I found this place called SongU that has courses for Songwriting and the music business and such. They also have an option to have your songs professionally critiqued by those in the business, publishers and such. It was sort of scary putting my song out there on the line, but I was very happy with the feedback.
Here is a little about my critique:
#2062 is a Grammy-nominated producer/writer with extensive Film, TV & Recording credits. Has also worn hats in major label A&R, publishing and audio engineering. Songs in over 20 films, as well as HBO, Disney, reality, talk (Ellen DeGeneres, Tyra Banks) and news entertainment shows. This coach has had cuts in (and is comfortable evaluating) the following genres: pop, country, hip-hop, rock, world, runway, dance, and remixing.This coach is also open to questions regarding career coaching, production suggestions, etc.
And this is what he had to say about my song "Just The Beginning" that I wrote for the American Idol songwriters contest (You can find that
here)
Song Title: Just The Beginning
Songwriter: Lexa Montierth
Coach #: 2062
Date Critiqued: 4/27/2008 2:47:00 PM
I’ve struggled so many years
Trying to find my way,
Looking for answers
Dealing with heartache and tears,
Waiting for the day
I’d have all the answers.
Would it be worth the effort and the time?
I put my heart and my soul out on the line
I’ve always wanted this and now it could be mine
But I know in my heart this is Just the Beginning
Oh, Just the Beginning
This dream is coming true
Pieces fall into place
As you stand beside me
It’s like I always knew
When I see your face
That it’s as it could be
Will love be worth the effort and the time?
I put my heart and my soul out on the line
I’ve always wanted this and now your finally mine
But I know in my heart this is Just the Beginning
Of our hopes and dreams finally coming true
The beginning of my destiny began when I met you
This love is worth the effort and the time
We’ve put our hearts and our souls out on the line
The future’s hopeful with you right by my side
And I know in my heart this is Just the Beginning
Oh, Just the Beginning of our Lives
LYRICS
Hi Lexa!Pretty good song for your first effort out! Lyrically you'd done a good job with the American Idol idea. And then weaving it into the relationship love. If it were mine, I'd changed the opening lines of the chorus to an immediate positive statement, as in it is worth the effort and time. I like the way you went from the second chorus into the bridge, that's a nice segue.
MUSIC
Musically pretty good also. Typically we'd like to hear the vocal soaring a little higher on the chorus, especially in a piano/guitar vocal, as opposed to a full band production where you can get away with out a big vocal chorus. part of this is a little more training on your voice to develop a stronger head tone in state of the weaker falsetto. A voice coach could help with that, if you have a good one nearby. If you are in the Nashville area, or make trips here, my wife is an excellent voice coach. www.robinearl.com I liked where the bridge went, with a stronger vocal that would work terrific.
ORIGINALITY
You've done a good job feeding the American Idol ideal.
COMMERCIAL VIABILITY
This is a good song, and commercially viable I believe. Not just for American Idol, but it's a generally good pop or country pop young female pitch. Really terrific job for your first song, you're in the game.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
I've started a new songwriters blog you can check out if you were interested. www.garyearl.com Best wishes, gary
