Some common mistakes novice songwriters make is trying to make their song sound like another song.  This is your song, and it should reflect your inner self.  If you have a cause you care about or you are into current events, those are great ways to brainstorm and come up with ideas for lyrics and music.  Depending on what type of personality you are, you may like to start with the lyrics, then add the music.  Other songwriters have a tune in their head that they add lyrics to later.  No matter which way you go, getting involved in a songwriting contest is the best way to get your voice heard about a cause or whatever moves you.

Some things you can do to improve your songwriting skills and have a better chance at winning in a songwriting competition are write about what you know, learn about what a verse, chorus and a bridge are and how you can best utilize them within your song, keep the title as short and catchy as you can (using a double meaning for your title and in the chorus is very catchy), keep your song at around 3 to 4 minutes and watch your grammar for mixing up your past, present and future tenses (this gets confusing to the listener).  Now, go have fun, practice some fun lyrics and be creative, then test out your song ideas and forms with family and friends.  After that, you will be ready to enter a songwriting contest where you can win money, prizes, recording contracts or a combination of products or services.  Life is a dance and people need a good song for dancing – why shouldn’t they dance to yours?

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