Introduction to Songwriting (5 ECTS)

Learning outcomes

The student is able to write popular music songs with basic harmonies both in a given style and those of their choosing. The student is able to utilize the methods of writing music in their work and is able to creatively consider the effect of the lyrics on the overall composition.

The student is able to complete assignments according to schedule. The student is able to act objectively and constructively as an active member of a group and gives constructive feedback on the contributions of other members of the group. The student is able to make a demo recording of their compositions and is able to express their musical views verbally, in writing as well as by audio recording.

Content

Seminar work and completing set assignments both independently and in groups. Formal structures, melody, harmony, and rhythm in Western popular music. Techniques and exercises in lyric writing. Information on professional life and copyright. Music writing as a profession.

Prerequisites

Degree according to the extended syllabus level of basic education in music or equivalent skills and knowledge.

Teaching methods

Small group tutorial
Interactive lecture
Assignments
Contact teaching

Location and time

Lessons on Mondays at 13.00-16.15 hrs, room AS411, starting from 5 September.
Teacher: Jere Laukkanen

Learning materials and recommended literature

Supportive reading:
Blume, Jason. 2004. 6 Steps to Songwriting Success. The Comprehensive Guide to Writing and Marketing Hit Songs. New York: Billboard Books.
Citron, Stephen. 1985. Songwriting. A Complete Guide to the Craft. New York: Limelight Editions.
Davis, Sheila. 1985. The Craft of Lyric Writing. Cincinnati: Writer's Digest Books.
Pattison, Pat. 2009. Writing Better Lyrics. The Essential Guide to Powerful Songwriting. 2nd ed. Cincinnati: Writer’s Digest Books.
Perricone, Jack. 2000. Melody in Songwriting. Boston: Berklee Press.
Salo, Heikki. 2006. Kahlekuningaslaji. Laululyriikan käsikirja. Helsinki: Like.
Seabrook, John. 2015. The Song Machine. Inside the Hit Factory. New York: W. W. Norton & Co.
Webb, Jimmy. 1998. Tunesmith. Inside the Art of Songwriting. New York: Hyperion.
Zollo, Paul. 2003. Songwriters on Songwriting. Expanded 4th ed. Cambridge, USA: Da Capo Press.

Alternative completion methods of implementation

To be agreed individually with the teacher.

Exam dates and retake possibilities

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

Student workload

Lessons on Mondays at 13.00-16.15 hrs, room AS411, starting from 5 September.
Teacher: Jere Laukkanen

Content scheduling

The course implementation uses a Moodle workspace where the learning materials are assembled. The dates of the contact lessons and the subject areas to be discussed are arranged as modules in the workspace.

Further information for students

Lessons on Mondays at 13.00-16.15 hrs, room AS411, starting from 5 September.
Teacher: Jere Laukkanen

Assessment methods and criteria

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

Evaluation scale

Hyväksytty/Hylätty

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

The student is able to write popular music songs with basic harmonies both in a given style and those of their own choosing. The student is able to use the methods of writing music in their work and learns the fundamentals of lyric writing in their mother tongue.

The student is able to complete assignments according to schedule. The student presents and argues their own contribution to the group as agreed to and is able to receive feedback and reflect on their own work. The student is able to document the music they have written both in writing and by audio recording.