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General Information

Course ID (CB01A and CB01B)
MUSI D006A
Course Title (CB02)
Beginning Songwriting I
Course Credit Status
Credit - Degree Applicable
Effective Term
Fall 2022
Course Description
This course is an introduction to the art and craft of songwriting and covers musical elements such as melody, harmony, rhythm and form, and instrumentation. Students work with choosing text and lyric adaptations. Analysis of existing professionally written song literature is also involved. This course is open to all students. Students with no experience in music theory and/or playing an instrument are advised to enroll in relevant music courses.
Faculty Requirements
Course Family
Not Applicable

Course Justification

This course is UC and CSU transferable and belongs in the AA Music degree. Offers basic instruction in popular songwriting and music literacy.

Foothill Equivalency

Does the course have a Foothill equivalent?
No
Foothill Course ID

Course Philosophy

Formerly Statement

Course Development Options

Basic Skill Status (CB08)
Course is not a basic skills course.
Grade Options
  • Letter Grade
  • Pass/No Pass
Repeat Limit
0

Transferability & Gen. Ed. Options

Transferability
Transferable to both UC and CSU

Units and Hours

Summary

Minimum Credit Units
1.5
Maximum Credit Units
1.5

Weekly Student Hours

TypeIn ClassOut of Class
Lecture Hours1.02.0
Laboratory Hours2.00.0

Course Student Hours

Course Duration (Weeks)
12.0
Hours per unit divisor
36.0
Course In-Class (Contact) Hours
Lecture
12.0
Laboratory
24.0
Total
36.0
Course Out-of-Class Hours
Lecture
24.0
Laboratory
0.0
NA
0.0
Total
24.0

Prerequisite(s)

Corequisite(s)

Advisory(ies)

Ability to play a musical instrument

Limitation(s) on Enrollment

Entrance Skill(s)

General Course Statement(s)

Methods of Instruction

Lecture and visual aids

Individual and group work

Demonstration

Discussion and problem solving performed in class

Homework and extended projects

Performance

Masterclass instruction and in-class critiques of student examples

Assignments

  1. Weekly reading and writing assignments as assigned in class
  2. Bi-weekly meeting between instructor and student to evaluate progress in song
  3. Final song project

Methods of Evaluation

  1. Weekly assignments which demonstrate the ability to synthesize various concepts
  2. Successful creation of song(s) utilizing elements of songwriting learned in class
  3. Performance of final project (live or recorded) during the final exam time

Essential Student Materials/Essential College Facilities

Essential Student Materials: 
  • Writing Implements (such as composer's pencil)
  • Music Manuscript Paper (or the ability to input information into a notation program)
  • Access to acoustic or electronic keyboard or guitar
Essential College Facilities:
  • Classroom with staff lined boards, pianos and ability to record and playback music

Examples of Primary Texts and References

AuthorTitlePublisherDate/EditionISBN
Keys, ScarletThe Craft of SongwritingBoston: Berklee Press2018

Examples of Supporting Texts and References

AuthorTitlePublisher
The Art of Songwriting

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

Course Objectives

  • Demonstrate understanding of basic elements of music
  • Analyze professional level songs
  • Create original songs
  • Produce recording and/or live performance of songs

CSLOs

  • Create song(s) which show understanding of songwriting techniques

  • Analyze existing song literature and identify stylistic elements in songs

Outline

  1. Demonstrate understanding of basic elements of music
    1. Construct melodies (using major and minor scales)
    2. Understand harmonies (chords and harmonic progressions)
    3. Understand basic aspects of rhythm (note values and time signatures)
    4. Understand form and structure of music (basic song form)
    5. Begin to master concepts of instrumentation (ranges and unique sounds)
    6. Identify song texts to use constructing original music
  2. Analyze professional level songs
    1. Listen to many different songwriters' creations
    2. Identify songwriting techniques
    3. Compare and contrast musical styles
  3. Create original songs
    1. Notate music on manuscript paper
    2. Work to create a lead sheet
    3. Learn music software and copyright laws
  4. Produce recording and/or live performance of songs
    1. Recruit musicians to form band (rehearse and perform)
    2. Create electronic version of song (audio and/or video)

Lab Topics

  1. Group discussions on the various elements of songwriting as found in student work
  2. Presentation of song analysis research
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