Often, our new musical ideas don't come to us fully formed. They start as a seed of an idea, and need to be extended and shaped until they express our vision for it. Today I talk about this refining stage of songwriting, and share why I use design principles -- not music theory -- to help me grow my ideas.

If you've started exploring melodies or chord progressions on the piano, you're ready for the next stage in your songwriting journey: collecting and refining your musical ideas! Deciding which of your musical ideas to work on can be frustrating if you don't have the right mindset -- the pressure to write music that other people will like can stifle our natural musicianship.

Does the fear of being acceptable to others keep you from writing music from your heart? I know from experience that trying to impress other people isn't a sustainable way to motivate your piano journey!

If you'd like to write music, you'll probably enjoy yourself more if you don't put pressure on yourself to write a hit on your first try! Too many of my students throw their ideas away too early, without appreciating the joy and gift of creativity while it's happening.

The act of creating will magnify the true motives of your heart more than any other force on earth! That's why I think it's so important for us musicians to be honest with ourselves -- and cultivate a good mindset -- so we can truly enjoy our journey of learning and writing for piano.

Imposter syndrome can be a really big problem for aspiring songwriters. It's hard to write music when you feel you have to prove yourself! My solution to this is learning to see your piano as a friend, rather than a challenger. Here's a quick video explaining how!

Some people think they need to learn a lot about music theory in order to write their own music, but in my experience, just a little basic familiarity will do. Here's a quick rundown of the theory my students like to know to get them on their way!

If the expectation to share your music intimidates you or prevents you from getting started, let go of that obligation! Remember that your music is for you -- just because other people have shared their music, doesn't mean you have to!

A lot of the advice I see online for songwriters is targeted towards how to write music that sells. If that's your goal, go for it! But for some people, engineering your work to be liked by others is a one-way ticket to creative block.