Songwriting Workshop: For Teens

About this class:
During this 10 week course (See Weekly Breakdown Below) students will learn many aspects of what goes into writing a song. Some of the topics we will go over include: Chord Progressions; Melody Writing, Lyric Writing and Rhythm. We will listen to, and analyze recorded music from an array of genres and time periods to see what worked with those songs. What made them hit songs? What made these songs memorable? What stands out with Lyrics of this particular song? We will analyze music from The Beatles all the way to Taylor Swift. 
There will be opportunities in each class for learners to work with others in break out rooms. I'll give a writing prompt, and learners will have time to work together on song ideas based on whatever lesson we go over in the first part of the class.
Each learner will have the opportunity in each class to perform (should they want to) anything they might be working on. Feedback will be given from me and from the others in the class. What worked? What didn't work? How can I make this better?
Students will be encouraged to utilize their strengths within styles they are familiar with; while pushing their envelope into other avenues that may expand on what they are already doing.

Class Meetings:
*  After the meeting starts, learners will have the opportunity (not required) to perform something they are working on. It can be a song of their own they are working on or something from the homework they were working on over the week. (time-frame of this may vary depending on how many have something to show)
*  I will go into the lesson for that weekly meeting (time-frame of this may vary depending on the lesson we are going over). Learners will be able to participate in this, especially if they have any questions.
*  Time permitting, and if the lesson of that week warrants it, learners will have time to work together in groups on whatever lesson prompt that is given that week.

Meeting 1
* Intro  
* Bring anything that you've written in the past you would like to show (not required)
* Lesson: Chord Progressions; Components of a Song

Meeting 2
* Learners have the opportunity (not required) to share what they are working on either their own song or something from the week's homework assignment 
* Lesson: As a group we will write a few song layouts together
* Homework: Learners can pick one of the song layouts and use it as a template for their own
song to work on over the week

Meeting 3
* Learners have the opportunity (not required) to share what they are working on either their own song or something from the week's homework assignment 
* Lesson: How to come up with great story lines for songs
* Breakout Rooms: Come up with different story liners together based on the lesson
* Groups can share with the rest of the group what they came up with. 
* Homework: Learners can pick one of the story lines to work on over the week or work on their own idea

Meeting 4
* Learners have the opportunity (not required) to share what they are working on either their own song or something from the week's homework assignment 
* Lesson/Analyzing Songs: What instruments do you hear? What stands out to you musically within these songs? What are some similarities and differences? 
* Homework: Learners can work on their own ideas they are currently working on

Meeting 5
* Learners have the opportunity (not required) to share what they are working on either their own song or something from the week's homework assignment 
* Lesson: What is a hit song? How can you tell if a song will stand the test of time?
* Homework: Learners can work on their own ideas they are currently working on

Meeting 6
* Learners have the opportunity (not required) to share what they are working on either their own song or something from the week's homework assignment 
* Lesson: Writing Prompt (to be worked on in breakout rooms)
* Groups can perform for the class what they worked on together (not required)
* Homework: Learners will pick different prompts to work on for next class

Meeting 7
* Learners have the opportunity (not required) to share what they are working on either their own song or something from the week's homework assignment 
* Lesson: Writing Prompt (to be worked on in breakout rooms)
* Groups can perform for the class what they worked on together (not required)
* Homework: Learners will pick different prompts to work on for next class

Meeting 8
* Learners have the opportunity (not required) to share what they are working on either their own song or something from the week's homework assignment 
* Lesson: What makes a successful cover song? Each learner will practice making a song into their own during class

Meeting 9
* Learners have the opportunity (not required) to share what they are working on either their own song or something from the week's homework assignment 
* Lesson: Lyric Writing

Meeting 10
* Learners have the opportunity (not required) to share what they are working on either their own song or something from the week's homework assignment 
* Lesson: Music Business: How to Copyright your song; What are royalties? What is a P.R.O.?



These classes are fun and entertaining for everyone, while students learn the craft of songwriting and gain experience performing. 

This class goes better when there are between 10 to 16 people in it. It makes working together in the breakout rooms more fun, and previous learners have found that they actually learn from everyone in the class, making their songwriting skills soar more quickly.

Prerequisite: Students must have at least a basic level of playing an instrument or singing experience so that they can actually have a way to work with melody writing.