Song Writing

Have you ever wondered what makes a song you hear on the radio “work?” Why do some lyrics rhyme and others not? What makes a melody “catchy” without being too repetitive? In this course, we will answer these questions as we analyze lyrics, melody, and rhythm in various popular music genres and apply what we learn as we write lyrics and melodies for our own original songs. By the end of the week, each student will have composed lyrics and a melody line for a full pop song!

Learning Objectives / Outcomes:
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
•Analyze lyrics, melody, & form in popular music genres
•Write original lyrics & melodies in a popular music style

*Outline & Schedule

Monday
9:00–10:00
Intro to Poetic Meter
10:00–11:30
Lyric Meter Analysis
11:30–1:00
Lunch
1:00–3:30
Lyric Writing
Tuesday
9:00–10:00
Intro to Rhyme Scheme
10:00–11:30
Lyric Rhyme Analysis
11:30–1:00
Lunch
1:00–3:30
Lyric Writing
Wednesday
9:00–10:00
Intro to Melody & Form
10:00–11:30
Verse & Chorus Analysis
11:30–1:00
Lunch
1:00–3:30
Verse & Chorus Writing
Thursday
9:00–10:00
Pre- & Post-Choruses
10:00–11:30
Pre & Post Chorus Analysis/Writing
11:30–1:00
Lunch
1:00–3:30
Bridges & Breaks Analysis/Writing
Friday
9:00–10:00
Reflection Discussions
10:00–1:00
Final Song Presentations
1:00
Lunch

*Schedule subject to changes and adjustments

Instructor Information:
Name: Dr. Lauren Crosby (she/her)
Email: lhcrosb@clemson.edu
Office: Brooks Center 213