Course Syllabus

MUSC 3560 Songwriting I

Course Description

This course teaches the fundamentals of the songwriting process through an examination of various elements and approaches. It is required for all students who are completing the Bachelor of Music with Emphasis in Commercial Music degree.

Justification

This course is a core requirement in the Bachelor of Music with Emphasis in Commercial Music degree program. Similar classes are offered in other commercial music programs.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Upon successful completion of this course students will demonstrate an understanding of common popular song forms.
2. Upon successful completion of this course students will demonstrate an understanding of harmonic materials and techniques related to popular song.
3. Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to construct melodies stylistically appropriate for the songs they are writing, including the use of melodic hooks.
4. Upon successful completion of this course students will demonstrate a vocabulary of rhythmic foundations appropriate for use in popular song.
5. Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to write lyrics appropriate for popular song.
6. Upon successful completion of this course students will register at least one song on the electronic copyright office website.

Course Content

This course functions as an introduction to the songwriting process. Possible topics and elements that may be studied include: 1. Song Form2. Harmony, including diatonic, chromatic, modal, and quartal materials, and common tone and tritone substitution techniques. 3. Melody4. Rhythm and Groove5. Copyright Law6. Recording and Digital Distribution.