Study Guide

Objective

3 cr. ECTS: The student has an understanding of the prerequisites for the success of the creative process. The student is able to write popular songs with basic harmonies. The student knows how to use music writing methods and can creatively acknowledge the influence of lyrics on the overall performance. The student is able to work in an goal-directed and constructive manner as a member of a group. The student is able to prepare a demo recording of their music and can communicate their musical visions orally, in writing, and by means of recordings.
5 cr. ECTS: In addition to the above: The student gets acquainted with the history of writing
popular music and is able to perceive their own goals as a music writer in relation to it. The student is able to create independently a complete piece of music with melody, basic harmony and rhythm, and lyrics, and is able to prepare a stylistically appropriate demo recording of it including all other necessary documentation.

Content

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

Location and time

Online course
1 February – 17 May, 2023.
First online plenary session on Wednesday, 1 February at 16:00–19:00 EET (15:00–18:00 CET)

Teaching methods

Online course. Schedule:
1 February – 17 May, 2023.
First online plenary session on Wednesday, 1 February at 16:00–19:00 EET (15:00–18:00 CET)

3–5 ECTS

3 cr. ECTS: The student has an understanding of the prerequisites for the success of the creative process. The student is able to write popular songs with basic harmonies. The student knows how to use music writing methods and can creatively acknowledge the influence of lyrics on the overall performance. The student is able to work in an goal-directed and constructive manner as a member of a group. The student is able to prepare a demo recording of their music and can communicate their musical visions orally, in writing, and by means of recordings.

5 cr. ECTS: In addition to the above: The student gets acquainted with the history of writing
popular music and is able to perceive their own goals as a music writer in relation to it. The student is able to create independently a complete piece of music with melody, basic harmony and rhythm, and lyrics, and is able to prepare a stylistically appropriate demo recording of it including all other necessary documentation.

Further information

Prerequisites and co-requisites:
Degree according to the extended syllabus level of basic education in music.
Open to all music students in higher or secondary level vocational education.

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.

Prerequisites

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