This page will link you to many of Alex's free songwriting articles and tipsheets. If you enjoy them, share them with your songwriting friends, or link up to them from your own site!
To download the articles of your choice, just click the links below to open the PDF file in your browser or to save it to your computer. (The files will open with Adobe Acrobat Reader. You can download a free version here)
It’s usually the most dynamic, manipulative, thrill-ride-type songs that become the most successful. Why? Because listeners who’ve “heard it all before” respond most strongly to well crafted lead-ups and payoffs, highs and lows, and unexpected twists and turns. Learn how to increase your lyrical and melodic "thrills-per-minute" in this article.
Sure, "art for art's sake" is cool... but what if you're pursuing a career as a songwriter? Here's a list of ways you can tailor your songs to suit the requirements of music business professionals.
To find out why many of the greatest songs are co-writes, download this free article. Begin to explore the possibilities of partnering with others who can amplify your strengths and supplement your weaknesses as a songwriter.
For a quick reality check, download this free tipsheetand assess the radio-readiness of your best songs. If your purpose is to make an impact with your talents, it all starts with a great song that sticks in people's heads. No matter what style of music you write in, you can make it go farther in the world by paying attention to these guidelines.
If you want to start writing songs with a renewed sense of freedom, download this free tipsheet. A wide variety of processes and fun exercises is designed to give your songwriting muscles an invigorating workout. Great for beginners and experienced writers.
"Alex gives great positive reinforce-
ment to aspiring writers at whatever level they've achieved." – Mark Godwin, Producer/ Songwriter (Christine
W., Diana King, Charmed,
Joan of Arcadia)
"Alex always has
an amazing sense
of how to make an "OK" song "Great". She is a truly a gifted artist." – Jimmy Greco, Producer/ Writer (Carlos Santana/ Jennifer Lopez)
"Alex Forbes has ears. She can open herself to listening ... How many good listeners do you know?" – Jane Kelly Williams, Singer/Songwriter and Recording Artist
"Over the years,
Alex has introduced me to a number of songwriters and their projects.
Some of these relationships are well into their second decade." Abbe Rosenfeld, Manager (The Family Stand, Paula Abdul, Des'ree, Daryl Hall)
"Alex gave me a solid understanding of what makes a great song. She's an integral part of my success and the best reality check
in the biz." – Jeffrey Bernstein, aka Burnz, Producer/ Songwriter/Remixer (Cher, J-Lo, James Brown)
"Alex Forbes took me from an amateur songwriter to a professional.
She helped me see how to write great songs from the heart that were also commercially viable." –Tina DeVaron, Songwriter (Reina, Anointed, Dove Award nominee)
"Alex is a very
giving and helpful person who has a passion for songwriting and knows how to infuse others with that passion." – Ray Contreras
Producer/Songwriter (Carlos Santana, Jennifer Lopez, India and Gloria Gaynor, Grammy nominee)
"Alex Forbes confounds conventional wisdom — she can both do and teach!" – Ava Parnass, Lyricist/Songwriter
Since Alex is a songwriter, she spoke from experience. She genuinely seemed interested & jazzed up about course material and encouraged class participation. – Stephen Smith, Human Resources Manager
The course was structured very
well. Every week
we learned something new. -Coleen McCarthy, Admin. Asst.
