What's included
4 live meetings
3 in-class hoursClass Experience
Beginner Level
This engaging 4-week course is crafted specifically for young aspiring songwriters aged 10 to 14. It serves as a foundational journey into the art of songwriting, covering essential aspects such as musical notation, rhythm comprehension, and basic harmony construction. By the culmination of the course, learners will emerge with a newfound proficiency in reading and writing music, the capacity to create engaging melodies and a solid understanding of foundational chords crucial for songwriting endeavors. This immersive experience lays a robust groundwork for young minds to express their musical creativity and embark on their songwriting journey with confidence and skill. The course starts every month and will follow the weekly schedule according to the syllabus.
Syllabus
4 Lessons
over 4 WeeksLesson 1:
Getting to Know the Staff
Introduce the treble and bass clefs.
Learn the basic structure of the musical staff.
Practice identifying lines and spaces in both clefs.
Engage in simple exercises to identify common notes.
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Rhythmic Foundations
Explore basic rhythmic notation (whole, half, quarter, and eighth notes).
Understand time signatures, focusing on 4/4 and 3/4.
Practice clapping and playing simple rhythmic patterns.
Introduce basic rhythmic exercises and games for reinforcement.
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Creating Simple Melodies
Learn the C major scale and simple melodies based on it.
Practice transcribing short melodies using musical notation.
Encourage students to create their own simple melodies using the notes learned.
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Chords and Basic Harmony
Introduce the concept of chords.
Learn to play the C, G, F, Am, Dm and E major chords on a keyboard or guitar.
Explore simple chord progressions and how they form the backbone of many songs.
45 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Supply List
- Keyboard - Learners are encouraged to download the song-writing software MuseScore (the free version) https://musescore.org/en If learners wish not to use MuseScore, music staff can be printed out from https://www.blanksheetmusic.net/
Language of Instruction
English
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Teacher expertise and credentials
Sheila Paton, Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and Grade 10 Piano RCM brings over 15 years of music teaching experience, catering to diverse age groups and skill levels. Proficient in online teaching platforms like Zoom, she fosters effective communication and adapts lessons to individual interests and capabilities. Paton excels in motivating students and has experience with special needs learners. Her versatile musical background spans various genres, complemented by training in dance, drama, and musical theatre. Additionally, she actively contributes as a pianist for community events and has participated in numerous choirs, including international tours. Paton's dedication to music education and community involvement shines through her extensive volunteer work.
Reviews
Live Group Class
$64
for 4 classes1x per week, 4 weeks
45 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-14
2-5 learners per class