December Songwriting Challenges
Winter Wonderland Ballad: Write a heartfelt ballad that captures the enchanting beauty of a winter wonderland, exploring themes of snowfall, icy landscapes, and the magic of the season. Think “River” by Joni Mitchell.
Christmas SLAYbell Infusion: Sleigh bells are the hallmark percussive element in many a Christmas smash. Use sleigh bell samples in a track that you write about the Christmas season.
Hanukkah Harmony: Write a song that honors the celebration of Hanukkah, incorporating scales that are more typical in Jewish musical forms, more specifically the Phyrigian scale.
Wintry Setting. Pen a non-holiday song about winter. Invoke the cold, the snow, the leafless trees, the coziness of a space heater, and other sense memories of winter as the setting of your song.
Cozy Fireplace Acoustic Jam: Compose an acoustic jam session-style song that embodies the coziness and warmth of sitting by a crackling fireplace during winter.
Co-write on Zoom (again): Yeah, its a little too cold out there for me to recommend that you leave your house and head out for a co-write. Stay inside in your pajamas and get cozy with a cup of hot chocolate. Log on to zoom and co-write a wintry song from the comfort of your own home.
Countdown: As we approach 2025, we can expect to hear the metronomic countdown to the New Year. 10. 9. 8. 7. You get it! Use a countdown as the inspiration for a chorus lyric in your own song.
Year in Review: Write a song in which the verses catalogue the events of your past year. Drop them into the verse and them make an emotional point about these events in your chorus.
Christmas Movies: Pick one of your favorite Christmas or holiday movies and listen to the soundtrack. Pen a song in that style that could fit into your movie of choice.
Congratulate Your Co-writers: In one of your sessions this month, tell you’re co-writer you’re proud of them for what they’ve accomplished this year. Pay your respects and give your thanks. See if, by starting your sessions with a bit of gratitude, the vibe in the room becomes more open and heartfelt.
