I offer expert coaching, feedback, and guidance for songwriters of all levels and styles, with liberating approaches to discovering and developing new song ideas, crafting lyrics and melodies, and creating effective arrangements.

I teach songwriting lessons in person at my North Seattle studio, or remotely online.

Working with an experienced, insightful teacher is an excellent way to explore, expand, and strengthen your skills in all areas of songwriting:

• Lyrics: Finding ideas, revising and improving what you have, communicating clearly, finding the right "dramatic arc," avoiding clichés and awkwardness, integrating words and music
• Melody: Creating memorable, singable, original melodies that have shape and power, and that work with your lyrics to communicate what you're trying to express
• Harmony: Choosing chords and voicings that support the melody and create emotion, contrast, interest, and atmosphere
• Groove: Finding the right foundation and vibe to build your song on
• Form: Understanding how structure can be used creatively in the writing process, as a foundation on which to build a song, and as a tool for improving an existing song and increasing its impact
• Arranging/Recording: Giving a song the right "sonic environment" through the choice of instruments, secondary parts, textures, and effects, and how all of these elements interact as the song unfolds.

Contact me today and get started on the next part of your songwriting journey.
Let's set up a time to talk by phone, so I can learn more about your background and where you want to go as a songwriter.

I look forward to hearing from you!
-Richard Middleton

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About Me:
I've taught semester songwriting courses at Cornish College of the Arts, and have taught songwriting privately for over 25 years. I've also studied with some of the most respected songwriters/teachers in the country, including Steve Seskin, John McCutcheon, Jai Josefs, Jerry Vandiver, Rick Carnes. and Robin Holcomb, as well as storytelling/screenwriting teacher Brian McDonald. I'm an award-winning singer/songwriter, and have served as a song contest judge.

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