Songwriting: Writing the Music

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/songwriting-writing-the-music

Introduction

### Course Review: Songwriting: Writing the Music If you've ever found yourself staring at a blank page, your mind buzzing with ideas yet unable to compose a coherent piece, **Songwriting: Writing the Music** on Coursera might just be the course you need. This course is thoughtfully designed for both aspiring and experienced songwriters looking to refine their craft and explore new musical avenues. #### Overview Led by award-winning songwriter and Berklee College of Music professor **Scarlet Keys**, this course is not just about putting words to music; it's a deep dive into the very fabric of songwriting. It caters to anyone who has a notebook filled with lyrics but struggles to find the perfect musical backdrop. This course is ideal for those seeking to unlock the potential of their lyrics through the basics of music theory, chord progressions, melody creation, and emotive expression. #### Curriculum Breakdown The course is divided into four lessons, each targeting a crucial aspect of songwriting: 1. **Welcome to Songwriting: Writing the Music** The introductory module sets the stage for what’s to follow, outlining expectations and how to navigate the learning journey effectively. 2. **Choosing Emotive Chords** In this first lesson, students delve into *diatonic chords* and how to borrow *non-diatonic chords* to create evocative harmonies. By exploring popular chord progressions, you will learn to find chords that perfectly align with the story your lyrics aim to tell. 3. **Creating Contrast with Harmonic Rhythm** Building on the foundation of harmony, this lesson introduces *7th chords* and *added tensions*. You will practice changing harmonic rhythms to add depth and contrast within your songs, enhancing the emotional range and engagement of your music. 4. **Developing Interesting Melodies** A key point for any songwriter, this lesson hones in on crafting compelling melodies. With practical exercises on creating melodic hooks and utilizing stable and unstable tones, the emphasis is on generating memorable melodic lines that resonate with listeners. 5. **Telling a Story with the Music** In the final lesson, all the knowledge gained is woven together. This is where you learn how to employ both chord tones and non-chord tones to emphasize specific lyrical themes. You'll gain insights into the nuances of setting lyrics to music in a way that highlights your desired message, along with techniques for composing in minor keys for added emotional depth. #### My Recommendations If you're serious about elevating your songwriting skills, I wholeheartedly recommend this course. Scarlet Keys' expertise shines throughout, offering practical insights and real-world applications that are both engaging and enlightening. The structure of the course enables you to gradually build up your knowledge and apply what you learn in a way that feels organic and intuitive. **Pros:** - **Expert Instructor:** Scarlet Keys possesses a wealth of experience and shares valuable lessons gleaned from her successful songwriting career. - **Well-Structured Curriculum:** The lessons progress logically, ensuring a solid progression in your songwriting abilities. - **Practical Exercises:** Each module incorporates practical exercises, allowing you to apply theoretical concepts, which enhances understanding and retention. **Cons:** - For those already proficient in music theory, some sections may feel basic. However, the course offers sufficient depth and creativity to engage even advanced songwriters. #### Conclusion Whether you are a budding songwriter eager to express yourself musically or an experienced musician in search of fresh inspiration, **Songwriting: Writing the Music** is a must-enroll course. It provides the tools necessary to transform your lyrics into powerful songs that leave a lasting impact. You’ll emerge from this course with not only newfound skills but also with the confidence to share your musical stories. Don’t let those lyrics sit in your notebook any longer; join the course, and let your creativity soar!

Syllabus

Welcome to Songwriting: Writing the Music

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.