Create A Song From Scratch
Write lyrics, choose a melody, create a simple chord or rhythm using voice or classroom instruments, and record or perform your original song for others.
Step-by-step guide to create a song from scratch
Step 1
Pick a theme for your song and write 3 to 5 words that show what the song is about.
Step 2
Write five feelings or images that match your theme to help spark ideas.
Step 3
Write a short chorus of 2 to 4 lines that says the main idea and can be repeated.
Step 4
Write one verse of 2 to 4 lines that adds a little story or detail.
Step 5
Hum or sing different simple tunes for the chorus to explore melody ideas.
Step 6
Choose the melody you like best for the chorus and hum it until you remember it.
Step 7
Make a simple rhythm or chord pattern using your voice or a simple instrument by picking three repeating sounds or beats.
Step 8
Decide the order of your song parts and write the structure like Verse Chorus Verse Chorus on your paper.
Step 9
Practice singing the verse and chorus with your chosen melody and rhythm until it sounds steady.
Step 10
Perform your song for family or friends so you can see how it feels to sing it live.
Step 11
Record your song or ask an adult to record it so you can listen back and keep it.
Step 12
Share your finished original song on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use instead of a simple instrument or a recorder if we don't have them?
Use household items like pots, wooden spoons, or body percussion (clap, stomp, pat) for the 'Make a simple rhythm...' step, and use a smartphone voice memo or tablet camera to 'Record your song'.
My chorus melody slips my mind or my timing is wobbly—how do I fix that?
During 'Hum or sing different simple tunes...' make quick voice memo takes of each melody and practice with a steady tap or metronome using the three repeating sounds from 'Make a simple rhythm...' to lock in tune and timing.
How can I change the activity for younger or older kids?
For preschoolers, pick one clear theme, draw the 3–5 words and clap a simple chorus line; for elementary kids, write 2–4 line chorus and verse and use household instruments; for older children, add chords, harmonies, multi-track recording, and a written song structure like Verse–Chorus–Verse–Chorus before sharing on DIY.org.
What are some ways to extend or personalize our finished song?
Add harmony or a bridge, create extra verses with more story, swap in different instruments for your three repeating sounds, make a short music video during 'Perform your song', and upload the recording to DIY.org to share or remix later.
Watch videos on how to create a song from scratch
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Facts about songwriting and music composition for kids
✍️ Some songwriters begin with a single lyric line, others start by humming a melody — either way can lead to a great song.
🎸 A huge number of hit songs use the same four-chord progression (I–V–vi–IV), so you can make a catchy song with just four chords.
🎵 Pop songs often run about 3 minutes long — that length became popular because of old record and radio formats!
🧠 Simple, repetitive melodies and strong hooks are what make songs stick in your head (hello, earworms!).
🎙️ You can record a full song with just a smartphone and a free app — great demos come from small setups.
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