INTERMEDIATE-If you look at the Billboard Charts and see which songs are charted, you'll quickly learn that most songs are written by 2-3 people. In this course, students will join together and be challenged to write a hit song within 8 days. Students should bring: notepad, pencil/pen, and a recording device
* This is an advanced songwriting course - students will need to have written a minimum of 5 original songs. Also, they will need to submit 2 songs for acceptance in to this class. Class is limited to 30 people.
SESSION 1: WRITE WHAT YOU KNOW & SELECTING WRITING PARTNERS This is prep for writing the song. We will also be selecting writing partners. Subjects covered: a. writing from what you KNOW b. free writing on subjects, like love, politics, etc. d. Discussing genres: pop, rock, country, hip/hop e. Grouping together writing partners
SESSION 2: STRUCTURE OF A SONG a. verse, chorus, verse, chorus b. getting to the chorus to draw in your audience c. 3 chord songs ARE ok, the Beatles wrote them and they are still hits d. we will break down a Beatle’s song and learn why it's a hit e. learning an instrument, guitar or piano
SESSION 3: PSYCHOLOGY OF ALLOWING YOURSELF TO WRITE YOUR BEST This class will inspire student to be an artist and focus on writing a. students will join together with their partners and begin their song b. At the end of the class students will share their lyrics
SESSION 4: TITLES THAT DRAW YOU IN & LISTENING TO CURRENT HIT SONGS During this session we will look at ITUNES, BILLBOARD CHARTS and discuss which titles captivate and why today’s hits are hits a. students will create TITLES for their songs b. students will have 20 minutes to get together with their partners to write c. special guest speaker
SESSION 5: WORDS INTO MELODIES a. the shower technique b. carrying a recorder/notepad with you in case you come up with a special melody c. simplicity is key d. we will take a simple chorus line and each student will have a chance to play with the melody and share their creation with the class
SESSION 6: 1st PRESENTATION of Co-written SONGS Students will present their 1st draft of the songs. Either by singing acapella or by guitar/piano accompaniment. a. special guest speakers (songwriting professionals) and I will kindly critique songs to help students
SESSION 7: Rewrite stage & Getting into the Business of Songwriting a. copyright laws and how to copyright songs b. creating a demo c. percentages shared by writers, sample agreements & contracts for co-writers d. shopping the demo to singers, publishing companies, & getting songs into film/TV./commercials e. music organizations: ASCAP, BMI
SESSION 8: Presentation of Final Songs a. students will present their final songs to the class b. students will share any advice to each other on what worked & helped them write songs c. networking and exchanging numbers