CULMINATING EXPERIENCE
UNDERSTANDING TIN PAN ALLEY

A Glimpse Into the Golden Age of Songwriting with
the Big Five American Songwriters Composing
Hundreds of New Songs Every Year.

Jesse Boere
Master of Music Candidate
Contemporary Performance

Thursday, February 26, 15

TIN PAN ALLEY

Thursday, February 26, 15

THE BIG FIVE
Jerome Kern (1885-1945)
Irving Berlin (1888-1989)
Cole Porter (1891-1964)
George Gershwin (1898-1937)
Richard Rodgers (1902-1979)
> 4500 songs

Thursday, February 26, 15

Jerome Kern

Thursday, February 26, 15

Jerome Kern
All The Things You Are
Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man
Dearly Beloved
A Fine Romance
I’m Old Fashioned
I’ve Told Ev’ry Little Star

Thursday, February 26, 15

Look for the Silver Lining
Pick Yourself Up
The Song Is You
Sunny
The Way You Look Tonight
Yesterdays

Irving Berlin

Thursday, February 26, 15

Irving Berlin
Blue Skies
Change Partners
Cheek to Cheek
God Bless America
How Deep is the Ocean?
I Love a Piano

Thursday, February 26, 15

Let’s Face the Music and Dance
Puttin’ on the Ritz
Say it With Music
The Song Is Ended
What’ll I Do
White Christmas

Cole Porter

Thursday, February 26, 15

Cole Porter
All of You
Anything Goes
Easy to Love
From This Moment On
I Get a Kick out of You
I Love Paris
I’ve Got You Under My Skin

Thursday, February 26, 15

Just One of Those Things
Let’s Do It, Let’s Fall in Love
Love for Sale
My Heart Belongs to Daddy
Night and Day
What Is This Thing Called Love
You’d Be So Nice to Come Home To

George Gershwin

Thursday, February 26, 15

George Gershwin
A Foggy Day
But Not for Me
Embraceable You
Fascinating Rhythm
I’ve Got a Crush on You
Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off
Love Is Here to Stay

Thursday, February 26, 15

Nice Work If You Can Get It
Oh, Lady Be Good
‘S Wonderful
Someone to Watch over Me
Strike Up the Band
The Man I love
They Can’t Take That Away from Me

Richard Rodgers

Thursday, February 26, 15

Richard Rodgers
Blue Moon
Edelweiss
Favourite Things
Have You Met Miss Jones?
Isn’t It Romantic
It Might as Well Be Spring
It Never Entered My Mind

Thursday, February 26, 15

The Lady Is a Tramp
My Funny valentine
My Romance
Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’
Spring Is Here
With a Song in My Heart
You’ll Never Walk Alone

Nine rules of songwriting
(According to Irving Berlin):

1. The melody should be within the range of most singers
2. The title should be attention-getting and, in addition, repeated
within the body of the song
3. The song should be “sexless”: able to be sung by men and
women
4. The song requires “heart interest”
5. And at the same time, it should be “original in idea, words, and
music
6. “Stick to nature,” advised Berlin in his pragmatic way. “Not
nature in a visionary abstract way, but nature as demonstrated in
homely, concrete, everyday manifestations.
7. Sprinkle the lyrics with “open vowels” so that it will be
euphonious.
8. Make the song as simple as possible
9. “The song writer must look upon his work as a business, that is,
to make a success of it, he must work and work, and then WORK
Source: The American Magazine

Thursday, February 26, 15

“Tin Pan Alley Style”

Thursday, February 26, 15

Thirty-two-bar form
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Thursday, February 26, 15

Often referred to as the AABA form
Most commonly used until verse-chorus started dominating
Each chorus made up of four 8-bar sections
First A introduces principle melody; repeated in second A
The “middle-8”: different key than the home key or modulates within.
Melody is significantly different; lyrics too.
Last A usually repetition of first A’s (back in home key)

A MELODY IS A BEAUTIFUL THING

Thursday, February 26, 15

A MELODY IS A BEAUTIFUL THING

A melody is a beautiful thing!
Thursday, February 26, 15

A MELODY IS A BEAUTIFUL THING

Thursday, February 26, 15

A

...
...
...
...

A

...
...
...
...

B

...
...
...
...

A

...
...
...
A melody is a beautiful thing!

A MELODY IS A BEAUTIFUL THING

Thursday, February 26, 15

A

...
...
...
Oh, how I want to sing!

A

...
...
...
...

B

...
...
...
...

A

...
...
...
A melody is a beautiful thing!

A MELODY IS A BEAUTIFUL THING

Thursday, February 26, 15

A

...
...
...
Oh, how I want to sing!

A

...
...
...
A melody is a beautiful thing!

B

...
...
...
...

A

...
...
...
A melody is a beautiful thing!

