including only changes to this listing in this newsletter. All other contests and market information that have already been listed here, are displayed at http://www.musesmuse.com/contests.html & http://www.musesmuse.com/markets.html.
Please check there regularly for updates!


PHILADELPHIA SONGWRITERS PROJECT 2013 SONGWRITING CONTEST OPEN!

Celebrating 10 Years serving the region, and 8 years producing a songwriting contest, The Philadelphia Songwriters Project opens submissions for it?s 2013 songwriting contest. Performing songwriters in all genres of music can submit for the opportunity to win a summer mini-tour of some of the regions best venues and festivals. 12-15 Finalists will be chosen to perform at a live event, where 4 winners and 2 alternates will be chosen by the audience and a panel of celebrity judges.

Contest Closes: March 26, 2013
Finalists Announced: April 23, 2013
Finals Showcase: Sunday May 19, 2013
Submission Details and contest guidelines: www.phillysongwriters.com.


CCM NETWORK INTERNATIONAL 11TH ANNUAL CHRISTIAN SONGWRITING CONTEST

The 11th Annual Songwriter of the Year (who will be selected from the quarterly 1st place winners) will receive a $5,000.00 USD cash prize as well as exceptional promotional opportunities. Entries this year will be limited to only 500 entries per quarter which will increase ones chances of winning. For complete details about this contest, please visit ChristianSongwriting.com.

About CCM Network International : CCM Network International is one of the most exciting and fastest growing Christian music organizations in existence today. With free membership, members gain access to interviews, newsletters, updates, news, industry tips, and the ability to network with other Christian songwriters, worship leaders, artists and bands via the ChristianSongwriting.com website.


LEARN WITH 3 LEGENDARY SONGWRITING MENTORS AT 14TH ANNUAL REO SONGWRITERS RETREAT

Join acclaimed songwriting instructors and recording artists Jason Blume, Karen Taylor-Good and Deborah Holland at the REO Songwriters Retreat, August 11-16, 2013. All-inclusive 6-day retreat with 14 songwriting sessions, delicious meals, daily social hour, optional adventure tour, and choice of lodging or camping......all at an amazing river's edge setting near Vancouver, British Columbia (4 hours from Seattle, Washington). Attendees include songwriters from US, Canada and Europe, from entry-level to full-time singer/songwriters. Full details at: http://www.reorafting.com/site/retreats/songwriters-retreat.html


TUNII.COM:
A REVOLUTIONARY NEW WAY TO SHARE AND PROMOTE MUSIC

Tunii.com pays Fans to Follow and Promote Songs and is 100% FREE to join for both recording artists and music fans. Join us in our mission of making Tunii the future of the music industry where together we can all share in the success for connecting artists and fans around the world. Sign up today through this special Muse's Muse link and please check out our short “How Tunii works video” It's Easy, it's FREE and it's Fun!


18TH ANNUAL USA SONGWRITING COMPETITION BEGINS

18th Annual USA Songwriting Competition is now accepting entries. Winning songs will receive radio airplay in United States and Canada along with great prizes such as a Top Prize of over $50,000. Past winners include Mike Schmid, Nenna Yvonne, Alannah Myles, Ken Hirsch, Ari Gold, The Waifs, etc. First 1,000 entries will each receive a USA Songwriting Compilation CD. Submission deadline: May 31, 2013.
http://www.songwriting.net/


