Basic Songwriting & Analysis

Basic Songwriting &,Analysis is a beginner course focused on breaking down the core components of songwriting and allowing students to express their own artistic choices in music. We will analyze songs from different eras and genres, from pop to rock, 1960’s to early 2000’s, to understand the ways in which students can create their own music. Through the weeks, we’ll discuss melody, harmony, rhythm, tempo, dynamics, texture, timbre, and form, and their applications in songwriting. By the end of the course, students will create their own basic songs to present to their class.Students of all skill levels are welcome in this class — little to no prior knowledge is required. The coursework is flexible and tailored to each student; students with no prior musical knowledge will learn from writing basic lyrics and forms whereas advanced students may consider more advanced techniques and discussions. Links to music and PDF scores will be provided by the teacher and students should be able to print their coursework.