Examining Taylor Swift's Songwriting - How Does She Do It?
In this 3-meeting conversation-style class, students will examine Taylor Swift songs from various eras to get insight into her songwriting craft.
Renee Serritella, MMEd
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(191)
What's included
3 live meetings
1 hrs 30 mins in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. This is a discussion-based class. I'll ask questions and the students will get the opportunity to prepare a response. There will be a final brief presentation for interested students.Assessment
This is a discussion-based class. I'll ask questions and the students will get the opportunity to prepare a response. There will be a final brief presentation for interested students. Please note: this is an exploration class. There will be a separate class in the future where students develop their own songs.Class Experience
This class will feature some listening excerpts necessary for our discussion. Class 1: We'll examine a song from Taylor Swift's self-titled debut album, a song from Fearless & a song from Speak Now. We'll discuss her early style, harmony and lyric construction. Class 2: It's Red, 1989 & Reputation time! We'll examine a song from both records and discuss storytelling, song structure and instrumentation. Class 3: We move on to Folklore, Evermore, Midnights & The Tortured Poets Department. We'll discuss how these albums differ from her previous work in regards to songwriting. What stylistic elements are different? So much to discuss here! How did the instrumentation change? We'll take a look at her vocal stylings on these albums. We'll wrap up with an overview of all of the songs from the course.
Learning Goals
Students will examine chord construction, lyric development and style. Students should have a basic understanding of Major and Minor chords. This is a discussion-based class. I'll ask questions and students will get an opportunity to prepare a response.
Other Details
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined January, 2020
5.0
191reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Illinois Teaching Certificate in Music/Theater/Arts
I have a Master's Degree in Music Education and a BA in Music. I have been teaching students for over 13 years and have produced many successful student recitals in Chicago and New York City. I have recorded over 5 albums of original music and enjoy helping students develop their own songwriting skills. Reviews
Live Group Class
$17
weekly1x per week, 3 weeks
30 min
Completed by 2 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-13
4-7 learners per class
