THE ART & SCIENCE OF SONGWRITING
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Unlocking Strategies For Crafting Hit Songs
Master the art of songwriting with this in-depth course, packed with over 8 hours and 26 minutes of video lessons and 32,500 words of expert-written lectures, including an exam at the end of each module to test your progress. Whether you’re an aspiring songwriter or a seasoned artist looking to refine your craft, this course breaks down everything from melody and structure to lyrics and storytelling, giving you the tools to write songs that truly connect. Learn the techniques practiced by industry-leading professionals and unlock your full creative potential.
C$599
Course Outline
Unlocking Strategies for Crafting Hit Songs
Lesson 1: What is Songwriting?
Lesson 2: The Importance and Impact of a Well Written Song
Lesson 3: Why Learning Songwriting Matters
Lesson 4: Notable Songwriters Throughout History
Lesson 5: Michael Jackson: A Master in Songwriting Excellence
Lesson 6: Exploring Music Genres
Lesson 7: Understanding the Songwriting Process
Lesson 8: The Role of Emotion in Songwriting
Lesson 9: Career Opportunities for Songwriters
Lesson 10: Essential Tools for Songwriting
Lesson 11: Recommended Books for Songwriters
Lesson 12: Key Qualities of a Successful Songwriter
Quiz for Module 1: Introduction to Songwriting
Final Takeaways from Module 1
Lesson 1: Introduction to Basic Music Theory
Lesson 2: The Staff and Clefs
Lesson 3: Understanding Pitch
Lesson 4: Exploring Octaves
Lesson 5: Introduction to Melody
Lesson 6: Understanding Time Signatures
Lesson 7: Foundations of Harmony
Lesson 8: The Basics of Rhythm
Lesson 9: Musical Rudiments
Lesson 10: Understanding Scales
Lesson 11: Key and Tonal Centers
Lesson 12: Exploring Dynamics
Lesson 13: Understanding Timbre
Quiz for Module 2: The Fundamentals of Music Theory
Final Takeaways from Module 2
Lesson 1: Introduction to Chord Progressions
Lesson 2: The History of Chord Progressions
Lesson 3: Understanding Chords
Lesson 4: Seven Steps to Building a Strong Chord Progression
Lesson 5: Five Basic Chord Progressions Every Songwriter Should Know (Part 1)
Lesson 6: Five Basic Chord Progressions Every Songwriter Should Know (Part 2)
Lesson 7: Advanced Chord Progressions
Lesson 8: The Role of Voice Leading
Lesson 9: Lyric Writing Within Chord Progressions
Lesson 10: Common Chord Progressions Across Genres
Lesson 11: Performance Considerations for Chord Progressions
Lesson 12: Experimenting with Chord Progressions
Quiz for Module 3: Chord Progressions
Final Takeaways from Module 3
Lesson 1: Introduction to Lyric Writing
Lesson 2: Three Elements Every Lyric Needs to Hold People’s Attention
Lesson 3: The Importance of the First Line of Your Song
Lesson 4: The Emotional Impact of Lyrics in Songwriting
Lesson 5: Lyric Structures: Narrative, Descriptive, Symbolic
Lesson 6: Techniques for Effective Lyric Writing: Brainstorming and Mind Mapping
Lesson 7: Blending Inspiration into Song
Lesson 8: Phrasing and Syncing Lyrics with Music
Lesson 9: Exploring Connotation and Figurative Speech
Lesson 10: Avoiding Cliché Lyrics
Lesson 11: Rhyming Lyrics
Lesson 12: Writing Lyrics in Different Genres
Lesson 13: Why Feedback for Your Music Matters
Lesson 14: How to Offer Insightful Feedback on Other People’s Songs
Lesson 15: Writing Lyrics for Different Perspectives
Lesson 16: Lyric Writing Exercises
Lesson 17: Developing Your Own Style
Lesson 18: Using Imagery to Tell a Story
Lesson 19: The Power of Collaboration in Songwriting
