module specification

In this module you will build upon your understanding and practice in songwriting learned at Level 4. Through the study of established approaches in arrangement, harmony, melody, and rhythm, you will develop more intuitive approaches to writing while understanding how technology can be used to aid the creative writing process.

By developing your compositional skills, you will learn the concepts and use of non-diatonic modes, chord progressions, melodies, cadence, and voice leading, as tools to make music with more continuity and flow. You will also be guided through beat building and synth layering. Upon utilising these skills, you will be able to better associate musical tone to feelings, and uniquely approach techniques of writing music to external cues, prompts and briefs.

You will expand your knowledge of popular song forms, including further analysis of how verses, choruses, bridges, refrains, and middle-eights, are used effectively in combination with relevant energy levels.

You will cultivate your collaborative skills by composing in partnerships, developing effective means of communication and cooperation in a musical setting, integrating vocal production techniques. In addition, you will have the opportunity to work towards live songwriting briefs, in line with practices in the synchronisation and publishing sectors.

By practicing lyrical composition, you will also develop skills in adapting material for use as effective lyrics, for example from a range of different stimuli such as newspapers, social media, or personal experience. By developing this practice, you will be better equipped in collaborative song writing and working with clients.

Your progress will be assessed through a number of formative exercises in composition, including form and structure, chord progressions, harmony, writing melody and hooks.

Therefore, this module aims to:
• Develop your composition and song writing approaches, allowing you to make more engaging and interesting music.
• Allow you to work more effectively in small groups.
• Facilitate your decision making in songwriting.
• Grow your understanding of melody and harmony to make better use of intervals and conveying meaning in music.
• Allow you to make better structured music, with direction and a balance between unity and variety.

Students must have studied music theory modules at level 4 or have relevant experience.

• Traditional and contemporary song writing approaches (LO1, 2)
• Song structure and form (LO1)
• Hooks, melody, and prosody (LO1, 2, 3)
• Cadence, voice leading and chords (LO1, 2)
• Intervals,harmony and modes (LO1, 2, 3)
• Collaboration and song writing teams (LO1, 3)
• Vocal production techniques (LO1, 2, 3)
• Lyrics and meaning in song (LO1, 2, 3)
• Advanced drum beat building (LO1)
• Advanced sound layering (LO1)

Students teaching and learning will consist of weekly classes comprising a combination of seminars, and studio practice workshops totalling 36 hours of contact time. Students will be given the opportunity to engage in practical workshops in the Music Studios, including guided demonstrations and group composition tasks.

The learning and teaching in classes will be supported by the University’s VLE and a blended learning approach, sharing class materials, recommended reading. Tutorials will also be offered to support students in the preparation of their assessments.

In addition, students will undertake independent study, including researching, assessment planning and song writing practice. By developing collaborative working and song writing in partnerships, students will undertake working in groups, both inside the class and independently.
Students will engage in reflective practice, reviewing their own, and each other’s compositions.

On completion of this module, students should be able to:

LO1. Demonstrate an effective approach to songwriting and composition including collaborative skills and composing in partnerships.
LO2. Apply learned music theory practices in composition to portray and frame meaning through music.
LO3. Critically evaluate your own songwriting approaches in a range of formats.

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/2D509572-BC95-D79B-84A6-FA83A311D057.html?lang=en&login=1

Core Reading:
• Aldwell, E., Schachter, C., & Cadwallader, A. C. (2019). Harmony & voice leading.
• 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.
• McDonald, R, (2015). Music theory for computer musicians. Delmar.
• Pattison, P. (2009) Writing better lyrics: the essential guide to powerful songwriting. 2nd ed. Cincinnati: Writer’s Digest Books.
• Perricone, J. (2000) Melody in songwriting: tools and techniques for writing hit songs. Boston, MA: Milwaukee, Wis: Berklee Press; Distributed by Hal Leonard (Berklee guide).
• Sturman, P (2010) Harmony, Melody, and Composition. Cambridge University Press.