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do you have to be able to play music to write it?

by Anthony Marston
(Greenwood, Arkansas USA)

I have always been a writer, as far back as i can remember, But I am not musically inclined, or at least i don't think i am. and yes I have tried Guitar, but do not have the dexterity, and the piano as a kid just couldn't get into it. Although I have helped a friend write a couple of songs for his garage band, and have written a few on my own, which he thought were really good.
Strangely enough I can hear the music in my head (all of it, full instrumental) when i write song lyrics, at times i can whip out a complete song in less than ten minutes... This may be the cord progressions you referred to in your forum.
This all began from my hobby of writing poetry and in the past year has turned to music. i was always very good at poetry even placed in the top 5 in a state wide poetry contest my 10th year of high school, my teacher entered me with out my knowledge, of which I was very upset once finding out in class to my humiliation of the news... Allot of time has passed and my shyness has passed with age. Im now 38 and love the fact that i have this talent but am wondering if i can still enter into the field if i do not play any musical instruments??? i can hear music as i said, but cannot relate the sounds in my head to anyone else except through the words i write.. If they can hear them the same way i do.. At the same tempo and beat.
Any opinion or suggestions you may have would be greatly appreciated...
Anthony

Comments for
do you have to be able to play music to write it?

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Nov 04, 2009
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Unrelated Question
by: Laya

Anthony, are/were you married to Angie Marston?

Nov 10, 2009
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Reply to Layla
by: Anthony

Yes I was along time ago, are you the layla that went to school with her?

Nov 10, 2009
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Layla,
by: Anonymous

You can find me on facebook if your wanting to get in touch, I travel allot so it's the practical way at this point, hope all is well, Anthony

Nov 24, 2009
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Expand your gift
by: Anonymous

No you dont need to play music to write it.I do the same thing.I can hear a song in my head and lyrics come easy.But its difficult being just a lyric writer.You probally need to find someone who plays music to help your music come to life.Even if you just write there is some type of melody in your head.It takes the music and lyrics to bring the song to its full life.I was just like you until i bought myself a keyboard and learned to play on my own.Its amazing when you put the words and music together.It can be done anything is possible I never played an instrument in my life!Its just a lot harder with no music. Its hard to juge its potential with half its parts.

Nov 25, 2009
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Reply
by: Anthony

Thanks so much, and your right, well I guess I need to dust that guitar off and attempt to learn it, or find some one I can tune in with to bring those parts together...

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