A MELODY IS A BEAUTIFUL THING

Thursday, February 26, 15

A

...
...
...
Oh, how I want to sing!

A
A
A
C

A

...
...
...
A melody is a beautiful thing!

B
B
B
C

B

...
...
...
...

A

...
...
...
A melody is a beautiful thing!

A MELODY IS A BEAUTIFUL THING

Thursday, February 26, 15

A

...
...
...
Oh, how I want to sing!

A
A
A
C

A

...
...
...
A melody is a beautiful thing!

B
B
B
C

B

...
...
...
...

A

...
...
...
A melody is a beautiful thing!

DESCRIPTIVE

A MELODY IS A BEAUTIFUL THING

Thursday, February 26, 15

A

...
...
...
Oh, how I want to sing!

A
A
A
C

DESCRIPTIVE

A

...
...
...
A melody is a beautiful thing!

B
B
B
C

REVEAL

B

...
...
...
...

A

...
...
...
A melody is a beautiful thing!

A MELODY IS A BEAUTIFUL THING

Thursday, February 26, 15

A

She moves around with grace and flair
With golden head band in her hair
And flies so swiftly through the air
Oh, how I want to sing!

A
A
A
C

DESCRIPTIVE

A

...
...
...
A melody is a beautiful thing!

B
B
B
C

REVEAL

B

...
...
...
...

A

...
...
...
A melody is a beautiful thing!

A MELODY IS A BEAUTIFUL THING

Thursday, February 26, 15

A

She moves around with grace and flair
With golden head band in her hair
And flies so swiftly through the air
Oh, how I want to sing!

A
A
A
C

DESCRIPTIVE

A

I will not forget her once
In my mind it’ll stick months
Through my lungs and throat it runs
A melody is a beautiful thing!

B
B
B
C

REVEAL

B

...
...
...
...

A

...
...
...
A melody is a beautiful thing!

A MELODY IS A BEAUTIFUL THING

Thursday, February 26, 15

A

She moves around with grace and flair
With golden head band in her hair
And flies so swiftly through the air
Oh, how I want to sing!

A
A
A
C

DESCRIPTIVE

A

I will not forget her once
In my mind it’ll stick months
Through my lungs and throat it runs
A melody is a beautiful thing!

B
B
B
C

REVEAL

B

She kisses me most passionately
We live our lives in harmony
...
...

A

...
...
...
A melody is a beautiful thing!

A MELODY IS A BEAUTIFUL THING

Thursday, February 26, 15

A

She moves around with grace and flair
With golden head band in her hair
And flies so swiftly through the air
Oh, how I want to sing!

A
A
A
C

A

I will not forget her once
In my mind it’ll stick months
Through my lungs and throat it runs
A melody is a beautiful thing!

B

She kisses me most passionately
We live our lives in harmony
...
...

B
B
B
C
--A
A

A

...
...
...
A melody is a beautiful thing!

DESCRIPTIVE

REVEAL

A MELODY IS A BEAUTIFUL THING

Thursday, February 26, 15

A

She moves around with grace and flair
With golden head band in her hair
And flies so swiftly through the air
Oh, how I want to sing!

A
A
A
C

A

I will not forget her once
In my mind it’ll stick months
Through my lungs and throat it runs
A melody is a beautiful thing!

B

She kisses me most passionately
We live our lives in harmony
...
...

B
B
B
C
--A
A
B
C

A

...
...
...
A melody is a beautiful thing!

DESCRIPTIVE

REVEAL

A MELODY IS A BEAUTIFUL THING

Thursday, February 26, 15

A

She moves around with grace and flair
With golden head band in her hair
And flies so swiftly through the air
Oh, how I want to sing!

A
A
A
C

A

I will not forget her once
In my mind it’ll stick months
Through my lungs and throat it runs
A melody is a beautiful thing!

B

She kisses me most passionately
We live our lives in harmony
Still sometimes we get lost, but then
We find our way back home

B
B
B
C
--A
A
B
C

A

...
...
...
A melody is a beautiful thing!

DESCRIPTIVE

REVEAL

A MELODY IS A BEAUTIFUL THING

Thursday, February 26, 15

A

She moves around with grace and flair
With golden head band in her hair
And flies so swiftly through the air
Oh, how I want to sing!

A
A
A
C

A

I will not forget her once
In my mind it’ll stick months
Through my lungs and throat it runs
A melody is a beautiful thing!

B

She kisses me most passionately
We live our lives in harmony
Still sometimes we get lost, but then
We find our way back home

B
B
B
C
--A
A
B
C

A

...
...
...
A melody is a beautiful thing!

DESCRIPTIVE

REVEAL

UNBALANCED

A MELODY IS A BEAUTIFUL THING

Thursday, February 26, 15

A

She moves around with grace and flair
With golden head band in her hair
And flies so swiftly through the air
Oh, how I want to sing!

