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General Information

Course ID (CB01A and CB01B)
MUSI D006C
Course Title (CB02)
Beginning Songwriting III
Course Credit Status
Credit - Degree Applicable
Effective Term
Fall 2022
Course Description
This course develops songwriting skills and techniques at the advanced level. Students continue to explore advanced musical elements, conduct advanced text research, and learn advanced lyric creation techniques. Analysis of styles and trends used in professional songs is also involved. Students should continue the study of music theory and an instrument.
Faculty Requirements
Course Family
Not Applicable

Course Justification

This course is UC and CSU transferable and belongs on the AA Music degree. Offers advanced 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)

MUSI D006B or permission of instructor

Corequisite(s)

Advisory(ies)

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. Assist in the critiquing of students in Music 6A and 6B through group discussion and collaboration.
  3. Bi-weekly meeting between instructor and student to evaluate progress in songs
  4. Final project of creating a musical set or full performance

Methods of Evaluation

  1. Weekly assignments which demonstrate the ability to synthesize various concepts
  2. Successful group discussion and collaboration based on completion and participation.
  3. Successful creation of a set of songs utilizing elements of songwriting learned in class
  4. 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
Perricone, JackGreat Songwriting TechniquesNew York: Oxford University Press2018

Examples of Supporting Texts and References

AuthorTitlePublisher
The Art of Songwriting

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

Course Objectives

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

CSLOs

  • Create set of songs which show understanding of songwriting techniques

  • Analyze existing song literature and identify stylistic elements in songs as well as trends

Outline

  1. Demonstrate understanding of advanced elements of music
    1. Construct melodies (using major, minor, chromatic and invented scales)
    2. Explore additional musical styles (such as jazz chords and harmony)
    3. Use full spectrum of rhythmic values and compound meters
    4. Compare and contrast different variations of song form
    5. Be able to write complex material for virtuoso instrumentalists
    6. Be aware of relationships between text and music
  2. Analyze professional level songs
    1. Listen to many different songwriters' creations
    2. Demonstrate understanding of contrasting musical styles
    3. Evaluate trends in different music genres
  3. Create set of original songs
    1. Notate music on manuscript paper or using notation software (such as Sibelius or Finale)
    2. Work to create full scores
    3. Continue to update knowledge of music software and copyright laws
  4. Produce recording and/or live performance of songs
    1. Recruit musicians to form band (rehearse and perform) or work with existing group from a previous class
    2. Create electronic version of songs (audio and/or video)
    3. Continue to learn what constitutes a good "set" of music
    4. Learn how to sell songs and produce full concert events

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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