module specification

In this module you will develop the foundation skills and knowledge of music theory and songwriting practices, facilitating your development and learning in music production and songwriting modules across the degree.

The module is structured around a scaffolded approach to learning music theory principles, including rhythm, notes, scales and intervals, chords, and the circle of fifths.

You will learn through a series of workshops and exercises exploring the use of digital audio workstations (DAWs) and MIDI as composition tools. You will develop your critical listening skills and understanding of musical principles by breaking down and transposing existing songs in DAW projects and writing compositions of your own.

Aims of the module:
1. To provide students with the preparatory knowledge in music theory and songwriting.
2. To develop students’ understanding of the roles in composition, songwriting and music for film and media.
3. To introduce students to methods for composing music, including using rhythm, scales, chords and intervals. 
4. To develop students’ ability to be analytical, reflective, and critical, through analysing reference works as well as their own productions.

Key subject areas:
• Rhythm, time divisions and time signatures (LO1, 2, 3)
• Basic drum patterns (LO1, 2, 3)
• Scales (LO1, 2, 3)
• Chords (LO1, 2, 3)
• Circle of fifths, intervals, melody, and harmony (LO1, 2, 3)
• Song structures and form (LO1, 2, 3)
• Critical and Analytical listening (LO1, 2, 3)

Scheduled teaching follows the average contact time, per standard 15-credit module across the University, at 36 hours (3 hours per week). The scheduled teaching is divided in Lectures, Workshops, and Seminars and they take place in the Music IT Lab.
Independent study provides students with the opportunity to work individually towards consolidating a basic understanding of music theory.

Students have access to the Music IT Lab and Library facilities at London Met. Blended Learning is maintained via Weblearn Course and Module pages with full documentation of the activities developed in class. Opportunities for reflective learning/PDP are promoted through feedback and written reports, embedded in all assessments with emphasis on reflection of their work. Formative assessment and feedback is planned to address their learning development needs and to capture their learning achievements with a regular request of reflective commentaries in all written submissions.

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to demonstrate:
LO1. Knowledge and basic understanding of music theory.
LO2. The ability to transcribe and recognise musical elements such as notes, intervals, and chords.
LO3. Application of basic skills in using MIDI to compose songs and short musical pieces.

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/AC2B0596-47ED-E67D-7D99-F56DA35422BB.html?lang=en&login=1

Core Reading:
• Allen, J.A. (2018) Music theory for electronic music producers: the producer’s guide to harmony, chord progressions, and song structure in the MIDI Grid. Minneapolis, MN: Slam Academy.
• Bell, E (2017) The Art of Songwriting: How to Create, Think and Live Like a Songwriter. Song Foundry.
• Carter, N. (2020) Music theory: from absolute beginner to expert.
• Clendinning, J.P. Marvin, E.W. (2021) The Musician's Guide to Theory and Analysis. Norton.
• Hewitt, M. J. (2008). Music theory for computer musicians. Delmar.
• Taylor, E. (1998) The AB guide to music theory. 1. Reprint ed. London: The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music.