A
A
A
C

A

I will not forget her once
In my mind it’ll stick months
Through my lungs and throat it runs
A melody is a beautiful thing!

B

She kisses me most passionately
We live our lives in harmony
Still sometimes we get lost, but then
We find our way back home

B
B
B
C
--A
A
B
C

A

...
...
...
A melody is a beautiful thing!

DESCRIPTIVE

REVEAL

UNBALANCED

A MELODY IS A BEAUTIFUL THING

Thursday, February 26, 15

A

She moves around with grace and flair
With golden head band in her hair
And flies so swiftly through the air
Oh, how I want to sing!

A
A
A
C

A

I will not forget her once
In my mind it’ll stick months
Through my lungs and throat it runs
A melody is a beautiful thing!

B

She kisses me most passionately
We live our lives in harmony
Still sometimes we get lost, but then
We find our way back home

B
B
B
C
--A
A
B
C

A

...
...
Oh, how I want to sing!
A melody is a beautiful thing!

DESCRIPTIVE

REVEAL

UNBALANCED

A MELODY IS A BEAUTIFUL THING

Thursday, February 26, 15

A

She moves around with grace and flair
With golden head band in her hair
And flies so swiftly through the air
Oh, how I want to sing!

A
A
A
C

A

I will not forget her once
In my mind it’ll stick months
Through my lungs and throat it runs
A melody is a beautiful thing!

B

She kisses me most passionately
We live our lives in harmony
Still sometimes we get lost, but then
We find our way back home

A

...
...
Oh, how I want to sing!
A melody is a beautiful thing!

B
B
B
C
--A
A
B
C
-B
B

DESCRIPTIVE

REVEAL

UNBALANCED

A MELODY IS A BEAUTIFUL THING

Thursday, February 26, 15

A

She moves around with grace and flair
With golden head band in her hair
And flies so swiftly through the air
Oh, how I want to sing!

A
A
A
C

A

I will not forget her once
In my mind it’ll stick months
Through my lungs and throat it runs
A melody is a beautiful thing!

B

She kisses me most passionately
We live our lives in harmony
Still sometimes we get lost, but then
We find our way back home

A

...
...
Oh, how I want to sing!
A melody is a beautiful thing!

B
B
B
C
--A
A
B
C
-A
A
B
B

DESCRIPTIVE

REVEAL

UNBALANCED

A MELODY IS A BEAUTIFUL THING

Thursday, February 26, 15

A

She moves around with grace and flair
With golden head band in her hair
And flies so swiftly through the air
Oh, how I want to sing!

A
A
A
C

A

I will not forget her once
In my mind it’ll stick months
Through my lungs and throat it runs
A melody is a beautiful thing!

B

She kisses me most passionately
We live our lives in harmony
Still sometimes we get lost, but then
We find our way back home

A

No, nothing can compare to her
She is the queen of song for sure!
Oh, how I want to sing!
A melody is a beautiful thing!

B
B
B
C
--A
A
B
C
-A
A
B
B

DESCRIPTIVE

REVEAL

UNBALANCED

A MELODY IS A BEAUTIFUL THING

Thursday, February 26, 15

A

She moves around with grace and flair
With golden head band in her hair
And flies so swiftly through the air
Oh, how I want to sing!

A
A
A
C

A

I will not forget her once
In my mind it’ll stick months
Through my lungs and throat it runs
A melody is a beautiful thing!

B

She kisses me most passionately
We live our lives in harmony
Still sometimes we get lost, but then
We find our way back home

A

No, nothing can compare to her
She is the queen of song for sure!
Oh, how I want to sing!
A melody is a beautiful thing!

B
B
B
C
--A
A
B
C
-A
A
B
B

DESCRIPTIVE

REVEAL

UNBALANCED

MESSAGE

A MELODY IS A BEAUTIFUL THING

Thursday, February 26, 15

A

She moves around with grace and flair
With golden head band in her hair
And flies so swiftly through the air
Oh, how I want to sing!

A
A
A
C

A

I will not forget her once
In my mind it’ll stick months
Through my lungs and throat it runs
A melody is a beautiful thing!

B

She kisses me most passionately
We live our lives in harmony
Still sometimes we get lost, but then
We find our way back home

A

No, nothing can compare to her
She is the queen of song for sure!
Oh, how I want to sing!
A melody is a beautiful thing!

