MCCCD Program Description

Songwriting

Course: MTC140

First Term: 2020 Fall

Lecture 3.0 Credit(s) 3.0 Period(s) 3.0 Load
Subject Type: Occupational
Load Formula: S- Standard

Description: An introduction to the art and craft of songwriting through the study and analysis of diverse songwriters and musical styles, and creation of original songs.

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Identify the foundational musical elements of a song. (I, II, III, IV, V) 2. Analyze the manner in which melody, harmony, rhythm, and lyrics are utilized to create songs. (I, II, III, IV, V) 3. Articulate the variety of musical and lyrical approaches, and thematic material that songwriters from diverse styles utilize in their songs. (I, II, III, IV, V) 4. Create original songs with lyrics, melody, and chord progressions that demonstrate competence of song structure and a variety of lyrical techniques. (I, II, III, IV, V) 5. Collaborate with other songwriters to create and develop songs. (VI) 6. Demonstrate the ability to present original songs and receive peer evaluations. (VII)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Melody writing and development A. Basic elements of pop melodies B. Repetition and variation techniques C. Motive/hook development and transformation D. Adding contrast to a song for variety and interest II. Harmonic language A. Use of simple harmonies including triads and seventh chords B. Use of complex harmonies including extended tertian and chromatically altered chords C. Harmonic progressions, including modal substitutions/alternate chord III. Rhythmic development A. Rhythmic styles B. Grooves IV. Song forms and structure A. Analysis of Song Forms B. Introductory Material of Songs C. Basic Characteristics of the Verse D. Basic Characteristics of the Chorus E. Basic Characteristics of the Bridge F. Basic Characteristics of the Song Endings V. Lyric writing A. Rhythm, meter, and stress patterns B. Rhyme Schemes C. Content, Clarity and Continuity D. Lyric Writing Tools VI. