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 21st 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.
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
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Course Details
Available Dates
Weekly Timetable
Study Online
