Music, Lyrics and Demo Production (10 ECTS)

Learning outcomes

The student learns various methods of creative writing and can apply them to their own songwriting. The student is able to listen to and analyse pieces of music and apply the acquired knowledge to their own music making. The student is capable of writing music and lyrics both independently and in small groups. The student can define the impact of arrangement and orchestration on the musical expression. The student is able to operate a digital audio workstation on a basic level and to make demo recordings of their own music. The student knows how to work as an active member of a group, and

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.

Prerequisites

The student is able to write popular songs with basic harmonies both in a given style and independently. The student can use music writing techniques and can creatively acknowledge the influence of lyrics on the overall performance. The student can communicate their musical visions orally, in writing, and by means of recordings. The student knows how to work in an goal-directed and constructive manner as a member of a group, and can both give and receive constructive feedback.

Teaching methods

Small group tutorial
Seminar work
Interactive lecture
Assignments
Contact teaching

Location and time

Music writing, history of music making and transcription support and guidance on Wednesdays at 1:00 - 3:00 pm, room AS411 (Arabiankatu 2) / 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, January 19, 2022 at 13:00 pm, room AS411.
Teacher in charge: Jere Laukkanen, jere.laukkanen@metropolia.fi, tel. 050 401 3465

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

Must be agreed with the teacher separately.

Exam dates and retake possibilities

Must be agreed with the teacher separately.

Student workload

Music writing, history of music making and transcription support and guidance on Wednesdays at 1:00 - 3:00 pm, room AS411 (Arabiankatu 2) / 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, January 19, 2022 at 13:00 pm, room AS411.
Teacher in charge: Jere Laukkanen, jere.laukkanen@metropolia.fi, tel. 050 401 3465

Content scheduling

Music writing, history of music making and transcription support and guidance on Wednesdays at 1:00 - 3:00 pm, room AS411 (Arabiankatu 2) / 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, January 19, 2022 at 13:00 pm, room AS411.
Teacher in charge: Jere Laukkanen, jere.laukkanen@metropolia.fi, tel. 050 401 3465

Further information for students

Music writing, history of music making and transcription support and guidance on Wednesdays at 1:00 - 3:00 pm, room AS411 (Arabiankatu 2) / 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, January 19, 2022 at 13:00 pm, room AS411.
Teacher in charge: Jere Laukkanen, jere.laukkanen@metropolia.fi, tel. 050 401 3465

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 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.