BOOKING & TOURING SUCCESS STRATEGIES & SECRETS ONLINE COURSE

Getting great gigs, building your audience and selling more merchandise is exactly what your career is all about. This online course is jam-packed with 12 hours of downloadable audio mp3s and PDF Action Guides. There are 5 modules: Module 1: Tour Goals & Planning Strategies, Module 2: Routing Your Tours, Module 3: Negotiation Techniques & Contracts, Module 4: Working with Presenters, Bookers, Promoters/Advancing the Date, Module 5: Targeting Your Markets for Maximum Audiences. Plus 2 hours of bonus classes, BONUS #1: Website Maximizer-Is you’re your Website Selling You? Learn how. BONUS #2: Copy Writing: How to write fan emails, press releases and other promo copy that get responses. Bonus # 3: Three free Industry Biz Booster Monthly Mentor Interviews. And finally, weekly call-in office hours to talk with former agent, manager, author, creator, Jeri Goldstein directly, about the course and your career. Booking & Touring Success Strategies & Secrets gives you artist-tested, step-by-step strategies to help you reach your career goals and make all of your tours profitable. http://performingbiz.com


MUSIC CLOUT: CREATING NEW MUSIC INDUSTRY RELATED OPPORTUNITIES FOR MUSICIANS EVERY DAY

We are music based promotion experts with the solutions, services and support to help you optimize the success of your promotion strategies. Our services capitalize on intelligent and proven forms of promotion to achieve maximum awareness building for your music. Within our first year of business, Music Clout has placed artists in over 1,000 different music industry opportunities including deals with record labels, publishing and licensing, radio stations, blogs, and many more.


AWARD WINNING SONGWRITER OFFERING SONGWRITING TIPS AND CRITIQUING SERVICES

Award winning songwriter Jane Eamon is offering songwriting one on one classes via Skype. These sessions are one hour in length and can cover any topic you'd like to address. From writing, to critique, to ideas and games. Or just to share your thoughts and get feedback. If you're interested in a session contact janeeamon@shaw.ca to schedule a class.


HAVE YOU EVER STRUGGLED TO FIND THE RIGHT CHORD OR NOTE TO FIT SOMEWHERE IN YOUR SONG?

Hooktheory is a free resource that can show you how to integrate basic music theory into your songwriting process, making it easier to write catchy chord progressions and melody. Hooktheory currently consists of three main areas:
1. The Hookbook demonstrates basic principles of music theory and how they relate to popular music. It's filled with multimedia-rich content explaining musical concepts synchronized to real songs so you can hear what you are learning and make connections easier.
2. The Music Editor lets you write chord progressions in Roman Numeral notation and listen to them in any key. Add a melody, save your work, share it with friends, or export it to Garageband, sheet music, or guitar tab.
3. The Analysis Wiki is a user-generated collection of analyses of popular songs. Look up the chord progression and melody of a song, or use the music editor to create your own analyses.
Check it out now!


MUSIKPITCH: NEW ONLINE MARKETPLACE FOR SONGWRITING OPPORTUNITIES

MusikPitch is a brand new website where songwriters can find the latest opportunities from companies, studios, and individuals looking for custom songs. It's a straightforward marketplace, where you can get your music heard and win contracts, regardless of your experience and location. New projects are posted daily — from big name movie studios and company brands to non-profits and schools. Start browsing for great new opportunities today! http://www.musikpitch.com


SONGWRITING CONSULTATION SPECIAL OFFER:

Pete and Pat Luboff are offering a special rate to Muse's Muse readers on a single song consultation: http://www.writesongs.com/consults.html MM readers get a $5
discount by sending $15 via PayPal to peteandpat@comcast.net instead of using the $20 single-song button on the site. Please email the songs to the same address (mp3 attachment with the lyrics in the body of the email - lyrics only are fine).
Response will be by email.


THE INDIE VENUE BIBLE - A GROUNDBREAKING VENUE DIRECTORY FOR ANY ARTIST PLANNING TO TOUR IN THE US OR CANADA!

32,000 live music venues of all sizes are featured including clubs, bars, restaurants, lounges, coffee shops, theaters, halls, churches, book stores, community centers, house concerts and open mics. There are also 1,500 festivals listed as well as over 1,000 colleges for any artist that wants to plan a college tour.

Jumpstart your tour today! Click here for more information!

