I’ve been taking songwriting lessons at Michelle Tuesday Music School for a few months now. The experience has changed how I listen to music.
Before I started lessons, I approached songs mainly as a writer. Words came naturally to me. Lyrics felt comfortable. The musical side gave me much more to consider.
Since beginning lessons, I’ve had detailed conversations about which instrument fits a song best. I’ve experimented with riffs, chords, and chord progressions. I’ve also started hearing familiar songs in completely new ways.
Every Song Has Something to Teach
One thing surprised me quickly. Every song has something to teach.
Every genre uses musical tools differently. Some songs rely heavily on rhythm. Others focus on melody or instrumentation. Some create emotion through structure alone.
I’ve started hearing songs less as finished products and more as creative decisions layered together carefully.
That has been fascinating to me.
Returning to the Piano
Even though I can play other instruments, I almost always return to the piano when writing.
The piano makes experimentation feel natural. I can test ideas quickly. I can repeat a riff while changing small details around it.
I’ve actually been working on the same riff for several weeks now.
Each time I play it, I add something small. Sometimes I simplify it. Other times I try a completely different direction.
The piece is still evolving, and I enjoy that process.
Learning Together
My son and I both take virtual lessons. Recently, something unexpected happened during his drum lesson.
His teacher asked me to play piano while he played drums.
He has excellent rhythm. Because of that, I smoothed out my playing while improvising what came next. For him, it felt similar to playing along with songs from his lesson book.
For me, I focused on what felt natural in the moment. That experience reminded me something important about songwriting. Creativity needs room to grow.
Still Discovering
The more I learn about songwriting, the more layers I discover.
A riff can completely change a song’s direction. A different instrument can shift the mood or vibe. Playing beside another musician can push ideas somewhere unexpected.
That may be my favorite part of songwriting so far.