Have you always wanted to write songs? Maybe you’ve already written a few, and you are wondering if you should show them to anyone. In this class, we will talk about the basics of songwriting. You will need to be able to show us your ideas (sing them, play them on guitar or keyboard as you sing, record them, show us however you can)—but they don’t have to be finished. Because we are online, you can show us these ideas from the private setting of your choice. And the class will respond, with further ideas and suggestions, useful critique, all of which you can use to shape your ideas into full songs. We will explore, too, other large questions—is writing song lyrics like writing poetry?—is songwriting like music composition?—do you need notation and music theory to write songs? You will be asked to show your work at Music Workshop when you are ready. Midterm and Final “exams” will be group concerts of everyone’s work. Students should have a private and quiet setting where they are able to play and sing out loud, for the entire duration of class time.
All classes will be taught remote except for two separate weeks at the middle and end of term when the instructor will come to campus to offer in-person coaching. However, permanently remote students will be included in those in-person classes. Showing work at weekly Music Workshop can be in-person or remote. Likewise concerts of class-related music may be in-person or remote. Remote students may trust their inclusion in all class events.
Learning Outcomes:
songwriting
composition
design
mixing media (words and music)
audience presentation
performance
Delivery Method: Remotely accessible
Corequisites: Optional co-requisite: Songwriting I: Melody, Rhythm & Harmony LAB
Course Level: 2000-level
Credits: 4
M/Th 10:00AM - 11:50AM (Full-term)
Maximum Enrollment: 12
Course Frequency: One time only
Categories: All courses , Composition , Remotely Accessible
Tags: harmony , melody , Music Composition , performance , poetry , singing , Songwriting