Singing Lessons Glasgow: How to Write a Song with No Musical Experience

Have you ever wanted to write your own song but felt intimidated because you don’t have any musical experience? It’s a common misconception that you need to know how to play an instrument or have formal music training to write a song. In fact, many successful songwriters started out without any musical background. Writing a song is about expressing your emotions, ideas, and creativity—something everyone is capable of, regardless of experience.

In this blog, we’ll guide you through the process of writing your very own song, even if you don’t have a background in music. Whether you’re an aspiring singer, songwriter, or just someone who loves music, singing lessons in Glasgow can be a helpful step to refine your voice and make the most out of your musical journey. If you’re looking to improve your voice and learn how to channel your creativity into writing songs, Southside Performance Studio is here to guide you with the right tools and resources.

Let’s dive into the steps of writing a song with no musical experience, and how you can tap into your creativity to express yourself through music.

1. Start with Your Emotions or Story

The best songs often come from real emotions or experiences. If you’re new to songwriting, start by thinking about a feeling, memory, or story that resonates deeply with you. This could be an event in your life, a feeling of love, heartbreak, empowerment, or even a thought you’ve been reflecting on for a while. You don’t need to have a complex or dramatic story—simple emotions and ideas can make for the most relatable and beautiful songs.

Tip:

If you're feeling stuck, try writing down a few thoughts or journaling about your emotions. This can help unlock ideas for your song’s theme or lyrics.

2. Focus on the Lyrics First

Without any musical knowledge, focusing on lyrics is one of the best ways to start songwriting. Begin by writing down your thoughts, ideas, or phrases that express the theme you’ve chosen. Think of it like writing a poem—don’t worry about structure or melody yet. Let the words flow freely.

Structure Your Song:

Songs generally follow a typical structure, and as a beginner, it’s helpful to stick to something familiar. A common structure is:

• Verse – The storytelling part of the song.

• Chorus – The part that is catchy and reinforces the main message of the song.

• Bridge – An optional part that adds variety and often offers a contrast to the verse and chorus.

• Outro – The final section that wraps the song up.

You can experiment with repeating the chorus to make it more memorable. Think of popular songs you’ve heard—most of them have catchy hooks in the chorus. It’s usually the most memorable part of the song.

Tip:

Start with a simple rhyme scheme or even freeform lyrics. Don’t worry about making them perfect yet—just get your ideas down.

3. Melody Creation Without an Instrument

Even if you don’t play an instrument, you can still create melodies for your song. You can use your voice as your primary instrument. Hum or sing along with the lyrics you’ve written. Try out different variations of melodies, and listen to what feels natural.

Here are a few techniques you can try:

• Sing your lyrics in different ways: Try singing with different rhythms or emphasis. Change the pitch and see what feels best.

• Record your ideas: Use your phone or any recording device to capture the melodies you create. This will help you keep track of your ideas and see which ones work best.

• Experiment with vocal runs and harmonies: You don’t need to be a trained singer to experiment with different vocal runs, layering, or simple harmonies. The more you explore your voice, the more options you’ll discover.

Tip:

If you’re unsure where to start with melody creation, listen to some of your favorite songs. Sing along with them and experiment with what melodies you enjoy the most. These can provide a good starting point for creating your own melodies.

4. Add Rhythm with Your Voice

If you don’t play an instrument, you can still add rhythm to your song by clapping, tapping, or even stomping along. Rhythm is an essential part of songwriting, as it gives your song structure and flow.

If you’re not sure where to start, try singing your lyrics in time with a beat. You can tap your foot, clap your hands, or even just keep the rhythm with your voice. In some cases, even simple vocal percussion can add depth to your song.

Tip:

When you’re feeling confident with your melody and rhythm, try recording your vocals with a metronome or click track. This will help you stay in time and keep the rhythm steady.

5. Consider Basic Chords or Loops

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can explore adding basic chords to your song. There are plenty of free resources online that can teach you simple chord progressions on guitar or piano. For example, a basic chord progression like C - G - Am - F is used in countless hit songs.

Alternatively, you can use online tools or music software to add loops and beats to your song. Many platforms offer free or affordable virtual instruments, allowing you to experiment with melodies and harmonies without knowing how to play an instrument. Software like GarageBand or FL Studio lets you layer tracks and create beats even if you don’t have any musical experience.

Tip:

Start by experimenting with a basic chord progression on a virtual keyboard or by using a guitar app. From there, you can add vocals and other layers.

6. Refine Your Song and Get Feedback

Once you have the basic structure and melody in place, it’s time to refine your song. This means tweaking the lyrics, adjusting the melody, and ensuring the flow of the song feels natural. Don’t be afraid to change sections, reword lyrics, or experiment with different tempos.

Getting feedback is essential for growth as a songwriter. Play your song for a trusted friend or family member and ask for their input. You can also record your song and share it with others to gather feedback.

Tip:

Consider getting professional guidance. Singing lessons in Glasgow can help you refine your vocal technique and provide expert advice on improving your songwriting. Working with a vocal coach allows you to learn how to effectively deliver your song and experiment with different vocal techniques.

7. Record Your Song (Even on a Budget)

Once your song is ready, the next step is to record it. With minimal experience, you can still achieve a high-quality recording using basic equipment. All you need is a microphone, audio interface, and a free or affordable recording software (DAW) like Audacity or GarageBand.

If you don’t have access to recording equipment, there are also plenty of apps and programs that allow you to create and record music on your phone. Apps like BandLab or FL Studio Mobile can help you record vocals, add beats, and layer melodies all from your phone or tablet.

How Singing Lessons in Glasgow Can Help You Write and Record Better Songs

While it’s true you don’t need formal musical training to write a song, singing lessons in Glasgow can help you take your vocal and songwriting skills to the next level. Working with a vocal coach can help you improve your voice and vocal technique, making it easier to perform your own songs with confidence. A vocal coach can also help you develop your ear for melody, tone, and pitch, making it easier to bring your songs to life.

At Southside Performance Studio, we offer individual singing classes that are tailored to your unique vocal goals. Whether you're looking to refine your singing technique, improve your vocal range, or explore songwriting, our coaches can guide you on your musical journey.

Visit Individual Singing Class to learn more about how we can help you unlock your vocal potential and start recording your own songs.

Conclusion

Writing your own song is a creative and empowering process that anyone can undertake, no matter their musical experience. With the right mindset, tools, and a little experimentation, you can create a song that expresses your emotions, ideas, and personality. Whether you’re writing a song just for fun or planning to record and perform it, singing lessons in Glasgow can provide the guidance and support you need to make your songs even better. Start your songwriting journey today and bring your musical vision to life!