A Collection of Original Songs

Abstract

When I signed up to study jazz in college, it was with the intent to absorb all the musical information I could so I could write my own music. I began writing songs my sophomore year of college, and since then it’s been a steady pursuit in tandem with my collegiate studies. I’ve primarily learned how to write songs by analyzing the works of my favorite songwriters: Ben Folds, Billy Joel, James Taylor, Eric Hutchinson, Randy Newman, Becca Stevens, and more. The knowledge I’ve gleaned from them and the experience I’ve gained in music school have formed my identity as a songwriter. The following are eleven of my original songs, with recordings, charts, and analysis. I chose some notable moments from each to discuss in detail.