Students will learn how to write a song by class collaborations and assigned lessons. Topics covered are: song structures, song styles. melody, rhythm, lyrics, software tools and recording tools. Each class will have a lecture and activity with an assignment each week.
Week one: Lecture- Song structures and styles. Activity- Collaborate on a song using a song format. Assignment- Build a list of your favorite songs with a verse, chorus format.
Week two: Lecture- How to create a melody. Demonstration- Select a song and alter the melody. Activity- Brainstorm ideas and titles for a song. Assignment- Choose a song from your list and alter the melody. Create your own melody.
Week three: Lecture- How to write lyrics. Activity- Rhyming game. Assignment- Write lyrics for a verse and chorus (4 lines each).
Week four: Lecture- Software and recording tools for composing. Activity- Rap assigned lyrics to a rhythm. Optional, add a melody.
Assignment- Compose a verse and chorus with melody, rhythm and lyrics.
Week five: Lecture- Instrumentation. Explore chord progressions.  Activity- Co-write a song together.