ATS2139 · Song writing: How to write a popular song

Overview

This unit introduces you to the fundamental concepts of popular songwriting. The unit includes weekly lectures focusing on popular composition and creative writing. It also examines the context, methodology and history of song. Visiting artists from the profession teach into the unit and provide you with critical feedback.

Areas of study: Composition and music technology Ethnomusicology and musicology Music Music performance

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. demonstrate a systematic and comprehensive knowledge of strategies and form used in popular songwriting;
2. analyse and contextualise their song compositions;
3. critically evaluate popular song;
4. articulate strategies used by songwriters to convey musical ideas.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.