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127th AES Convention Coverage (New York, NY Oct. 9-12)
PRESS RELEASE
Hal Leonard Publishes "The Craft of Christian Songwriting" By Robert Sterling
June 16, 2009
Advertisement Writing Christian music is as much a skill with proven techniques and methods as it is a divine calling. To write exceptional songs, practitioners of praise and worship music must focus as much on the method of delivery as on the message itself. With several decades of experience writing, producing, performing, and arranging in the Christian music community, five-time Dove Award winner Robert Sterling in collaboration with Hal Leonard's MusicPro Guides presents the most comprehensive course on Christian songwriting available. From pop to punk to metal to country and even hip-hop, modern Christian music cuts across a large swath of styles. Sterling shows aspiring Christian songwriters how to go far beyond merely stringing together verses of scripture and spiritual catch phrases. He helps readers discover their own creative process and craft original and attention-grabbing lyrics, melodies, and rhythms for their Christian songs. This thoroughly exhaustive manual tackles both concepts that are unique to the Christian songwriting community as well as those that are universal to musicians everywhere. With hundreds of examples from hit songs and exacting critical analysis Sterling offers precise and practical instruction on every essential component of the songwriting process. Aspects of both words and music are addressed with equal attention. The book begins with the nuts and bolts of writing, addressing key lines, word play, and elements of melody, harmony, and rhythm. Sterling teaches how to be a better collaborator and how to avoid the clich??s and trappings that many songs fall prey to; how to go back and check to make sure your theology is correct; and practical advice for building a solid demo once you have crafted the perfect hit. And to follow it all up there are numerous writing exercises to sharpen your chops. A solid melody and lyrics are the bedrock that any song of praise is built on. Regardless of your level of experience this is the one book that no Christian songwriter should be without!  (Click for close-up)Recent Hal Leonard headlines
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