Songwriting Part 1 for Ages 10-14 (8 Weeks)
This 8-week course is designed for young aspiring songwriters aged 10-14. Learn how to take song ideas from their initial stages, polish them, and write them down so other musicians can read them!
Enjoy Music Academy
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(22)
What's included
8 live meetings
6 in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. Our teacher will walk learners through the process of brainstorming, writing lyrics, and adding pitches, rhythm, and chords to their songs. Learners are expected to work on the exercises assigned outside class.Certificate of Completion
7 or more throughout the classClass Experience
Do you like to write Songs? Discover how to develop song concepts from their early stages, refine them, and transcribe them into a format that other musicians can interpret and play! Our teacher will walk learners through the process of brainstorming, writing lyrics, and adding pitches, rhythm, and chords to their songs. They will practice writing notes in the treble staff, and learn to notate simple rhythms and basic chord structure. Some piano or guitar experience is an asset as we will be singing our songs and playing the chords on our instrument. Musical examples from popular songwriters will be used throughout the course. This is a course that will require some work outside of class to complete. Prior to enrolling in this Songwriting class, a minimum of two years of piano or guitar experience is required, including proficiency in playing the C, G, F, Am, and E major chords. While reading music is not mandatory, it is recommended. Learners lacking these prerequisites are encouraged to participate in our 4-weeks foundation class to build essential skills: https://outschool.com/classes/songwriting-foundation-for-ages-10-14-4-weeks-TFS8qur4?usid=YOV2WUA4&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link The course starts every 8 weeks and will follow the weekly schedule according to the syllabus. Teachers will share her screen to use MuseScore as a tool to write music. https://musescore.org/en
Learning Goals
Develop Songwriting SkillsMaster Musical Notation
Syllabus
8 Lessons
over 8 WeeksLesson 1:
Brainstorming
Creating a “mind map” of the piece. Looking at simple forms (verse/
chorus or strophic). Review notes on the treble staff. 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
The lyrics
Look at how rhythm and words are connected in music. Learn about the role of scansion and rhyme. Review 2/4, 3/4, and 4/4 time including quarter notes, eighth notes, half notes, and whole notes. 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Rhythm
Take your finished lyrics and create a time signature and notated rhythm for them. This will be homework that should be submitted via the comments section before the
next class starts. 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Pitch
Learn to use a virtual keyboard (Chordia or Chordio are examples) to match pitch and write down the notes for your piece. Review C major scale. More experienced learners may choose to write their piece in any key but beginning learners will be recommended to use C major or A minor. This will be homework to complete and you will have your piece notated with pitches and rhythms submitted through the comments for the next class. 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 (Level: B2+)
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined February, 2023
4.9
22reviews
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 Course
$16
weekly or $128 for 8 classes1x per week, 8 weeks
45 min
Completed by 1 learner
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-14
2-5 learners per class
