Introduction to Songwriting (5 cr)

Objective

The student
• is able to write popular music songs with basic harmonies both in a given style and independently
• can utilise music writing methods in their work and creatively consider the impact of lyrics on the overall composition
• can work according to given assignments and schedules
• can work constructively and in a goal-oriented manner as an active member of a group and provide constructive feedback on the work of other members of the group
• 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 of lyric writing and writing exercises
• Information on professional life and copyright
• Music writing as a profession

Location and time

Lessons on Mondays at 13.00-16.15 hrs, room AS411, starting from 1 September.
Teacher: Jere Laukkanen

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
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

Lessons on Mondays at 13.00-16.15 hrs, room AS411, starting from 1 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

Lessons on Mondays at 13.00-16.15 hrs, room AS411, starting from 1 September.
Teacher: Jere Laukkanen

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 independently
• can utilise music writing methods in their work and knows the basic technical aspects of lyric writing in their native language
• is able to complete assignments according to schedule
• presents and argues their own contribution to the group as agreed to and is able to receive feedback and reflect on their own work
• is able to document the music they have written both in writing and by audio recording.

Assessment methods and criteria

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

Qualifications

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

Objective

The student
• is able to write popular music songs with basic harmonies both in a given style and independently
• can utilise music writing methods in their work and creatively consider the impact of lyrics on the overall composition
• can work according to given assignments and schedules
• can work constructively and in a goal-oriented manner as an active member of a group and provide constructive feedback on the work of other members of the group
• 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 of lyric writing and writing exercises
• Information on professional life and copyright
• Music writing as a profession

Qualifications

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