B
B
B
C
--A
A
B
C
-A
A
B
B

DESCRIPTIVE

REVEAL

UNBALANCED

MESSAGE

Thursday, February 26, 15

Thursday, February 26, 15

Thursday, February 26, 15

Thursday, February 26, 15

BLAME IT ON MY CURIOSITY
By Jesse Boere

A

A

B
A

Thursday, February 26, 15

Tell me, how do green beans grow
I just really want to know
I’ll read about it endlessly
Blame it on my curiosity

A
A
B
B
-Where do you live, what kind of flowers you like?
A
Do you drive or do you ride your bike?
A
What’s the kinda thing in life you’re looking for?
B
Your glass of red is empty, would you fancy some more? B
-I’ll remember everything
A
Our nine-week anniversary, that kinda thing
A
Your mother’s maiden name, she’ll ask me how I knew
B
I’ll say I’m mighty curious, I just asked you
B
-Tell me baby, what’s your favorite food
A
Not for nothing, what gets you in the mood?
A
Now if you think that I am being too rude, pardon me
B
Blame it on my curiosity
B

I CAN LOOK YOU IN THE EYES
By Jesse Boere

A

I can look you in the eyes
When I listen to you speak
I can look you in the eyes
When I feel mighty weak
I can look you in the eyes
In moment, of silence
I can look you in the eyes
Like tigers, like lions

B

Oh, how I’m lost in space, slow-motion
In the blue-green skies a rising sun I see
I can look you in the eyes
Why can I look you in the eyes?
Because you are the one for me

Form:
Cole Porter - I Love Paris
Thursday, February 26, 15

A
B
A
B
A
C
A
C
-B
C
A
A
C

I HAVE TO LIVE LIFE ON MY OWN
By Jesse Boere

A

I've been alone
I feel it now
I'm at this place where the doors are locked somehow

A

You were the key
You'd save the day
You could unlock the very doors that paved the way

B

For a world with just a hint of make-believe
Just enough to feel alive and without grief

A

Form:
One For My Baby - Harold Arlen & Johnny Mercer
Thursday, February 26, 15

A

It's time to go
It's time to leave
Time to move on and stop being so naive

A

We had our days
We spend it well
Though, now that it's gone it feels like someone cast a spell

B

Over me and over everything I see
It's like love itself is madly judging me

C

I thought that I was doing quite alright
Now I know I have never had to fight
I knew you would always be
My protection for eternity

A

But we had our time
I have to go
I have to live life on my own

A

B
A

MY GIRLFRIEND DOESN’T DRINK BEER
By Jesse Boere

Thursday, February 26, 15

A

She is perfect in every way
That’s what I thought three hours ago
That’s when I sighed and suddenly knew
It is not just a particular brew

A

Should I be happy or should I be sad
Some might think that I am being a little mad
Still it’s true, the fact’s really clear
My girlfriend doesn’t drink beer

B

I know it’s not rare to be
Appreciative of other spirits you see
But I will never split or share with you
That liquid gold that breathes comradery

A

I just had thirteen in a row
It’s not the end of the world, I know
Still I shed a little tear, when I found out right here
My girlfriend doesn’t drink beer

A
B
C
C
-A
A
B
B
-A
A
B
A
-A
A
B
B

SPRING AIN’T WHAT IT USED TO BE
By Jesse Boere

A
A

Spring ain’t what it used to be
Birds haven’t been themselves

A
B

Snow keeps falling down on my face
The April days want something else

B

I can’t wait for the sun to appear in my eyes
No one but me can see that you are spring in disguise

C
B
-B
B

A

You are not who you used to be
Spring, won’t you try

A
B

Form (20-bar):
After You’ve Gone - Henry Creamer & Turner Layton
Thursday, February 26, 15

TAKE IT (OR LEAVE IT)
By Jesse Boere

Thursday, February 26, 15

A

Take it or leave it
What are you waiting for
Take it or leave it
I won’t be waiting anymore

B

When the heat slips away
Reality will be here to stay
And darling, that will be the day
You lost your chance with me

A

Take it or leave it
Stop dodging arrows if you care
Take it or leave it
Don’t regret it, don’t you dare

B

I don’t dream about you
Cause I don’t sleep, no, not without you
Take it or leave it, you better believe it
I’ll make sure that all your dreams come true

A
B
A
B
-A
A
A
B
-A
B
A
B
-A
A
B
A

YOU’RE NOT A MILLIONAIRE?!
By Jesse Boere

Thursday, February 26, 15

A

No, you didn’t win the lottery!
It’s just a scam, it’s trickery
There is no prize, no golden tree
You’re not a millionaire!

A
A
A
D

A

If you’ll insist you’ll soon find out
Who are your friends and who to doubt
As long as you won’t say out loud
You’re not as rich as Fred Astaire

B
B
B
D

B

How are you doing, how have you been?
Remember when we were nineteen
It’s not much; at least for you, I mean
You’re loaded now, it’s only fair

C
C
C
D

A

No, I didn’t win the lottery!
It’s just a scam, it’s trickery
There is no prize, no golden tree
I’m not a millionaire!

A
A
A
D

What have I learned?
What’s next?

Thursday, February 26, 15