Her Story
About Harriet
Harriet Schock began her career in the early 1970s as a songwriter in Los Angeles while working as an advertising copywriter. She soon began performing in clubs, leading to a publishing deal and a record contract with 20th Century Records, for which she recorded three albums. Schock has since released five additional albums independently for a total of nine, placed numerous songs in film and television, and co-wrote music for projects including The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking. She taught songwriting at USC beginning in 1986 and now instructs students privately and via Zoom worldwide. In addition to her Grammy nomination for Ain't No Way to Treat a Lady, Schock received the LA Women in Music award in 2007 for her contributions and career achievement. A documentary about her life and work, Hollywood Town: The Harriet Schock Story, was recently completed.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Harriet
01What do you attribute your success to?
I've been a Scientologist for 43 years. I've studied Scientology for 45 years. What I've learned about life and other people and how to help has been the best thing ever.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Every single good thing that's ever come in my career is because I was out there performing. I got my record deals from performing. Be visible. Be visible in a way that will attract good attention to you. Pro-survival visibility is a really good thing for your career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
If they are entering my field as a songwriter, I would highly advise them to learn the craft. Study with me or study great songwriters and figure out what they're doing. Get a mentor. Learn to play an instrument by ear. Great lyricists collaborate. Be visible by performing.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Streaming. Challenge.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
It's nice to actually find people who tell you the truth about things. And make sure that you value them enough to do the same. And grant them enough. Make them feel like they are important. A lot of people forget that the person you're talking to is important. You're not supposed to be waiting to get to your next sentence. I'm really interested in other people.
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