Publications
The Star-spangled Banner Is Not a Song, or Is It?
Written by Randy Klein - July 3rd, 2013
All the hoopla about the wonderful vocalist, Beyonce, lip or not lip-synching our national anthem, made me think about the song itself.
Why is the Star-Spangled Banner so difficult to sing?
The Write Stuff - The Art and Craft of Songwriting
Written by Randy Klein - January 2018
Songwriting Resolutions - In the spirit of the new year, here are some “resolutions” to get you started.
Can You Ear It? is an alternative way of teaching musical fundamentals as well as an entertaining cartoon series. Can You Ear It? is intended for musicians of all levels.
The humorous scenario in each cartoon specifically targets one musical fundamental at a time emphasizing and reinforcing that particular fundamental by focusing on the development of the musician’s listening ability. If you can hear it….you can play it!!! The reader is using his or her inner ear as they read each Can You Ear It? cartoon improving their listening skills.
A Special Collaboration: ¡Qué Viva Manhattan!
Written by Randy Klein - May 2014
Randy Klein discusses the ongoing collaboration between The Manhattan School of Music Jazz department and the independent record label Jazzheads in this article for MSM's Intermezzo magazine.
Quickstart Guide to Songwriting
The Quickstart Guide to Songwriting
If you’ve ever heard a song in your head and wanted to be able to write it, the Quickstart Guide to Songwriting will lead the way. Starting with choosing a subject to write your song about, then writing a lyric, a memorable hook, a singable melody, and then adding harmony and rhythm, you will write a song of your own. Even if you might think you are not musical or lyrical, you can write a song. The Quickstart Guide to Songwriting is an easy step-by-step introduction in teaching you how to create your own song. Write a song today!
MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW - Diane Donovan - Senior Reviewer
Quickstart Guide to Songwriting is especially recommended for those who have a song in mind, but lack the technical training to translate it to music. Typically, these would-be songwriters either work with a musician or never see their song to fruition; but Quickstart Guide to Songwriting offers an alternative path to making one's mental music become reality.
The result is a solid primer that takes the non-musician to the status of songwriter without need for any prior musical training: a boon to those who already like music and who have an idea, but need the nuts and bolts of education provided in this simple, supportive, highly recommended guide.