Music, Lyrics and Demo Production (10 cr)

Objective

The student learns various methods of creative writing and can apply them to their own songwriting. The student is able to hear and analyze music and apply acquired knowledge to their own music. The student is able to write music and lyrics both independently and collaboratively. The student is able to define the impact of arrangements and orchestrations on musical expression.

The student is able to use a digital audio workstation at a basic level and is able to make demo recordings of their own music. The student is able to fulfill assignments and work according to schedule. The student is able to work as an active member of a group and is able to discuss and give constructive feedback to the other group members.

Content

Seminar work and completing set assignments both independently and in groups. Formal structures, melody, harmony, and rhythm in Western popular music. Songwriting methods. History of music writing. Creative writing and lyric writing. Exploring music by means of transcription. Essential features and basic use of a digital audio workstation (DAW). Preparing demo recordings of one’s own music.

Location and time

Music writing, history of music making and transcription support and guidance on Wednesdays at 13:00 - 15:00 hrs., room AS411 / Jere Laukkanen
Logic DAW and lyrics coaching on Thursdays at 9:00 am - 12:15 pm, rooms AS523 and AR122 (may be subject to change).
Course starts on Wednesday, 15 January 2025 at 13:00 hrs., room AS411.
Teacher in charge: Jere Laukkanen, jere.laukkanen@metropolia.fi, tel. +358 50 401 3465

Materials

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.
West, Andrew. 2016. The Art of Songwriting. London: Methuen Drama.
Zollo, Paul. 2003. Songwriters on Songwriting. Expanded 4th ed. Cambridge, USA: Da Capo Press.

Teaching methods

Small group tutorial
Seminar work
Interactive lecture
Assignments
Contact teaching

Exam schedules

Must be agreed with the teacher separately.

Completion alternatives

Must be agreed with the teacher separately.

Student workload

Music writing, history of music making and transcription support and guidance on Wednesdays at 13:00 - 15:00 hrs., room AS411 / Jere Laukkanen
Logic DAW and lyrics coaching on Thursdays at 9:00 am - 12:15 pm, rooms AS523 and AR122 (may be subject to change).
Course starts on Wednesday, 15 January 2025 at 13:00 hrs., room AS411.
Teacher in charge: Jere Laukkanen, jere.laukkanen@metropolia.fi, tel. +358 50 401 3465

Content scheduling

Music writing, history of music making and transcription support and guidance on Wednesdays at 13:00 - 15:00 hrs., room AS411 / Jere Laukkanen
Logic DAW and lyrics coaching on Thursdays at 9:00 am - 12:15 pm, rooms AS523 and AR122 (may be subject to change).
Course starts on Wednesday, 15 January 2025 at 13:00 hrs., room AS411.
Teacher in charge: Jere Laukkanen, jere.laukkanen@metropolia.fi, tel. +358 50 401 3465

Further information

Music writing, history of music making and transcription support and guidance on Wednesdays at 13:00 - 15:00 hrs., room AS411 / Jere Laukkanen
Logic DAW and lyrics coaching on Thursdays at 9:00 am - 12:15 pm, rooms AS523 and AR122 (may be subject to change).
Course starts on Wednesday, 15 January 2025 at 13:00 hrs., room AS411.
Teacher in charge: Jere Laukkanen, jere.laukkanen@metropolia.fi, tel. +358 50 401 3465

Evaluation scale

Hyväksytty/Hylätty

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

The student is able to apply various methods of creative writing to their own songwriting. The student is able to hear and analyze music pieces and apply this knowledge in making their own music. The student is able to write music and lyrics both independently and collaboratively. The student is able to articulate the effects of arrangements and orchestrations on musical expression.

The student is able to use a digital audio workstation at a basic level. The student is able to follow agreed schedules and submit their assignments on time. The student presents and argues their own contributions to the group as agreed and is able to receive feedback and reflect on their own work. The student is able to document the music they have composed both in writing and by audio recording.

Assessment methods and criteria

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

Qualifications

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 utilize the methods of writing music in their work and is able to creatively consider the effects of lyrics on the overall composition. The student is able to express their musical views verbally, in writing as well as through recordings.