I would say commercial songwriting is obviously something that can be taught. Nashville and pop music rely heavily on a formulaic approach to hit writing and that can be taught.

But there is incredible competition, the who-do-you-know factor and plain old luck involved in getting a great song anywhere near hit status.

Finally, I was never impressed with Pattison's teaching & writing style. I feel he takes 20 minutes to cover what could be easily explained in 5 minutes. And I just get bored and annoyed listening to him. Maybe he is truly brilliant but I'll never have the patience to find out! laugh