Custom Life Songs
About Custom Life Songs
Custom Life Songs capture the essence of an individual through music.
I specialize in creating songs that help people tell their life stories, making them a unique and meaningful gift, especially for older adults and people who may be dying. The process involves intimate interviews, allowing me to connect with the person for whom the song is being written, and/or their loved ones. Sometimes this is done as a surprise for the individual. Through these conversations, I learn what makes each person special, and synthesize what is said into a personalized song. You may include as many people as you wish in this process.
In addition, I write songs for children, born or unborn, with wishes and wisdom from parents/families/friends translated into song form, for them to cherish throughout their lives and as they grow. I can also write a song for any occasion, the sky is the limit as to topics.
You will choose the mood of music that resonates with you, whether it's joyful, reflective, nostalgic, etc. My mission is to create a lasting musical tribute that honors a life journey, preserving memories in a beautiful and meaningful way. You can choose to add a live performance if my schedule allows, as well as a fully produced, multi-instrumental recording (a basic recording is included with each song).
About Me
Welcome to my world of custom songwriting. My name is Jen, and I am a passionate songwriter and mental health professional based in the Pacific Northwest (although I can write a song for anyone, anywhere). I have 30 years of experience playing guitar and writing songs, including over 15 years dedicated to custom songwriting. Because of my mental health background I am able to ask questions that spark vibrant content from participants for the songs I write. My approach is both heartfelt and engaging, as I strive to learn about the unique stories of each individual I work with. Whether you are a family wanting to commemorate your parent's life, someone wanting to leave a legacy song for your children, or new parents wanting to capture wishes for your child, I'd love to help. Let's create a soundtrack to your story together.
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Legacy Projects
A legacy project is meant to celebrate someone's life. The process can look a variety of ways, including live interviews, and/or having people fill out questionnaires, depending on the number of people involved. You may involve as many people's input as you wish.
The interviews and questionnaires are targeted at finding out the most important details to add to the song. I will look at all of the answers, pulling out the most important themes and memories in order to create a fully unique song, tailored to tell this person's story. These are great group gifts! I am happy to come and perform your song, and you can also choose to have it professionally recorded and produced in a recording studio.
Here is an example of my work. This song is about Patrick, his dreams throughout his life, and his family. I taught it to the members of his family, and we performed it for him at his nursing home on his birthday.
Patrick's Song
Studio recording
Live performance
Baby Wishes
Every parent has wishes for their child, and I will help you put these into song. I will interview you about the types of things you would like to say to your child, and will synthesize what you say into melody and lyrics for them to hear as they grow older, and for you all to share together as a family. We can include as many people from your family and friends as you like in this process.
These songs make a truly one-of-a-kind gift — whether for a baby shower, a birth announcement, or simply a way to capture the love surrounding a new little life. I can write a song before baby arrives, weaving in your hopes and dreams for who they will become, or after they are born, wrapping in all the joy and wonder they have already brought into the world.
Imagine your child, years from now, hearing a song written just for them — full of the voices and wishes of the people who loved them from the very beginning. That is the kind of lasting gift a baby wishes song can be.
Any type of song you wish
Not every song fits neatly into a category — and that is perfectly fine. Whether you have a specific vision or just a feeling you want to capture, I would love to help you bring it to life. The process is the same as always: I will ask you thoughtful questions, listen carefully, and turn what matters most to you into something you can hold onto forever. A professionally produced recording and live performance are both available options. Here are just a few of the occasions I have written songs for — but truly, the sky is the limit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the interviews entail?
Individual interviews usually last one to two hours. I will ask thoughtful, open-ended questions designed to draw out what makes you or your loved one truly unique — the memories, values, quirks, and moments that define a life. I will also play a few different musical styles so you can point me toward the sound and mood that feels right. In some cases I will follow up with a short written questionnaire to make sure I have everything I need.
For group projects, I typically combine interviews and questionnaires depending on how many people are involved. A point person helps coordinate — they share the questionnaire with participants and serve as my main contact for any follow-up questions.
How long does the process take?
Every song is different, but most projects take two to four weeks from interview to finished song. More complex group projects or fully produced recordings may take a little longer. If you have a deadline — a birthday, an anniversary, a special event — just let me know upfront and I will do my best to make it work.
Can I add a live performance?
Yes! I would love to come and perform your song in person — there is nothing quite like hearing it live for the first time surrounded by the people you love. Live performances are available for an additional fee, subject to my schedule. Just mention it when you reach out and we will plan something special.
What does the recording include?
Every song comes with a basic recording — a clear, heartfelt version you can listen to and share right away. From there, you can choose to upgrade to a fully produced studio recording with additional instruments, vocal harmonies, and professional mixing. You pick the instrumentation and the level of production that fits your vision and budget.
What does it cost?
Pricing depends on the scope of the project — the number of people involved in interviews, the level of recording production you choose, and whether you would like a live performance. Because every song is unique, I provide personalized quotes rather than a one-size-fits-all price list. Please get in touch and I will be happy to give you an estimate.
Can you write a song for any occasion?
Absolutely. If it matters to you, I can write a song about it. Some of the occasions I have written for include:
- Legacy & Life Story Songs
- Weddings & Anniversaries
- Baby Wishes & Birth Announcements
- Birthdays & Milestone Celebrations
- Graduations & Coming of Age
- Memorials & Tributes
- Kids Songs
- Pet Theme Songs
- Roasts & Pranks (the good-natured kind)
- Family Reunions & Group Gifts
- And so much more — just ask!
"Working with Jen was a joy. My sibling group hired Jen to create a song for our dad, who is living with dementia and bed bound. She was very kind and sweet and gentle with my dad. She surprisingly coaxed some gems out of him and he really enjoyed the interview process. We shared a lot of laughs. Jen also interviewed each of the siblings to get a holistic perspective on what might go into the song. Jen crafted the perfect song for our dad! It is sweet, tender, funny and catchy. Jen sent out the words and the recorded song to the family so we could learn it and we surprised him by singing it to him (with Jen!) on his 83rd birthday. He was tapping his toes and smiling. I play the recorded song for him just about every time I visit and he loves it every time. What a way to connect with him, even as his communication is very limited these days. My whole family is filled with gratitude for this priceless legacy song for dad. Thanks Jen! You're the best. So fun to collaborate with and made the whole process deep and meaningful."
Get in Touch
Have a question or want to discuss a custom song? Feel free to reach out at any time!