The Songwriter's Notebook - by Courtney Fortune (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

An all-levels songwriting workbook featuring prompts, activities, and guidance for unlocking creativity in a new generation of songwriters inspired by Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, Noah Kahan, and more

Everyone can be a songwriter; you don't need to play an instrument, you don't need formal training, and you don't need to have ever written a song. The Songwriter's Notebook is the definitive resource for anyone trying to get words down on a page-­ whether you're a newbie songwriter or a practiced lyricist looking to refine your process or beat writer's block.

In this fun, inspiring workbook, you will:
- Learn about song form and structure, lyrical shape, and sequencing.
- Find guidance on how to tap into your senses, experiences, and emotions to craft memorable, singable lyrics just like your singer-songwriter heroes.
- Analyze sample lyrics across genres from the great songwriters of the past and present to understand how the experts do it.
- Explore how to establish a creativity practice for yourself, so putting pen to paper becomes a daily exercise that makes the writing process so intuitive that you'll be filling notebooks in no time.
- And more!

Packed with examples, exercises, prompts, and guidance, with a new adventure on every page, The Songwriter's Notebook is the missing key to your creativity practice and an essential workbook for unlocking your songwriting genius.

About the Author

Courtney Fortune is a singer-songwriter, touring artist, songwriting coach, and music mentor. She has worked with hundreds of songwriters on their craft. She has a bachelor's in music industry and master's degree in arts leadership from the University of Southern California. She had been recognized by the John Legend Foundation, Glamour Magazine, and Mix With The Masters, and has received the Brian Wilson Award for Musical Achievement. Courtney is the founder of Songmaker Sessions (a songwriting and mentorship program) and co-founder/co-director of the High School Songwriters Summit and Showcase at the GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles. She is also the co-creator of the Commercial Music Program at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts and a 2024 Artist in Residence at the prestigious Lucas Artists Residency Program at Montalvo Arts Center.