SONGWRITING 101

Songwriting 101

This course will give you the essentials needed to create a song. Learn and employ both conventional and unconventional song structures. There are many aspects to making a song. From learning how to create melodic patterns, to the actual events that lead up to writing the song that may potentially change your life. Learning to write your own song can be an overwhelming process, but this guide covers a lot of the basics to make it easier for you to learn.

This is the practical application and technique of the working songwriter. Melody, lyrics, “hooks,” points of view and song logic will be covered. Solo writing as well as the concept of collaboration are introduced. 

Register

The Course

Registration fee: $235 (donation)

Course fee:  n/a

Duration: 4 weeks

Class time: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm (2 hours)

Next available dates:

Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28, 2019

January 2020 

What do we do with the funds?

We use the fees that we charge for this program to cover overhead, educational materials, host technology, create and test different business models, conduct market research, and also to drive workforce development initiatives that support and develop the constituents of our community.

Topics Discussed

  • Lyric writing

  •  Writing devices 
  • Rhyme and meter
  • Song structures
Week One: Introduction. The story behind the song
  • Establish the difference between simple expression and communication through song, and how to establish a musical dialogue with the listener.
  • The fundamentals of lyric writing through the usage of rhyme and meter.
Week Two: Writing the song
  • Fundamentals of rhyming and meters.
  • Employing various writing devices to help make a song more effective – POV, object writing, tension and release, prosody.
  • How to use technology to organize your thoughts and help complete a song.
Week Three: Work ethic vs. Talent
  • How and when to employ “loops”.
  • Charting your songs using the “Number System
Week Four: The Studio. Bringing Life to the song
  • The symbiotic relationship between live performance, studio production, and modern songwriting.
  • Write, critique, and rewrite 2 master songs and 4 assignment songs.
Materials, Resources & Prerequisites

 

  • Be at least 16 years old
  • Bring a Notebook
  • Bring a Pen/pencil
  • Bring an Open mind
Register