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Songwriting Course

Summary

At Point Blank Music School, the Songwriting course teaches students how contemporary songs are put together and what makes them successful. If you want to sell your songs and make a living from your music, then it's essential that you have an understanding of music theory, composition and arrangement techniques. We also look at the music industry in the 21^st Century and explore copyright, publishing and promotion. Practical exercises form an integral part of this course and so students are expected to be able to play an instrument or have some experience in music production software such as Logic.

Content

Introduction to Songwriting

The role of a songwriter
Music industry song definition - writing credits
What is copyright? How the money flows
Song styles - Tempo and Pace - Rhythm

Music Theory part 1

Keyboard geography
Tones, semi-tones
Basic scales
Chord triads – Major & Minor

Music Theory part 2 – Song Structure

Beats and Bars - time signatures
Chord sequences
Key changes
Song structure – the role of each section

Basslines & Riffs

What is a bass line? The role of bass line
How to write a bassline that follows the chords
The rhythm of a bassline
Hooks & Riffs

Percussion & other Rhythmic Parts

Why we need other rhythm parts
How to increase the energy of your composition
Which instruments go where
Choosing complimentary sounds/instruments

Music Theory part 3 – Pads & Synths

What are pads and when do you use them?
Using inverted and extended chords
Chords: minor, augmented, diminished etc
Choosing the right chords for your song

Melodies

What is melody?
Melodic Ranges
Melodic development - Motifs
Melodic Hooks

The Basics of Lyrics

Lyrical Structure
Subject matter in a typical pop song
Rhyme and rhyming structure
Finding Inspiration for lyrics

Melody and Lyrics

Lyrical Structure
Lyrical devices
Melody
Lyrics

Recording Vocals

Recording environment, personal skills
Recording techniques
Vocal comping
Harmony and Backing Vocals

Production for Songwriters

Simple engineering skills for song demos
Mistakes to avoid
Introducing your audience!
Who are you producing for? What do they need?

Evaluation and your career in the Music Industry

The music industry
Recap copyright basics; what it means for you
Recap publishing, collection agencies etc
Evaluation

Tutor profile

Phil Ramocon

Grammy Award winner Phil (left, with Jamelia) co-wrote "Buffalo Stance" with Neneh Cherry and has won an Ivor Novello songwriting award. MORE

Guy Chambers

Songwriting students had the opportunity to visit Guy Chambers at his London studio for an exclusive masterclass from the man behind Robbie Williams' biggest hits.

Featured student

Archie Hamilton
Archie was described by London's Evening Standard newspaper as "the new Mark Ronson" in a feature about creative young entrepreneurs. MORE