Songwriting 1Laajuus (3 ECTS)

Objective

The student is able to write popular songs with basic harmony both in a given style of Afro-American or dance music and independently, is able to utilize music writing techniques in his/her music, and pays creative attention to the influence of the lyrics on the overall performance. The student knows how to make a demo recording of his/her music and is able to express his/her musical ideas orally, in writing and on a recording.

Content

- Songwriting as a profession and the different roles of the songwriter
- Analysis of songs
- Aesthetics of popular songs and the characteristics of different genres
- Song forms and verse structures
- Melody writing
- Rhythm
- Fundamentals of harmonization
- Significance of the song title
- Lyrics
- Methods of songwriting
- Documentation of the song
- Copyright issues

Further information

Qualifications: The student understands the importance of various music writing methods in professional songwriting. The student can prepare necessary demonstrational materials (sound clips/recordings, music sheets etc.) of his/her own songs. During the course, the student will write one complete song of his/her own, as a demonstrational work.