Customer Reviews

Becoming Remarkable: For Songwriters and Those Who Love Song [With *]

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

It is a rare and pleasant surprise to read a book that not only compels you to write better but also makes you feel like a better person. This book is written in a conversational style that lets you know and appreciate the author and come to know yourself better as well. Harriet Schock knows the craft of songwriting and shares her insights with passion and conviction. I recommend this book for anyone who aspires to write from the truth within.

This book is a find for anyone who ever wondered about the song writers journey or the evolution of a song. Harriet Schock is a skilled songwriter who graciously shares her experience and teaches the reader to look within, think, feel, and express with clarity so that the world knows what you have to say. Becoming Remarkable is filled with personal anecdotes and songwriting samples to highlight each lesson / chapter. Written in a true 'tell us what we need to know - tell us why we need to know it - and tell us how to apply what we know' style that makes the learning a pleasant process. This book is an essential tool for songwriters. This book is an inspirational tool for all.

I am a slow reader, so this book keeps me up at night. In the morning I'm fatigued. It's just so difficult to close "The Book." Such incredible writing, Harriet touches your deepest feelings and recalls all those thoughts every songwriter has known since they knew that they just had to write.

Recently, I was in the recording studio producing tracks for a 14 year songwriter. Believe it or not, "The Book" was with me both physically and mentally. It was Harriet's words, thoughts and spirit that conducted that session. And it was one of the most pleasure filled evenings in the studio for me with my new mentor. In this session I was not alone, I had "The Book."

I got home late and retired with "The Book." Great session I thought. Especially now that I had a way of thinking about those difficult decisions affecting my inner sense of artistic integrity and communicating that to the musicians. Finally, my eyes closed as the lights went out in heaven. Then suddenly, I opened my eyes to check once more. Got "The Book?"

I have read this book and keep it by my side as I compose new tunes. It is like a songwriters bible. Harriet Schock's insight to songwriting is incredible. She helps you get perspective on what you already know and much you didn't know or think of. And unlike many "how-to" books which are written by people with no track record, Ms. Schock is an accomplished songwriter and a hit songwriter. I also have her CD's which are filled with wonderful songs. I recommend this book to new and veteran songwriters.

There are lots of excellent books on songwriting. This isn't one of them. This author just recycles what other people have already said. I returned my copy and bought "The Craft and Business of Songwriting", "How To Write A Hit Song" and "How To Make A Good Song A Hit Song". THEY taught me something.

Harriet approaches the art of songwriting with such open honesty that one can't help but be affected by her strength of conviction. There is more to this book than a simple "how-to". It's also a guide to keeping your spiritual connection with your art. Some of her articles moved me to tears.

The structure of the book is pretty simple, really. It's split up into three sections - "Integrity", "Clarity" & "Technology". "Integrity" deals with what I mentioned above - the emotional and spiritual connection to the act of songwriting. Why we do it, what moves us to continue doing so. "Clarity" deals with the content of those songs and what can help to make them unique. The "Technology" section is the "how-to" part of the book. Each section contains numerous articles that Harriet has written throughout her long journey as a songwriter, singer and performer. The result is a mix of emotional outpouring and sincerity that is sure to inspire.

Her music has the same sort of honest poignancy and a CD of her songs is also included with the book - a demonstration of her techniques and her beliefs in action.

I would recommend BECOMING REMARKABLE most highly to those who are so bogged down in the business of their songwriting that they've forgotten WHY they actually do what they do. This book will most definitely help them remember. And maybe, when that magic is back, the songs can flow just that much more easily.

--Jodi Krangle ~ The Muse's Muse ~

This is a wonderful example of "do as I say AND as I do!" - Harriet Schock's articles on songwriting - and her perspective on life - are exemplified in her prose, and then her CD of original songs proves the truth of her vision and artistry! A must-have for any songwriter, or anyone interested in what makes good songs work!

This is a wonderful book that addresses the most vital point of all - the viewpoint of the writer! It's packed full of great stories and examples and encouragement that all can and should be applied RIGHT NOW to improve the quality of the art. It's a must for all of us who would like to be REMARKABLE!

Harriet addresses the most important aspect of songwriting, which is changing the patterns within that hold us back. It's done in such a gentle manner, that one can't help but to change for the better. I highly recommend this book!

I have had mixed emotions with this book. In the first place, is a collection of individual published articles. May be I was looking for something more sistematic. But after this first impression, you find the articles - chapters very insightful and full of wisdom. And all the time it seems that Harriet is talking just to you about her feelings and thoughts about songs, craft, bussiness, ethic, life, everything. That's beatiful and you'll learn a lot. But I hope that some day Harriet retires and write a REAL and wonderful book about songwriting. I'll be there to get the first copy!