i know how to write lyrics to music. but how does on compose a song? what techniques in a nutshell do you need? i'm somewhat beginner to the music scene.

I think you should take a music theory course.

A beginner one, but maybe at a local college.

Just one class, that's all you need.

Start by learning the Circle Of Fifths.

baroque said:

I found this interesting article which may help you...here is the link

http://www.wikihow.com/Compose-Music

thats a fairly pragmatic question...
You know its something i never really pondered,
I just did...
I agree with cinnie though a begginning theory class is a good start
And start taking up the piano
you don't have to be a virtuouso but just competant enough to play a series of chord progression acompanaiment.
and thats pretty much it...

EmbattledWarrior said:

exactly... prepare to be de-mystified!

soon as I learned common chord progressions and cadences i was all "music ain't nothin"

play what sounds like music to you...yeah there's rules but tell that to Sigur Ros...

FrankAxtell said:

This is cool...listen to ANYTHING Frank says...

Cinnie said:

co-sign with you guys! If you learn about chords... then come up with a chord progression and a melody that goes with the chord progression... or first come up with a melody that a chord progression that goes with it... you're pretty much there. Then maybe a drumbeat or something... that gives a foundation for the song...

And in a song you may have a few different sections that each have their own chord progression and melody... and you want one chord progression to flow into the other (like a verse is followed by a chorus etc...)

There are no hard and fast rules. Use your own ears... if it sounds good to you, then it's good.