Thanks for input everybody.

I believe anything that furthers learning the craft only adds more tools to a songwriter's creative toolbox. It doesn't take anything away.

The more "whats" you know, the more "ways" you can do your own thing and create your own groove.

BTW, if you haven't signed up already, you might want to check out the free songwriting course from Berklee.

https://www.coursera.org/#course/songwriting