MUSC 268 Songwriting I. This course is designed to help you prepare for survival in the competitive world of the songwriter's market. Learn about all types of styles while striving to define your own. Special attention is paid to the rudiments of songwriting: creativity, basic theory (usage of basic rhythms, scales, harmony, melodic patterns, lyrics, etc.), basic styles (pop, rock, folk, country, etc.), production patterns, and the legalities of the music business. The class also spends time analyzing the work of other writes (successful and unsuccessful; those who have maintained artistic integrity; those who have not).
Prerequisites: MUSC 170 with a minimum grade of 83% and MUSC 175 with a minimum grade of 83%
Accessibility Services Notice
Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.Course Details| Total number of weeks | 15 |
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| Total Credits | |
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| Total Hours | 30 |
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Typical hours per week breakdown| Lecture | 2 |
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- Create a portfolio of recordings of original songs
- Create lead sheets with lyrics using Sibelius software
- Write using sense-bound imagery through Object Writing practice
- Analyze, label, and write songs over various forms and structures
- Analyze and compare lyrics, poetry, and prose
- Relate and compare characteristics of the songwriting craft through the ages
- Outline basic legalities of the songwriting business
Teaching and Learning Approach
Students actively participate in this class through writing exercises, listening and analysis, open discussion,
collaboration, and presentation of original songs. Weekly readings and assignments give students the
opportunity to explore concepts discussed in class. Assignments and assessments will be delivered in class and
online using Moodle.Learning Resources
Required:
"The Craft of Songwriting: Music, Meaning & Emotion" by Scarlet Keys. (Berklee Press) 978-0-87639-192-1
Recommended:
"Writing Better Lyrics", by Pat Pattison
"Essential Guide to Lyric Form and Structure", by Pat Pattison
"Melody In Songwriting", by Jack Perricone
"Tunesmith", by Jimmy Webb
"The Artist’s Way", by Julia CameronDetailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered
1. Introduction and Overview
2. Waking Up Creativity
3. Strophic Song Form
4. Engaging the Senses
5. Setting Lyrics
6. Song Structure
7. Melodic Design
8. Harmonic Design
9. Present Midterm Projects
10. Hook Writing
11. Creating Contrast
12. Storytelling & Perspective
13. Building Bridges
14. Workshop Final Projects
15. Final Project PresentationsAssessment
| Title | Learning Outcomes | Value |
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| Participation & Professionalism | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 | 10% |
| Assignments, Quizzes and Readings | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 | 30% |
| Midterm Project | 1, 2, 3, 5 | 30% |
| Final Project | 1, 2, 3, 4 | 30% |
| Total | 100% |
Grading Table
Standard Contemporary Music and Technology Program Grading Table
| Percentage | Letter Grade | GPA |
| 97 - 100 | A+ | 4.33 |
| 94 - 96.9 | A | 4.00 |
| 90 - 93.9 | A- | 3.67 |
| 87 - 89.9 | B+ | 3.33 |
| 83 - 86.9 | B | 3.00 |
| 80 - 82.9 | B- | 2.67 |
| 77 - 79.9 | C+ | 2.33 |
| 73 - 76.9 | C | 2.00 |
| 70 - 72.9 | C- | 1.67 |
| 60 - 69.9 | P | 1.00 |
| Less than 60% | F | 0.00 |
| Did not withdraw | DNW | 0.00 |
See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.
Disclaimer
Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.