Music Writing, Markets and Future Trends (5 cr)

Objective

The student knows how to write music and lyrics on their own and in small groups, both as given assignments and independently. The student can operate within various genres of popular music in a professional and creative manner. The student knows how to listen to and explore their own music and that of others, as well as professional texts, analyse these and apply the acquired knowledge to their own music making. The student is able to perceive diverse musical trends, describe the workings of the music industry and apply the acquired knowledge to their own artistic, professional and career planning activities. The student works in groups actively and with initiative and can discuss and give constructive feedback on the contributions of other group members. The student is capable of setting goals for themselves and their group, and making sure that the goals are met as agreed. The student can fluently communicate their own music making orally, in writing, and by means of recordings. The student knows how to make high-quality demo recordings of their music.

Content

Seminar work and completing set assignments both independently and in groups. Formal structures, melody, harmony, and rhythm in Western popular music. Writing music and lyrics both independently and as assignments. Reading professional and research texts. Examining the operational environments of the music industry and related publications. Preparing presentations, summaries and demo recordings. Performing one’s own music publicly.

Location and time

Teaching schedule:
- Intensive Co-Writing week from Monday 28 to Thursday 31 August, the student must reserve all working hours for the class on these days
- Group lessons on Thursdays at 15.15–18.30, classroom AS411 roughly every other week starting from 14 Sep. (TBC)
- Songwriting/Composition or Production seminar on Wednesdays at 13.00–14.30, location Klubi AS112 / studio
Teacher: Jere Laukkanen

Teaching methods

Small group tutorial
Interactive lecture
Assignments
Contact teaching

Exam schedules

No exam. The required competences are primarily demonstrated with learning assignments, secondarily in a manner agreed with the teacher.

Completion alternatives

To be agreed individually with the teacher.

Student workload

Teaching schedule:
- Intensive Co-Writing week from Monday 28 to Thursday 31 August, the student must reserve all working hours for the class on these days
- Group lessons on Thursdays at 15.15–18.30, classroom AS411 roughly every other week starting from 14 Sep. (TBC)
- Songwriting/Composition or Production seminar on Wednesdays at 13.00–14.30, location Klubi AS112 / studio
Teacher: Jere Laukkanen

Further information

Teaching schedule:
- Intensive Co-Writing week from Monday 28 to Thursday 31 August, the student must reserve all working hours for the class on these days
- Group lessons on Thursdays at 15.15–18.30, classroom AS411 roughly every other week starting from 14 Sep. (TBC)
- Songwriting/Composition or Production seminar on Wednesdays at 13.00–14.30, location Klubi AS112 / studio
Teacher: Jere Laukkanen

Evaluation scale

Hyväksytty/Hylätty

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

The student is able to follow agreed schedules and submit their assignments on time. The student can work as an active member of the group and give constructive feedback on the contributions of the other group members. The student presents and argues their own contribution to the group as agreed and is able to receive feedback and reflect on their own performance.

Assessment methods and criteria

Continuous assessment
Peer evaluation
Attendance
Learning assignment
(total 100%)

Qualifications

The student knows how to write music and lyrics both as set assignments and independently. The student is able to write lyrics in their mother tongue and in one foreign language. The student can specify professional and artistic characteristics of different popular music styles. The student knows how to listen to and explore their own music and that of others, analyse it and apply the acquired knowledge to their own music making. The student fluently communicates their own music making orally, in writing, and by means of recordings. The student is capable of making high-quality demo recordings of their music.