Muse's Clues - By John Brhel

©2011-2013 John Brhel. All Rights Reserved.
Used By Permission

“We gotta get out of this place
If it's the last thing we ever do"

-- “We Gotta Get Out Of This Place,” The Animals

English rock group The Animals echoed the sentiments of disillusioned youth everywhere with the release of their 1965 hit single “We Gotta Get Out of This Place.” While the idea of a British Invasion has taken on a totally different form (I’m looking at you One Direction), the theme behind “We Gotta Get Out of This Place” still rings true: stagnancy stinks.

Most songwriters know what it’s like to toil in obscurity while mediocre bands and songwriters score huge hits. There are a bazillion talented songwriters out there who will never get their due credit.

The irony of “We Gotta Get Out of This Place” is that it was written by two successful people who lived in a city that was anything but the dreary one depicted in the tune. Songwriting Hall of Famers Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil wrote “We Gotta Get Out of This Place” while working as well-known staff songwriters at the famous Brill Building in Manhattan.

In case you haven’t heard, the days of full-time staff songwriting are pretty much behind us. Sure, there are some lucky individuals who do it, but scoring such a job today is about as rare as stumbling upon a mint copy of the Sex Pistols’ “God Save the Queen” at a yard sale in Connecticut.

You may not get a gig as a staff writer at BMG Chrysalis anytime soon, but you could make some money writing custom songs for music fans at Downwrite. Downwrite is a service that connects song lovers with songwriters, giving you the opportunity to build your fan base and make some cash. So long obscurity and Hungry Man dinners.

The guys behind Downwrite know what it’s like to put in years of hard work and have no money to show for it. The site’s co-founders, Bob Nanna and Mark Rose, played in some well-known indie rock bands. Nanna is most well-known for leading the influential bands Hey Mercedes and Braid, while Rose paid his dues fronting Chicago rock band Spitalfield for nearly a decade. Nanna, in a Downwrite blog post, said he founded Downwrite to offer a solution for songwriters like him who, like him, put in tons of work and see little financial success.

According to the site’s About Us page, “Downwrite enables songwriters and song lovers to be mutually inspired, respected, and compensated.” The service works like this: Music lovers access the site and hire the songwriter of their choice to write and record a totally unique piece of music. For example, I could hire Josh Berwanger, former member of The Anniversary (one of my favorite band in high school) to write a song for just $100.

The site is still in beta but will be adding new songwriters to its roster at some point in the near future. If you’re interested in hopping on as a writer, all you’ve got to do it send an email to the guys at @ info@downwrite.com.

Think of the kinds of connections you could build by writing personalized songs. I know I’d follow an artist for life if they wrote an awesome song just for me.

The best part about Downwrite other than being able to make real money for your work is that you’re in control. According to Nanna, Downwrite is “not a custom song shop. It’s an inspiration machine and you’re in control of whatever you feel comfortable doing.” So, just because somebody wants you to write a heavy metal song about water polo doesn’t mean you have to. The site’s founders make it clear that Downwrite is a site geared toward helping songwriters, not turning them into performing monkeys.

Now that you know about the service, aren’t you wondering what a Downwrite song sounds like? Well, you can hear one of Nanna’s commissioned songs, “64,”here. Imagine hearing one of your favorite songwriters perform a song just for you. If only Downwrite had launched early enough to sign Michael Jackson. Sigh.

If you’re sick and tired of spending writing and rewriting and rewriting verses and bridges and not having enough money to cover the paper you write your lyrics on, you might want to give Downwrite a try. The best way to build a following is to connect with fans, and this is one service that results in truly special connections.

There is a way to “get outta this place” the place being the songwriting void. Ditch the old methods and try innovative services like Downwrite and you’ll improve your chances of being able to afford those handy Bics. The Brill Building days may be over, but the idea of professional songwriting is not. Now, I must go and shoot Downwrite an email. I’ve got my eye on a new microphone.

