Songwriting Workshop
THEA 239
Spring 2024
| Section:
01
02
|
In this course, students will learn the basics of songwriting including form, lyric writing, chord progression, rhythm, storytelling, etc. We will focus first on "traditional" song form and its component parts (verse, chorus, bridge), and then branch out to less traditional and freer forms. We will discuss lyrics in depth and analyze lyric-writing techniques in various genres such as pop, rock, rap, musical theater, and others. As time, interest, and abilities allow, we will also delve into the world of music theory with an emphasis on function and structure. Students will be guided through practical matters such as transcription, recording, and publishing on social media platforms, so that they can apply the principles and guidelines discussed in class under real world circumstances. |
|
| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
HA THEA |
| Course Format: Studio | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
|
Fulfills a Requirement for: (THEA) |
|
Past Enrollment Probability: 50% - 74% |
| SECTION 02 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
:
TBA |
Examinations and Assignments:
:
Each week students will present various solo or collaborative songwriting assignments based on writing prompts given and discussed in class. |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
:
This class is open to all aspiring composers, lyricists, and composer-lyricists. There are no prerequisites for this class. However, a basic understanding of music theory will be useful, but not necessary, for any student wishing to focus on the composition side of songwriting.
Students will present songs in class every week, either performed live or via recording. A full-sized piano keyboard will be provided in class, and students are welcome to bring in their own guitar or other instrument to perform with if they wish. If students choose to record a song in advance, they may use any software they have (GarageBand, Logic, ProTools) or a simple iPhone recording will do. We also encourage (but do not require) the practice of music notation, using such software as Finale or Sibelius.
This course counts towards the Theater Arts requirement for the THEA major. |
| Instructor(s): Dame,Nathan Baumgartner,Robert Times: .M..... 05:30PM-08:20PM; Location: TST101; |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 16 | | SR major: 3 | JR major: 3 | | |
| Seats Available: 6 | GRAD: X | SR non-major: 1 | JR non-major: 1 | SO: 4 | FR: 4 |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 0 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 0 |
|
|