Course Credit: 3 hours

Class Location: MSEAST 201

Meeting Times: Tues/Thurs 9:30AM – 10:45AM

Final Exam: Tues. May 6, 8:00AM

Educational Objectives of the Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business: 1) To provide a personalized, career-oriented and practical education that emphasizes leadership, innovation, private enterprise and entrepreneurship. 2) To equip students with the tools to think critically, communicate effectively, accept responsibility, make successful decisions, and prosper in diverse work environments. 3) To emphasize quality classroom instruction within the parameters of ethical Christian principles.

Course Description:

This is the practical application and technique of the working songwriter. Melody, lyrics, “hooks,” points of view and song logic will be covered. Solo writing as well as the concept of collaboration are introduced. Participants will work individually and in small groups.

Course Learning Outcomes: The student will demonstrate:

An ability to define commercial song terminology
An ability to explain commercial song structure
An ability to distinguish between commercial song genres
An ability to critique commercial hit songs
An ability to explain the essential elements of a commercial hit song
An ability to discuss the popular music genres
An ability to create a song
An ability to work effectively as part of a songwriting team
An ability to use a self-reflective approach to analyze group projects

Performance Criteria: Students will:

Demonstrate the application of song structure by creating songs
Identify the structure of commercial hit songs
Demonstrate the application of collaboration by co-writing songs with fellow students
Identify commercial songs from all popular music genres

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:

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.

Materials: 6 Steps To Songwriting Success by Jason Blume (Billboard Books)

Assignments: There will be reading assignments from the textbook. You will be required to submit the songwriting assignments recorded in CD or mp3 format. In addition, there will be

Basis of grade evaluation:

Attendance – 10%

Song 1 – 15%

Song 2 – 15%

Song 3 – 15%

Mid Term Exam – 20%

Final Exam – 25%

Grading scale: 93-100 = 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,

80-83 60-62 = D-, 59 and below = F

Class Schedule

Thur. Jan. 10 Introductions/Class syllabus

Tue. Jan. 15 The History of the Popular Song; Great Songs and Songwriters, Early 20^th Century

Thur. Jan. 17 The History of the Popular Song; Great Songs and Songwriters, Late 20th Century – Present (Read Chapter 1)

Tue. Jan. 22 Identifying Song Components Verse, Pre-Chorus, Chorus, Bridge

Thur. Jan. 24 Non-Traditional Song Forms or Variations(Read Chapter 2)

Tue. Jan. 29 Anatomy of a Song (Critiquing Students Favorite Songs)

Thur. Jan. 31 Anatomy of a Song, Continued

Tue. Feb. 5 Creativity – Preparing for Battle

Thur. Feb. 7 Creativity – Problem Solving, Self-Critiquing & The Morning After (Read Chapter 3)

Tue. Feb. 12 Lyric Writing – Meter, Rhyme, and Time

Thur. Feb. 14 Lyric Writing – Titles and Hooks (Read Chapter 4)

Tue. Feb. 19 Lyric Writing – Writing For Specialty Markets

Thur. Feb. 21 Review and Prepare for Assignment/Mid-Term

Tue. Feb. 26 Mid Term/Song #1 Due

Thur. Feb. 28 Song 1 Presentations Continued (Read Chapter 5)

Tue. Mar. 4 Composing Melodies – Form, Feeling, and Phrasing

Thur. Mar. 6 Melodies – Rhythm, Repetition, and The Musical Hook

Tue. Mar. 11 Harmony/Chords – Standard Progressions and The NNS

Thur. Mar. 13 Chord Progressions – Chords as Hooks/Getting Fancy (Read Ch. 6,7)

Tue. Mar. 18 Song #2 Due/Presentations (Read Ch. 8-10)

Thur. Mar. 20 Easter Break

Tue. Mar. 25 Spring

Thur. Mar. 27 Break

Tue. Apr. 1 Guest Speaker/Co-Writing

Thur. Apr. 3 Guest Speaker/Co-Writing (Co-writing Assignment)

Class Schedule (Continued)

Tue. Apr. 8 Song Demos – Making Your Song Presentable

Thur. Apr. 10 Song Demos – Doing It Yourself or Calling In Favors

Tue. Apr. 15 Publishing – What & What Not To Expect(Read Ch. 11-14)

Thur. Apr. 17 Publishing – Selling It Yourself/Politics

Tue. Apr. 22 Listening to student songs Song # 3 Due

Thur. Apr. 24 Listening to student songs, Continued

Tue Apr. 29 Last day of class – wrap up

Tue. May 6 8:00 AM – FINAL EXAM