******

John Brhel is a songwriter from upstate New York who wrote his first batch of pop songs before graduating from elementary school. A lover of all music, John writes country songs, plays in a punk band and spends a good deal of his free time listening to Diane Warren ballads. John regularly attends industry events in New York and Los Angeles and is a member of ASCAP and the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame. A lover of melody and the left-field chord change, John lives and breathes songs. He is always on the lookout for Skype cowriters.

Featured Article - By Brad Dunse

QUICK TIP: #1 Secret Songcrafting Technique

I think someone referred to me once as being a half-step short of a full verse.

Actually, I think it was a cartoonist friend of mine as we got into one of our playful bantering bits.

But you know something? Even though he’s not a songwriter, he was on to something very effective in songwriting. In fact, there’s a good chance you may not even have noticed this technique yourself when listening to songs let alone purposefully crafting it in your writing.

We’re going to change that for you here today!

What am I talking about? I’m talking about appealing to our natural sense of beat and how it relates to our emotions and sense of ease or unease.

Okay, yeah… you want to know what am I really talking about.

When we write sections of our songs, we of course want those sections to differ from each other, and one way is the use of on- and off-beat lyrics to start our sections of the song.

Sound a bit flabby to you? Maybe unimportant, weak, not worth worrying about and probably not used… after all… you’d not noticed it before, right?

Well it’s been a while since I sent you up to the web, or if you happen to have this song in your playlist, go queue up Phil Collin’s Another Day in Paradise.

Here’s what I’d like you to do.

Pull up the song on the net or in your player… but DON’T PLAY IT yet!

I want you to count the beats in the song all the way through, because there are a couple timing things Phil purposely pulled on you. You’ll likely want to listen to it twice, but let’s start with the first one. It’s in 4/4 time. 

One thing before you crank it up…

Start your whole beat with a count of 2 right after the first beat you hear. Phil starts us off with a back beat, which itself is a different approach, but you don’t know it until the bass and repeating riff comes in, the bass marks the down beats of the song, and the real 1-count.

So there ya go. Have a listen and I’ll just wait here for ya…

…okay, great song isn’t it? Well, whether you thought so or not, there’s a lesson to be learned here for us.

Did you notice first indeed he started us out using a backbeat?

Next, did you notice in the first two verses he started his lyrics off-beat? Just off the first downbeat and all the way through, not one word gets the stress of the beat. This supports the unsettling lyric content.

Then, did you notice the lyrics in the chorus started exactly on the first down beat? He also planted important words exactly on those downbeats. It all feels complete and in time, until we go to the next verse where again we’re off-step all the way through.

It’s a subtle difference, and without us realizing it, it appeals to our sense of resolve or unresolve, and also helps add to the song’s foundational interest, to keep from getting bored.

Did you notice anything else in the song when counting?

To support the lyric’s content, the unsettling disregard for fellow human beings in need, Phil starts the bridge lyrics a full two beats into the bridge.

And what’s more, he pulls a trick on you at the end of the bridge. Perhaps those more versed in theory and composition would say otherwise, but Phil ends the bridge with a half-measure, only a one-two count, giving the feeling the next verse starts just off the 3rd beat and carries through the song. 

It’s sort of like looking at a grid of lines on a paper and your eyes go buggy for a second trying to figure out depth and orientation, eventually we get our bearings… same here as we finish out the song.

Go have another listen, and notice his use of beat with respect to lyric content and song sections.

Use this technique in your next song and don’t be surprised if people comment positively on your song, and don’t even know why it’s catchier than others.

Until next time… keep writing from the heart!

*****

Brad Dunse is a performing songwriter based deep in the country's heartland reflecting sensitivity of daily living in his songs. Writing primarily in Folk, Country, Pop, or Americana, he occasionally writes CCM. Co-writer of The Wall, a tribute to Viet Vets receiving major market airplay, he's also received airplay on NPR, local public, independent, and web radio. He is a freelance writer, is board member of Minnesota Association of Songwriters, been member or involved in ASCAP, NSAI, SongU and other organizations. You can visit his web site at WWW.BRADDUNSEMUSIC.COM as well Add As Facebook Friend or Follow Him On Twitter.

