Songwriters, both professional and amature, how do you go about creating

[TheFriendlyAnarchist]

your art? I've always been very interested in music, but only dabbled when it came to creating. I'm curious how others out there create songs and music? Was it something that you just worked with alot, and gradually got better at? Do you think of the music, and then add words, or the other way around? Do both at the same time? I'm guessing this is also one of those things where alot of it comes from personal preference and study?
Any advice is appreciated (I do have some minor musiclal background just for the record. Some piano and guitar).

[TheFriendlyAnarchist]

1. anyone?

[musiclawyer]

2. Many songs of mine start with dreams

......either melodies, parts of them or whole songs pre-arranged in my dream. Sometimes with lyrics, but usually just music. Sometimes I'm dream part of a musical of my own invention. I think I always did it as a kid, but not until I became proficient enough at my instruments would I literally force myself awake and write down what I just dreamed. Some melodies I won't bother to get up for, because my half-wake/half sleep state is making the decision that the melody is boring or not up to my standards. The other times melodies just come into head at random times,usually when happy. Some people only create when depressed. Rarely will I sit down at the piano or guitar and just try to make something from scratch, although I have done it with good results. Lyrics are usually the last thing

[musiclawyer]

3. Two more things

It also helps a lot to be inspired. If you really want to say something, your soul kind of kick starts the brain, and melody comes. Also don't be afraid of just working with rythm. If that's all that's coming just stay with it-- a melody will come to fill in the gaps eventually

[tuvor]

4. Check out the Songwriters' Forum...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=256

[TheFriendlyAnarchist]

5. Well that's convenient

One of these days I really should look at the other forums here. . .