If your notebook is full of unused lyrics and you’re struggling to find inspiration for the music, this course is for you. Whether you are an experienced songwriter looking for new ideas or a beginning songwriter learning to read music, this course will lead you to a rich source of songwriting possibilities.
Songwriting: Writing the Music
Songwriting: Writing the Music
This course is part of Songwriting: Writing, Arranging, and Producing Music Specialization
Instructor: Scarlet Keys
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4.8
(54 reviews)
Intermediate level
Recommended experience
11 hours to complete
3 weeks at 3 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Assessments
8 assignments
Taught in English
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This course is part of the Songwriting: Writing, Arranging, and Producing Music Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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There are 5 modules in this course
Welcome to the course! Here we will cover all the details about the course and what you'll need to know to get the most out of your experience.
What's included
1 video4 readings1 assignment
In this first lesson, we will begin working with diatonic chords in a chosen key and learning how to borrow non-diatonic chords to create evocative harmonies for your songs. We will look at several popular chord progressions and begin experimenting with choosing the perfect chords to help you tell your lyrical story.
What's included
8 videos2 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt
In this lesson we will expand our knowledge of harmony to include 7th chords and added tensions. We will use these new chords to create more interesting harmonies for our lyrics and melodies. We will also practice changing the harmonic rhythm in our songs to better support our melodies and lyrics. Finally, we will use harmonic rhythm to show contrast between our song sections.
What's included
6 videos4 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt
In this lesson we will begin to create better melodies for our lyrics. We will start by learning about different types and shapes of melodic lines. We will then practice creating melodic hooks and using stable and unstable tones in our melodies. We will also learn the importance of using melodic contrast between song sections.
What's included
6 videos3 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt
In this final lesson, we will begin to put everything together to help our lyrics tell their story. We will discover how to highlight our melodies by using chord tones and non-chord tones from our harmonies. We will also focus on setting our lyrics to the melody and harmony in a way that highlights the meaning we want to convey to the audience. Finally, we will practice creating melodies in minor keys.
What's included
7 videos3 readings1 assignment1 peer review
Instructor
Instructor ratings
4.8 (26 ratings)Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Music and Art
Berklee
Commonwealth Education Trust
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Frequently asked questions
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
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