Bite-sized
songwriting assignments.

Three parameters. Two weeks to create.

Assignment #16
  1. 1
    Start your song with a chorus.
  2. 2
    Take lyrical inspiration from the Jurassic Period.
  3. 3
    Include some kind of primitive percussion.
Assignment #15
  1. 1
    Introducing them one at a time, create a stack of four equal-length, non-drum loops.
  2. 2
    With the loop stack running, add a fifth element on top—lead line, melody, whatever you please.
  3. 3
    Allow the fifth element to end and remove the loops, avoiding the reverse order in which they were added.
Assignment #14
  1. 1
    Write a theme song for an imaginary TV show.
  2. 2
    The show’s premise is equal parts your real life, and very much not your real life.
  3. 3
    Feature an instrument you have never featured before.
Assignment #13
  1. 1
    Borrow a phrase or line from Poetry Foundation’s Poem of the Day.
  2. 2
    Before considering any music, write all of the lyrics, including the borrowed line.
  3. 3
    Include at least one a cappella moment in the song.
FAQs

Does it cost anything to join Neon Chef Book Club?

Nope! All you need is an email address and poof, you’re a chef.


I’m not an experienced songwriter or composer. Is NCBC still a good place for me?

Yep! If you have any interest in working on your songwriting, music composition or recording skills, NCBC is a great resource for you. Chefs of all experience levels have a home here—think of this as a helpful starting point to work on whatever you’d like.


I don’t have much of a home recording set-up. Should I still submit work to NCBC?

Heck yes! Voice memos, laptop demos, studio sessions and everywhere in between are welcome. Some of our favorite submissions of all time have been voice memos. You may notice some assignments require a bit more technology than others—we suggest seeing it as an opportunity to either get creative or dive into that part of your craft a bit more than you previously have!


I fell off my bicycle this morning. Am I okay?

Ah, we’re so sorry to hear that! You’re probably okay. But if you got any scrapes, make sure you wash them with soap and water. Get back out there tomorrow.

Lemme in there!

Become a chef