"ON SITE" FEATURED ARTICLE(S)


How To Make Faster Progress From Practicing Guitar Exercises

- by Mike Philippov

The secret to getting the most results from each minute of practice time is in knowing how to use any guitar exercise to improve multiple areas of your guitar playing. Read this article to learn how to  be more efficient and effective with practicing guitar exercises.

-----

How To Create Rock Guitar Solo Improvisations - by Tom Hess

Learn how to write rock guitar solos and improvisations by reading this article.

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The Secret To Achieving Great Success As A Guitar Teacher - by Tom Hess

Have you ever noticed how some guitar teachers seem to “have it easy” when it comes to getting great results for their students? You too can achieve great things as a guitar teacher once you understand exactly what makes these teachers so successful...

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Being A Wordsmith - by Beth Lawrence

We communicate through music.  It touches our hearts.  So when we are creating words and music we must write and speak to the heart.  A Wordsmith must be clear while also being eloquent.  That's where art meets feeling.

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Your Music Career is a Pentathalon: The Five Currencies of Success
- by Bill Pere

In the music business there are five primary currencies.  "Currency" here does not mean money.  It is anything that you can trade in specific amounts to obtain certain things or objectives.  Having worked with more than 10,000 artists over more than three decades, it is clear that one of the main things impeding the forward progress of a career is not knowing what the five currencies are, when to use them, or even how much of each you have.    Many aspiring artists simply don't know what or where their five "bank accounts" are,  what their balance is, or when and how to draw on them.  This article will make it clear. A great song has 4 dimensions in both the music and the lyrics.  Most songs do it in the music, but rarely in the  lyric.  Why is this, and what is missing?   This article tells you what you need to know and shows you what you need to do to maximize the impact and potential of your songs across a 4-dimensional spectrum.

Classifieds & Useful Services

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LYRICIST VERSION 3: THE SONGWRITER'S BEST FRIEND

Lyricist is the first-of-its-kind word processor designed specifically for musicians, songwriters, and poets. The software includes a Rhyming Dictionary, Thesaurus, Album Categorization, Chord Charting, Chord Generator, Song Arrangement, and On-Line Copyright Link.

The new version 3 release adds support for "Piano Style" chord symbols, Nashville Number System, and Transposition features - all in one easy-to-use package - and all for only $54.95! (That's $5.00 off to all Muse's News readers who purchase from the review link at www.musesmuse.com/vss-review.html!)

This tool will revolutionize the way you write and organize your writing.
Be the best songwriter you can be and purchase Lyricist today!


THE SUCCESSFUL SONGWRITER MOTIVATION & MEDITATION AUDIO

Inspired by the songwriter's journey, and through understanding the principles talked about in "THE SECRET", this audio program is specifically created for the songwriter based on those findings. Through Power of Thought and Understanding the Law of Attraction, you will have the tools, knowledge & ability to create the thoughts, experiences, and circumstances to be a phenomenally Successful Songwriter. Included is a guided meditation that is as passionate as it is empowering!

Muse's Muse Visitors - Enter Promo Code: 42567 for Discount.
http://www.songwritermotivation.com/

Limited Introductory Offer of $12.95 for Digital Download Discounts for CD, and CD/Digital Download Combo shown on ordering page.


ADVERTISING RATES:
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Jodi Krangle, Editor: editor@musesmuse.com

The Muse's News is a free monthly newsletter for and about songwriters. Subscribers are welcome to recirculate or reprint The Muse's News for nonprofit use as long as the appropriate credit is given and the ENTIRE text of the newsletter is included (including credits and information at the end of each issue). Others should contact me at editor@musesmuse.com. All articles copyrighted by their authors.

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