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 from 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.

Evaluation scale

Hyväksytty/Hylätty

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

The student is able to write music and lyrics independently and collaboratively, both from given assignments and their own projects. The student is able to write music and lyrics in various styles of popular music. The student is able to analyze their own and others' music as well as professional texts in the field and apply acquired knowledge in their own music making. The student is able to understand various musical trends, describe the ways in which the music industry operates and utilize their findings in their own artistic and professional activities.

The student is able to complete assignments according to schedule. The student is able to work as an active member of a group for a common goal and gives constructive feedback on the contributions of the other group members.
The student presents and articulates their own contributions as agreed and is able to receive feedback and reflect on their own work.

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.