7 Secrets to HIT Songwriting (Udemy.com)
Veteran Motown writer teaches you how to master the art of Hook, Verse, Melody writing & more. Secrets finally revealed!
Created by: Clay Drayton
Last updated November 2015
What you will learn
- By the end of this course you will learn the secret elements that Motown used to make their songs magnetic and timeless.
- You will learn the "Power of the HOOK", How to write a catchy Title, How to Hum out a Melody, How to Paint pictures with words and MORE...
How it compares
Against the other 270 rated Udemy courses in Music on CourseDuck:
- Rating4.8 out of 5higher than 84% of them
- Reviews633#61 of 271 by number of reviews
- Length4.2 hourslonger than 60% of them
- Last updatedNovember 2015earlier than 98% of them
Course Description
When Clay Drayton instructs songwriters, he comes from a place of experience and longevity. He doesn't want you to be a “1 Hit Wonder”. You will learn the secrets of writing songs that have the potential to become Classics.
What many songwriters today are missing are mentors (Seasoned writers who have "Been there, Done that!") to help them develop their songs with tried and proven methods of creating Hit songs. Clay will give you examples, templates and tools to use in your songs. He will be your mentor. He will help you write songs that everyone will want to hear and singers will want to cover.
Not only will Mr. Drayton instruct you, but he will consult with, critique and collaborate with his students.
Instructor Details
- 4.8 Rating
633 Reviews
Clay Drayton
Clay Drayton has been involved in the music industry for the past 40 years. He was a songwriter on staff at Motown Records/Jobete Publishing for seven years. While at Motown he wrote, arranged, produced and played on songs for Diana Ross, The Supremes, the Jackson 5, Jermaine Jackson, Janet Jackson, High Inergy, David Ruffin, the 5th dimension, Bette Midler, Al Wilson and many others. He has earned multiple gold & platinum records to his credits. Clay’s song “The Life of the Party” is included on the CD entitled “Michael Jackson’s 50 Best Songs.
After leaving Motown, Mr. Drayton signed with 20th Century Fox Music. He is president of his own music publishing companies; Claytam and Troytiaco. He is a member of ASCAP, the National Association of Recording Industry Professionals (NARIP) and a voting member for the Grammy Association. He continues to write and produce today for vocalists which include singer Jesse Campbell from "The Voice" and others. Clay is currently teaching a Professional songwriting class in Los Angeles, CA. He speaks for music schools and music networking groups, has been featured in music magazines and conducts Professional Songwriting seminars nationwide.
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Reviews
By Ricky Thompson on 2/14/2023
I didn't realize just how much I was giving up by just giving a half effort just to say it is finished. Being a person who loves to create music but really no technical know-how or contacts to collaborate with. This is a way for me to get a different point of view to incorporate with my own. I am happy that I took this course it will help to make me complete in my musical journey. Thanks
By Lieuwe Leeftink on 9/2/2019
It's problably one of the bestest songwriting courses on the internet. You'll get so much valuable information in this course that it makes you a better songwriter. Clay Drayton is an excellent teacher, so Clay many thanks for making this course, I enyoyed every moment of this journey into songwriting. If you want a top songwriters course TAKE THIS COURSE. Thanks Clay !
By Edmund Bloom on 3/4/2018
Some may perceive this course as too basic. I think that misses the point. This provides the essence of the characteristics of songs that made Motown one of the greatest recording studios ever. He does not teach you a nuts and bolts recipe or pattern on how to make an assembly line song, but teaches you what qualities should go into your song, in your own way. It is a revelation of the thought process of a songwriter. Ultimately, that is the way to obtain individual excellence, which is all too rare today. I would liked for it to cover melody and chordal structures in more depth so I deducted 1/2 star, but all in all, a very worthwhile course.
By Kerry A Hartjen on 11/14/2017
Wow! This course is so full of useful information I'm sure I will be referring to it again and again. It gets better and better as it goes along. Clay's passion for what he does, and for passing that knowledge along to others, is clearly evident in his presentation. His experience comes through as well, and he really inspires his students to do their very best work. I am delighted to have had the opportunity to learn from him and if he offered another class I would sign up in a minute.
By Leah - Norah on 10/17/2017
I really loved this course as it was extremely informative and easy to follow. There are tons of examples/explanations of every area of the songwriting process, already I am creating captivating song titles and starting to feel more confident. The course is a gift, as it has given me a wealth of knowledge to understand what makes great songs and the tools to apply the techniques myself. I recently shared 2, of techniques with a fellow musician with twenty years experience and I got silence... proceeded by wow! The impact... A new found confidence in writing and I feel that I am able to share and collaborate with others. Thank you Clay
By Mark on 9/22/2017
Information is provided in the same manner that a song should be written, simple, concise and easy to understand. There are no unnecessary complexities to the course and the information provided is critical to any songwriter from the enthusiast to the professional irrelevant of your current skill level. Excellent course. So thankful for Clay providing this information.
By Debra Peterson on 9/16/2017
EXCELLENT. He gives very basic information.... Much like the frame is to house.... The elaborations, variations etc. or walls, bricks, etc. are added to the frame. I have a songwriting book that goes off in several tangents. This course helps me remember the most important information that I can place other information on.
By Susan Robinson on 12/11/2016
Moves very slowly in the beginning, but eventually offers good practical tips for generating song ideas. When it comes to actually writing the lyrics, the suggestions are pretty general. I'd have liked more specific help with writing sample lines. Also, the course frequently directs you to go to the internet to listen to a song. I know this has to do with copyrights, but it was an interruption and I didn't like having to do that. Perhaps you could offer more examples of your own songs. I would also have liked more instruction on actually writing melody lines--what sorts of progressions evoke specific emotions? The structure of the course is annoying--often you have to click on a new chapter after just a minute or so of content. Overall, I do not feel prepared to actually author a song. I have the prep down And understand the general idea, but don't really know how to make my lyric lines the right length, the right rhythm. And telling me to simply hum whatever comes into my head might get me started, but it doesn't get a song written. For you, a professional with lots of experience, maybe, but not for a beginner without the background. This course prepares me to write a song, but leaves me without targeted guidance once I actually begin.
By Schantell Wharton on 11/21/2016
Excellent Teacher and Excellent Course He was very clear and direct on how to write hit songs. I am going to take all his courses--great teaching and value for me. Thank you. I am a songwriter who needs all the help he can give me. Some of my acapella songs can be heard at: https://soundcloud.com/redlady-381492255. I need help writing melodies to my songs. Any help or feedback would be greatly appreciated-- Email swharton6470@yahoo.com. Thank you.
By Azi Crawford on 11/11/2015
Clay's approach encourages, by example, songwriting without an instrument. He teaches creating melodies like we normally do - but we think nothing of it - humming a tune. His slice-and-dice section was simple but surprisingly inspiring. Trim your title until it's punchy, memorable, and intriguing. Thank you Clay. I'll be applying all of your tips to my songs moving forward.
Quality Score
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Overall Score : 96 / 100




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