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Songwriting: How to Write a Song

In this 4-week flex class, students will learn how to craft their very original song! No musical experience necessary. #creative
Big Universe Music
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(904)
Popular
Class

What's included

4 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks
of teacher support
1 year access
to the content
Homework
1 hour per week. Students will be asked weekly to complete: - One set of focus questions - One page in their inspiration journal (this assignment will be kept private and not shared with class)
Assessment
If requested by the parent, I will provide an informal assessment of their child's performance.

Class Experience

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In this 4-week songwriting course, we will go over the elements of creating a song. 

Our goal will be to use the ideas discussed during the week to create and record an original song individually and with the group!

Throughout the four weeks, student will view video lessons on the following topics:

WEEK 1
Musical Styles
Keeping an Inspiration Journal for Lyrics

Students will be asked to collaborate by answering the focus questions for the week and responding to writing prompts.

WEEK 2
Song Form — Verses, Choruses, Bridges, Intros and Outros
Melody, Harmony, and Lyrics


Students will learn the elements of a song and will be asked to contribute elements of the song through the outschool classroom and answer the focus questions. 

WEEK 3
How to Write Verses and Choruses
Scales— Major and Minor and how to use chords to set the mood in a song


Students will learn how to write lyrics for a verse and chorus of their own original song. Students will choose either major or minor chord progressions to set the "vibe" of their final song. Students will interact by writing their own original lyrics to the tracks provided. 

WEEK 4
Finding Your Style and Your Voice

Jingles and "Ear-worms"-- Why Do Some Songs Get Stuck In Your Head?


Students will be asked to write about who and what their inspirations are and share with the class. Students will be asked to share their original song with the class and will get to listen to the final group song. 


Students will be required to work on their individual project as well as contribute to the group song which will be completed over the course of the 4 weeks.
Learning Goals
Students will leave the class with an understanding of harmony, melody, and lyric, as well as being able to recognize song form. 

Students will have created an inspiration journal to keep ideas in, and will begin to have a deeper understanding of their own personal musical style and taste.

Students will be encouraged to continue finding inspiration and writing songs as well as continue with suggested listening of songwriters.
learning goal

Syllabus

4 Lessons
over 4 Weeks
Lesson 1:
Musical Styles and Inspiration Journals
 Kick off the course by starting to recognize what musical styles you like. Grab a notebook and start keeping track of your wonderful ideas with your inspiration journal. 
Lesson 2:
Song Form and the Primary Elements of Song
 Verses, Choruses, Bridges, Intros and Outros, Melody, Harmony, and Lyrics 
Lesson 3:
Verses & Choruses and Scales
 Writing verses and choruses. Scales— Major and Minor and how to use chords to set the mood in a song 
Lesson 4:
Finding Your Style and Jingles and "Ear-worms"
 What's Your Musical Style and Why Do Some Songs Get Stuck In Your Head? 

Other Details

Supply List
- Students must have a passion for music and interest in songwriting
- Students will need a journal, composition notebook, or three-ring folder with loose leaf paper. 
- Students will need a pencil or pen for the week
 1 file available upon enrollment
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined May, 2020
4.9
904reviews
Popular
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in Music from California Institute of the Arts
Schuyler Press
Bachelor's Degree in Music or Theatre or Arts from Berklee College of Music
Melissa Elizabeth Wright
Bachelor's Degree in Music from University of West Florida
Samantha Stott
Bachelor's Degree in History from Lynchburg College
Annie Stokes
All Big Universe Music teachers have Bachelors, Masters, or PhDs in music from accredited universities, or comparable experience in the music industry. For more information on each teacher, please visit our teacher biographies at www.biguniversemusic.com/teachers

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Self-Paced Course
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$5

weekly or $20 for all content
4 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks of teacher support
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1 year of access to the content

Completed by 49 learners
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Ages: 8-13

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