Lesson 20: Communication in a Songwriting Team: Split Sheets
Quiz for Module 4: Lyric Writing
Final Takeaways from Module 4
Lesson 1: Introduction to Melody
Lesson 2: The Basics of Melody Writing
Lesson 3: The Art of Simplicity in Melody Writing
Lesson 4: How to Spot a Weak Melody
Lesson 5: What Makes a Great Melody
Lesson 6: Using Emotional Phrasing to Elevate Your Melody
Lesson 7: 4 Characteristics of Any Great Melody
Lesson 8: Stepping and Leaping Through Song Melodies
Lesson 9: How to Build and Release Tension in Your Melody
Lesson 10: Understanding Melodic Structure
Lesson 11: The Relationship Between Lyric and Melody
Lesson 12: Exploring Melody Generators and Reversal
Lesson 13: Writing Melodies Through Lyric Inspiration
Lesson 14: Tips for Crafting a Strong Melody
Lesson 15: Recording Your Melodic Ideas
Quiz for Module 5: Melody
Final Takeaways from Module 5
Lesson 1: Introduction to the Hook
Lesson 2: Key Traits of Outstanding Melodies
Lesson 3: Simplicity in Melody and Lyrics
Lesson 4: Hook Adaptation
Lesson 5: Creating a Powerful Hook and Using It in Your Song
Lesson 6: Different Types of Melodic Hooks
Lesson 7: Combining Genres Within Your Hooks
Lesson 8: Instrumental Hooks
Lesson 9: Anthemic Hooks
Lesson 10: Inventing a New Word as a Hook
Lesson 11: Utilizing Singable Syllables
Lesson 12: Incorporating Audience Participation
Lesson 13: Seeking Feedback to Strengthen Your Hooks
Lesson 14: Vocal Effects and Manipulation
Lesson 15: Using a Vocal Stutter as a Hook
Lesson 16: The Post-Chorus Hook
Lesson 17: 8 Strategies for Developing Hooks
Lesson 18: Chorus and Verse Hooks/Testing the Strength of Your Hook
Quiz for Module 6: Hooks
Final Takeaways from Module 6
Lesson 1: Introduction to Song Structure
Lesson 2: Common Form and Section Styles
Lesson 3: The Role of Breakdowns and Bridges in Songwriting Structure
Lesson 4: Analyzing Structure in Songs
Lesson 5: Song Structure Tips
Lesson 6: How to End a Song Correctly: Crafting a Memorable Finish
Lesson 7: Narrative Structure
Lesson 8: How to Use a Strong Anchor Section in Songwriting
Lesson 9: How to Choose the Right Structure for Your Song
Lesson 10: How to Experiment with Nontraditional Song Structures
Lesson 11: Song Structure in Different Genres
Quiz for Module 7: Song Structure
Final Takeaways from Module 7
Lesson 1: Sources of Inspiration for Songwriters (Part 1)
Lesson 2: Sources of Inspiration for Songwriters (Part 2)
Lesson 3: Overcoming Songwriter’s Block
Lesson 4: The Psychology of Songwriter’s Block
Lesson 5: Keeping a Songwriting Journal
Lesson 6: How to Utilize Music Production as a Songwriter
Lesson 7: Digital Audio Workstations
Quiz for Module 8: Inspiration for Songwriters
Final Takeaways from Module 8
Lesson 1: Music Business Basics
Lesson 2: Song Registration with Performing Rights Organizations
Lesson 3: Copyrights and Royalties
Lesson 4: Music Business Networking for Songwriters
Lesson 5: Establishing a Music Publishing Entity
Lesson 6: The Role of a Music Publisher
Lesson 7: Music Publishing and Licensing Agreements
Lesson 8: Sync Licensing and Opportunities Beyond TV and Film
Lesson 9: Music Licensing Strategies
Lesson 10: Content Marketing as a Songwriter
Lesson 11: Negotiating Songwriting Contracts
Lesson 12: Pitching Your Songs for TV/Film
Lesson 13: The Impact of Streaming on Songwriters
Lesson 14: Building Your Brand as a Songwriter
Quiz for Module 9: The Business of Music
Final Takeaways from Module 9
Final Master Exam
Unlocking Strategies for Crafting Hit Songs