Songwriting for Beginners (Focused on Lyrics)
This class covers how to write lyrics for a song. With help from a professional musician, students learn creative writing (e.g. metaphors), journaling, rhyming, and how syllables fit lyrics into a given melody (practicing with parodies).
Michelle Ptacek, M.A. (Reading/Creativity)
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(163)
What's included
1 live meeting
30 mins in-class hoursHomework
Homework in this class will be optional. For example, students will be encouraged to make a list of songs/melodies they would like to write new lyrics for in order to practice writing with an awareness of syllables. Students will also be encouraged to keep a daily journal.Assessment
Informal assessment will be used throughout the songwriting instruction. Adjustments will be made based on the student's needs. These adjustments include decisions around goal-setting, advice offered, and optional next steps. Most of all, I hope students feel comfortable and encouraged as songwriters.Class Experience
Ever wondered how musicians turn events, thoughts, and feelings into lyrics? Do you wonder how they merge lyrics with a melody? This class will answer these questions (and more)! We will cover: -Patterns in poetry and music -Using precise word choice and catchy phrases to convey detailed experiences, characters, events -How to use a songwriting checklist in order to grow as a songwriter -How to use writing routines and journaling to grow as a person (and therefore grow as a songwriter)! -How to create cohesive songs with natural transitions (tying together complex ideas and concepts) -How to merge lyrics with music (using syllable awareness to match a melody) -For a closing activity, we will explore parodies (new words for popular songs) While no prior experience is needed to take this class, it is beneficial to know what a syllable is, what a pattern is, and how to work collaboratively with others. In addition, it's great to come with a variety of favorite songs and artists in mind for discussion. I teach using a combination of direct instruction and slide shows while leaving plenty of time for positive interaction and questions. Since songwriting is one of my favorite things to do (I've written over 100 songs and recorded 60!), I have a lot to share about this topic. It's going to be fun and time will go fast. ARE YOU CURIOUS ABOUT MUSIC THEORY AND SONGWRITING? Consider taking the complementary class to this one titled Songwriting for Beginners (Focused on Music Theory and Chords): https://outschool.com/classes/songwriting-for-beginners-uUqeZMgj#usm3isaHNf
Learning Goals
- Students will learn how to turn situations and thoughts from their own lives into music
- Students will learn the importance of creative writing/journaling for songwriters
- Students will learn about creating routines around their writing practice in order to become great songwriters
- Students will learn how songwriters merge lyrics with a melody using awareness of syllables
Other Details
Supply List
I encourage students to attend with some way to take notes (tablet, notebook, or whatever's their style). Notebook paper will also be useful for brainstorming lyrics!
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined March, 2021
4.9
163reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Iowa Teaching Certificate in Special Education
Master's Degree in Education from Morningside University
I have written and recorded 5 albums as a professional singer-songwriter. I'm working on an album right now and writing songs constantly.
Because I love working with kids, my teaching experience (both formal and informal) is quite extensive. I have worked with ages 3-18, whether through my ten-plus years as a guitar instructor or my ten years in public education. I have formally and informally studied creativity, whether in my master's degree or the numerous nonfiction books I read about it. In addition, I have extensive experience working with Davidson Young Scholars in the profoundly gifted population (many of them love composing!) and with learners who identify as twice-exceptional. - Michelle Ptacek
RELEVANT CERTIFICATIONS
Department of Education, PK-12 Talented and Gifted
RELEVANT EDUCATION
Masters of Arts in Teaching
Morningside College, Sioux City, IA
Doctoral Student
Bridges Graduate School of Cognitive Diversity, Studio City, CA Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$10
per classMeets once
30 min
Completed by 61 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-15
3-9 learners per class
