Week 1
Lesson 1
Brainstorming
Creating a “mind map” of the piece. Looking at simple forms (verse/
chorus or strophic). Review notes on the treble staff.
 Week 2
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.
 Week 3
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.
 Week 4
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.
 Week 5
Lesson 5
Chords
Sing your piece for the group and share your notation. Discuss chords (I, IV, V and vi) in C major and A minor. Practice playing the progressions on your instrument. Learn how to choose a chord to use based on the melody notes.
 Week 6
Lesson 6
Lead sheets
Look at lead sheets for common popular songs and get used to the format. Discuss common musical symbols and terms. Students will prepare a lead sheet for their piece to be submitted in the comments prior to class on week 8.
 Week 7
Lesson 7
Vocal Technique
Give tips on breathing, diction, and intonation. Answer any questions
from the students. Introduce GarageBand and Voice memos. Songs will be performed in week 8 and may be shared live or recorded and submitted.
 Week 8
Lesson 8
Performance
Students will share their pieces with the class and give each other feedback.