Songwriting Strategies: A 360-Degree Approach (Music: Songwriting)

If you are looking for a book that offers readily accessible strategies to aid in the songwriting process this is not the book. However, if you are looking for an academic book to base a music course on or have lots of time to absorb the material and experiment, this book is ideal. As a reference for a working songwriters, the author may wish to consider offering a "laundry-list" on his website. Online media, such as Youtube case-studies or a MOOC would also make the authors thoughtful approach to songwriting strategies connect with a larger audience of songwriting professionals.

Simos' thorough approach to songwriting is unlike most other songwriting books as he takes the craft to new technical depths with fresh insights and language in his "360º Approach." This is a book for those willing to invest their time to learn excellent strategies "from stem to stern" in the real craftsmanship of songs - very well done and a fine addition to the already state-of-the art Berklee Press library of greats (Pattison, Perricone, etc). We'll look for more great things to come from Simos. John Chisum, Managing Partner/Nashville Christian Songwriters

As another reviewer posted this book is a bit too theoretical. i wanted this one to be practical and concise, but I also left it soon, without giving me fresh ideas to work on. Maybe I will give it another chance but frankly it was overwheelming to me , with its theoretical approach to songwriting.

A great musical knowledge book to have into your library, a kind of bible for music composition

A useful book on sonwriting it has all the basics and more info that you need to know to write a song.

Interesting methodical approach to the craft of building songs. While I have my own approach to songwriting, this book augmented for me many ideas that have improved my own work.

I really like this book. This isn't a beginners guide. You need have some musical knowledge and possibly a dictionary to understand this book.

I don't really like the writing style or format of this book.

I've read a lot of songwriting books. This was probably the most difficult to read.....not sure I have learned much but will read it again more thoroughly as I am a big fan of Berklee Press books. Will revisit my review as I am sure it will be better for me on second reading.I have just read the chapters on rhythm and lyrics again a year later. They are very good on syllabic and lyrical rhythm etc these are probably explained better than any other book I've read but it is a difficult and slow read. My initial thoughts remain that the book is hard to read and understand.....the language is not very accessible.....almost too academic. I have a masters degree but I find it hard to read. I'm sure it contains some very useful material but I think it needs a complete rewrite using simpler language