A number of years ago, a young man, then a second year high school history teacher, came into my church office and asked me to listen to something. I did. He played piano and sang four songs for me, each one better than before, and none of which I'd ever heard. I asked where he got them, and he replied, "I wrote them." He did, but only in his head. At that time, he didn't know enough music theory to actually commit his songs to paper or even Finale. I asked what he wanted to do with his song writing, and he said that in his wildest dreams he'd love to be a professional songwriter, perhaps for one of the big publishers in Nashville. I recorded his songs, and made half a dozen copies. I gave them to him (now I wish I'd kept a copy!), together with
the contact info for a few folks in the business that I knew. One of them loved these songs, and a new star was born!
Lowell Alexander
http://www.allmusic.com/artist/lowell-alexander-mn0000835829/credits went on from there to write a huge variety of songs for some very well known artists, such as Glenn Campbell, Point of Grace, Steve Green, Donny Osmond, Sandi Patty, Max Lucado, Selah, Margaret Becker, Natalie Grant, Travis Cottrell, the Gaither Vocal Band... Yes, most of these are Christian artists. He's also written musicals, and produced, directed, and played for countless recording projects. He has even taught courses in the fine art of songwriting, and has become of the industry's most sought after writers.
So, is there a need for songwriters today? Oh yes! It's not easy to earn a living at it, but with talent, drive, and a few connections, it can still be a dream come true!
cotten