Songwriting: An Introduction

Course description

"Without a song, the road would never end...". Whether you are a musician, singer, composer or author, the world may be waiting to hear your song! The song is a versatile and timeless art form which conveys meaning deeply and instantly and remains in the memory long after the music fades. Studying the common elements of outstanding popular songs from the American Songbook onwards the course will examine how great songs work. While a song is a marriage of words and music in which the sum is greater than the parts, each class will focus on one of the elements involved. These include the writing of engaging and singable lyrics, the understanding of harmonic (or chordal) structure, the exploration of melody and scales as well as rhythmic approaches to song-crafting. Students will be supported to write new songs and share them for feedback and encouragement. Some knowledge of music is suggested, although writers who wish to collaborate with musicians are also welcome.