MUSC 151: Songwriting I

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2022
Credits: 2
Total Contact Hours: 54
Lecture Hours : 36
Lab Hours: 18
Hours Arranged: 0
Outside of Class Hours: 72
Prerequisite: Audition.
Strongly Recommended: MUSE 100.
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: No
Grading Method: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass

Catalog Course Description

This course acquaints the student with commercial songwriting techniques. Included are developing an idea, writing a melody, melodic expansion, chord progressions, form, and light orchestration. 36 lecture hours, 18 lab hours.

Course Objectives

  • create a melody in a chosen musical style
  • provide the appropriate harmony for the composed melody
  • lightly orchestrate the composition for a small commercial group
  • analyze popular songs in terms of melody, form, style, chords and phrasing

Major Course Content

  1. Lyric Analysis
    1. Listening
    2. Reading
    3. Writing
  2. Instrumental
    1. Listening
    2. Reading
    3. Writing
      1. Chord Structure
      2. Voicing
  3. Performance
    1. Recording
      1. Appropriate Style
      2. Appropriate Energy
      3. Rhythmic Accuracy
      4. Intonation
      5. Sonic Approach
    2. Live
      1. Appropriate Style
      2. Intonation
      3. Rhythmic Accuracy
      4. Appropriate Energy
      5. Attire
      6. Speaking
      7. Sonic Approach

Lab Content

  1. Workshop and Develop Songs / Ideas
  2. Rehearsal Preparation and Direction
  3. Rehearsals
  4. Recording Preparation
  5. Recording Session
  6. Mixing

Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook

Sonnets Song Lyrics Online web resources Industry Periodicals Musical Biographies

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

Written projects, including sonnets, song lyrics, and idea sketches are required.

Examples of Outside Assignments

Write Songs Listen to and Evaluate Songs Observe and Evaluate Performances Research Genres Analyze Song Structure in Various Genres

Instruction Type(s)

Lab, Lecture, Online Education Lab, Online Education Lecture