Musical Writing Tips for the Musical Book, Music, & Lyrics

Stephen Schwartz reviews an original score

Here on MusicalWriters.com you'll find a window into the multi-faceted art form of musical theatre. See links to writing tips and commentary from Stephen Schwartz, David Spencer, ...

Photo: Stephen Schwartz with handwritten score sheets from an original score. Photo by Terry de Giere (copyright)

Stephen Schwartz's Tips

Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Godspell, Pippin) has authorized us to gather and post tips he has presented in various question/answer sessions with people who are writing a musical. Stephen Schwartz - tips for composers, lyricists, book writers

Find Musical Writing Tips in Books

Want to know more about how to write a musical? Musical writer William (Bill) Squires points out great sources for tips. tips for musical writers

David Spencer Tips

David Spencer is the author of The Musical Theatre Writer's Survival Guide--a book that many writers have found valuable. David Spencer is also a script consultant for musicals. Contact him through his website (link below).

He gives some free tips on his website: THE MUSICAL THEATRE WRITER'S SURVIVAL GUIDE Excerpts - David Spencer offers THE TEN (OPEN) SECRETS OF SUCCESSFUL LIBRETTI

Tips from Hamilton Dramaturgy

When is it time to send your musical to a dramaturg?

When you can't answer a question like, "Is my main character compelling enough?" (You must have a unique character and original journey)

When you don't know what your main character wants (This element propels the whole musical and must be original and valuable)

When you have drawn some conclusions about your script and you want a second opinion (Like, you're asking yourself if the songs' mix of rhythms and styles works?)

Need a Musical Script Consultant?

Anne Hamilton is the principal of Hamilton Dramaturgy, a consulting practice now located in Bucks County, PA. She has eighteen years of experience in the professional theatre in New York City, across the country, and internationally. The majority of her clients are located in New York and Los Angeles, and she welcomes clients from any corner of the world. Her clients have gone on to win the Pulitzer Prize, the MacArthur "Genius" Award, the Tony ® Award, and a Royal Court International Residency. Last year, STAGE DIRECTIONS magazine named her a "trailblazer" in American dramaturgy. She spent twenty years singing in some of Manhattan's biggest venues.

For writers of musicals, Anne offers a specialized service including: an intake session where the authors voice their concerns about any aspect of the book, lyrics or music to which she should pay special attention; a line by line read through of the book, with comments made in the body of the script; a careful review of the music and lyrics; a list of recommendations; and an hour-long follow-up consultation with the collaborators on the subject of their choice.

For a free half hour consultation, please send the first ten pages of your musical to Anne through www.hamiltonlit.com For rates, email hamiltonlit@hotmail.com.

Read Anne's bio, etc. at Hamiltonlit.com about us page

To send suggestions, comments, or questions write to carol@musicalschwartz.com