Songs and Lyrics for your Musical

Get unforgettable music that lifts your story and fits your vision—even if music feels mysterious.

Most librettists are great at their craft but struggle to find songs that fit their vision.

WHEN YOU DON’T FIND THE RIGHT SONGS FOR YOUR MUSICAL YOU:

The search is over. Check out my…

Score-to-stage Package

Score-to-stage is my roadmap designed to help you make your musical unforgettable with songs that truly fit.

I work with librettists who want to find the perfect songs to match their story’s heart.

If You’re Ready To…

  • I’ll read your scenes like a detective, pulling out character beats and emotional arcs so every lyric and melody feels inevitable.

  • We’ll design moments where music takes over naturally, so your show flows seamlessly instead of stopping for a tune.

  • I’ll craft melodies and lyrics that match your characters’ personalities, making them unforgettable.

  • Together, we’ll shape a musical that feels polished, purposeful, and ready for the next stage of development.

then we’re a great fit.

What To Expect

WHEN YOU WORK WITH ME…

Discovery Session 🕵🏼‍♀️

We’ll sit down (over Zoom) to dive deep into your script, your vision, and the emotional heart of your story.

Fully-produced Demo 🎥

Whether you want just piano, rock band, or a full pit orchestra, I’ll provide a professional demo of your song ideas, with me singing or using AI voices for female parts, so you can hear your musical come alive.

Collaborative Revisions 📖

We’ll refine melodies, lyrics, and structure together until your songs feel like they’ve always belonged.

Professional Scores & Materials 🎶

You’ll walk away with performance-ready sheet music, ready for workshops, table reads, or pitching. As a bonus, I’ll even professionally format your book for you in Final Draft, so you have everything you need to go from script and score to stage.

I’m Michael.

I’ve been a songwriter for 30 years, with over 150 original songs and two full-length musical plays under my belt. My love of theater has been lifelong, having performed in plays since I was 10 years old.

I started writing pop songs in my teens—first on guitar at 15, then piano at 18, eventually studying composition both independently and at university, when I discovered the breadth and dramatic scope of musical theater. That passion led me to write my first full-length musical in 2008, and I haven’t stopped since.

Over the years, I’ve written two full-length musical plays and more than 150 original songs for clients, honing my craft as both a composer and storyteller. Now I help librettists bring their stories to life with music that deepens character, sharpens emotion, and keeps audiences leaning forward. Whether it’s a soaring ballad or a tightly woven ensemble piece, I thrive on shaping songs that serve the drama and elevate the narrative.

I’m a composer, but you can think of me as your storytelling partner.

I Know How to Help
Librettists tell their story.

If you’re a librettist with a passion for storytelling, then we’re a great fit.

Ready to stop searching and find the songs that fits your musical?

HERE’S HOW WE CAN WORK TOGETHER.

I know how challenging it can be to trust someone else with the emotional heartbeat of your musical.

ONCE WE’RE WORKING TOGETHER YOU WILL…

👉🏼 feel completely understood, because I translate your ideas into music without the jargon.

👉🏼 enjoy a collaborator who listens and adapts, instead of pushing their own agenda.

👉🏼 hear a cohesive score that ties your whole play together, not just a playlist of songs.

👉🏼 breathe easy knowing the score supports your story, so you can focus on deepening characters, dialogue, and structure while I handle the music and lyrics.

👉🏼 stay calm under deadlines, because you’ve got a composer who’s reliable and proactive.

👉🏼 relax under production pressure with a composer who’s organized, responsive, and ahead of schedule.

What Kind Of Results Can You Expect?

  • Michael Bayouth

    Michael Bayouth

    Actor, Filmmaker, Producer - Michael nailed a quirky, genre-hopping score—country, hip-hop, disco, and even 60s French Yé-yé—giving his musical comedy/horror film Night of the Gala Monster its unique voice. Proof that no genre is too weird to sing.

  • William Porter

    Librettist, Filmmaker - Canadian librettist and filmmaker William Porter walked away with a set of heartfelt, fully orchestrated songs for Where I Belong, a topical, tear-jerking musical about a trans youth with a vivid imagination searching for his place in the world. Big heart, full orchestra, zero dry eyes.

  • Edward Schwartz

    Librettist - For his musical Sunset, set in a Florida retirement community, Edward Schwartz got a suite of poignant and hilariously sharp songs about love, loss, and living your best life—even at the end of life. From heartfelt ballads to rollicking duets and full-cast numbers, Sunset even boasts the first-ever rhyme for “osteoarthritis” on stage. Broadway meets Bengay.

I Don’t Work With Just Anyone…

Look, music isn’t just what I do — it’s who I am. I create songs that elevate librettists’ visions, and I won’t let you settle for less than perfect. To make that happen, we need to be a good fit.

Still curious?

How it Works

FAQs

  • Ideally! Having a completed script allows me to compose music that truly supports story, character arcs, and emotional beats. This ensures the music enhances your narrative rather than just filling space. You don’t need to have complete lyrics, though. That’s my job! If you have them, great, but some placeholder lyrics will suffice to get us started.

  • No problem! We can speak plain English (or French) and I can guide you through the process. You don’t need to understand technical music theory to get a score that perfectly serves your project. I also have an Emotional Language to Music Dictionary to help us out.

  • Absolutely. I’m organized, proactive, and experienced in managing timelines. I’ll communicate clearly so you know exactly what to expect and when, keeping stress low even on fast-turn projects.

  • Yes. Collaboration is key. Even if you have lyrics or motifs ready, we’ll work together to ensure the music and story complement each other seamlessly.

  • I include a clear revision process in every project. Minor adjustments are part of the package, and we’ll define any additional revisions upfront so there are no surprises.

  • Through demos, spotting sessions, and open communication, I make sure the music matches your story’s emotional arc and style. You’ll hear early versions and provide feedback so the final score fully reflects your vision.