Advanced Methods and History of SongwritingLaajuus (4 cr)

Objective

The student
• is able to listen to and study music analytically and apply the acquired knowledge to their own music-making
• can write music and lyrics both individually and in small groups
• can define the impact of arrangement and orchestration on musical expression
• can describe the historical developments of popular music, the technological and economic trends that influenced them, and the representative music creators, placing their own work in a historical context
• can work in a goal-oriented manner according to given assignments and schedules
• is able to work as an active member of a group and can discuss and give constructive feedback to the other group members.

Content

• Seminar work and completing exercises individually and in groups
• Formal structures, melody, harmony, and rhythm in Western popular music
• Songwriting methods
• The history of music writing
• Studying music through transcriptions
• Preparing demo recordings of their own music

Qualifications

The student
• can write popular music songs with basic harmonies, both in a given style and independently
• can utilise music writing methods in their work and creatively consider the impact of lyrics on the overall composition
• is able to express their musical ideas verbally, in writing, and through recordings.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

The student
• is able to listen to and study music pieces analytically and apply this knowledge to their own music-making
• can write music both individually and collaboratively
• can define the impact of arrangement and orchestration on musical expression
• can describe the historical developments of popular music and the representative music creators
• can work according to given assignments and schedules
• is able to present and argue their own work to the group as agreed
• is able to receive feedback, and reflects on their own work
• is able to document the music they have composed both in writing and by audio recording.