Advice?

[davy8]

Hi Stephen,
Thanks for running this page. First off, I love your work. I just recently saw a production of Pippin, and it's my new favorite show. Second, the main subject: My brother and I are legitimately working on writing a short musical. I took the music, he's got book and lyrics. Do you have any advice to stick to for this venture?

[AssistSS]

Dear Davy8,

Thanks for your interest. Unfortunately, Mr. Schwartz is in writer hibernation and is unable to respond to posts or email. However, there is a lot of advice in the Stephen Schwartz Forum Archives: http://www.stephenschwartz.com/forum/the-forum-archive/

Here is one specific to songwriting: http://www.stephenschwartz.com/wp-co...ngwriters1.pdf

Another source for information is Carol de Giere's Musical Writer's page: http://www.musicalwriters.com/

Carol's other site is: http://www.musicalschwartz.com/ (lots of information about all things "Schwartz")

And finally, you might consider attending one of the ASCAP or BMI musical theatre workshops - these workshops are an invaluable resource for those interested in the craft of writing for the musical theatre. (Carol keeps information on the ASCAP workshops on her site, you should be able to Google information about BMI workshops).

I wish you and your brother the best with your writing. Sincerely,

Michael Cole