BELMONT UNIVERSITY
MIKE CURB COLLEGE OF ENTERTAINMENT AND MUSIC BUSINESS
COURSE SYLLABUS
Course Title: Introduction to Songwriting
Course #: SNG 1110
Credit Hrs: 1
Semester: Fall 2007
Class Location: MS East
Meeting Times: M 4:00-5:00
Final Exam: December 7 @ 11:00 AM
Professor: Robert Regan
Office: MS East
Contacts: Phone: Email: reganr@mail.belmont.edu
Course Description:
An introduction to the “vocabulary” of songwriting. Includes basic song structure and exposure to the elements of verse, chorus and bridge. Lyric and melody development, rhythmic content. Idea/title and hooks will be studied.
Course Objectives:
As a result of this course, the student:
Should be able to explain the terminology of songwriting and identify the basic structures of commercial songs.
Should have an understanding of the roles of lyric, melody, time signature, tempo, chord progressions and rhythmic structure in a song.
Should have an understanding of the process of combining the above elements in the creation of an effective song.
GOALS OF THE MIKE CURB COLLEGE OF ENTERTAINMENT AND MUSIC BUSINESS
The following objectives will be applied toward course completion:
To provide a personalized, career-oriented and practical education that emphasizes leadership,
innovation, private enterprise, and entrepreneurship.
To equip students with the tools to think critically, communicate effectively, accept responsibility,
make successful decisions, and prosper in diverse work environments.
To emphasize quality classroom instruction within the parameters of ethical Christian principles.
HONOR CODE: It is the responsibility of each student to abide by the Belmont University Honor Code:
“In affirmation of the Belmont University Statement of Values, I pledge that I will not give or receive aid during examinations; I will not give or receive false or impermissible aid in course work, in the preparation of reports, or in any other type of work that is to be used by the instructor as the basis of my grade; I will not engage in any form of academic fraud. Furthermore, I will uphold my responsibility to see to it that others abide by the spirit and letter of this Honor Pledge.”
“Accommodation of Disabilities: In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, Belmont University will provide reasonable accommodation of all medically documented disabilities. If you have a disability and would like the university to provide reasonable accommodations of the disability during this course, please notify the Office of the Dean of Students located in Beaman Student Life Center (460-6407) as soon as possible.”
Course Requirements:
1. Attendance: It is my recommendation that you attend all of the class meetings for the best learning experience. Absence is permitted only in case of illness or family emergencies. For a complete explanation of the attendance policy see the Belmont University Bulletin online.
2. Materials: Websites listed on class schedules and given in class.
3. Prepared assignments:
Research Reports: Each student will submit 2 Research Report on the dates stated in the syllabus under Class Schedule. The paper may be single or double-spaced and should include the date, student name and class section number. These reports may be discussed in class. NO REPORTS ACCEPTED LATE.
4. Testing: 2 tests will be given in the class on the dates stated under class schedule. NO MAKE UP TESTS WILL BE GIVEN.
5. Basis of grade evaluation:
The research reports = 25%, midterm=25%, final= 25%
Grading scale: 97-100 = A+, 93-96 = A, 90-92 =A-, 87-89 = B+, 83-86 = B,
80-82 = B-, 77-79 = C+, 73-76 = C, 70-72 = C-, 67-69 = D+, 63-66 + D, 60-62 = D-,
59 and below = F
6. Class Schedule:
Mon. Aug. 27 Introduction/class syllabus. Class survey. A brief history of songs
Sept 3 Labor Day. No class
September 10 Song Terminology and discussion of the functions of verse, chorus, bridge etc.
September 17 Guest Speaker Ralph Murphy
September 24 Song structure. Discussion and examples of the most commonly used song forms.
October 1 Song hooks. Lyrical, melodic, conceptual and emotional components of hit songs.
October 8 Writing effective lyrics. Rhymes, alliteration and phrasing.
October 15 Research paper #1 due. Lyrics continued. Analyzing lyrics of popular songs in different genres.
October 22 Midterm
October 29 Melodic structures of hit songs. Guest speaker.
November 5 Melodies continued. Analyzing melodies of popular songs in different genres.
November 12 Research paper #2 due. Chord progressions, grooves, time signatures and tempos.
November 19 Putting it all together. Analyze the marriage of lyric, melody, and rhythm of hit songs. Discussion of re-writing.
November 26 The real world of commercial songwriting
December 3 Review
December 11 Final exam