Music 267 - Song Writing

The writing of songs with an emphasis on collaboration and the study of relevant works in a variety of styles, including rock, blues, American folksong and "shapenote" music. While there are no prerequisites, students should have a background in music performance and/or songwriting and will be expected to document their work through notation, charts, recording or written description as required by each assignment. Significant class time will be spent discussing student compositions, with occasional meetings with the instructor outside of class hours. Special attention will be paid to the interactions of African American, Latin American, and European American musical traditions in American popular song. The creation of lyrics will also be considered. Two class meetings per week.

Visiting Professor Eriksen. Spring Semester.

How to handle overenrollment: Preference will be given to first-years, sophomores, and music majors.

Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning and assessment: Students will be expected to engage in creative work, both in music and lyric writing. They may be called upon to sing or play an instrument according to their abilities, or coach other musicians in presenting their music. Methods of notating or charting out songs will be discussed. Some digital activities such as amplifying, recording, or editing music with digital tools will be incorporated into the course. Students will also study and discuss songs in a variety of traditions and styles. Class members will be expected to engage thoughtfully with this repertory, and may be called on to give oral or written presentations based on this engagement.