Dear Cat,

Why should I study songwriting? I'm skeptical as to whether writing a hit song can be taught in the first place. If learn some rules, won't it cramp my style?

I agree with you partially. Studying songcraft does not necessarily enable one to write a hit song (or else we'd all be rich, wouldn't we?). There are people who have a natural knack for writing catchy memorable songs just as there are natural born painters and athletes. However, an untrained songwriter runs the risk of being completely out of the commercial ballpark or, even more likely, of writing the same song over and over again with the same limitations.

The industry has special needs in song structure, in hooks, in concepts, and in formats. You can make an in-depth study of pop songs on your own and intuitively isolate the elements that seem to sell, but it's a much easier job studying with someone who has been around the track a few times and can point out strengths and weaknesses.

The name of the game is grabbing an audience and keeping them involved all the way the song to the end. Most people, even the most experienced pros, need to study and get feedback in order to make sure they stay on track.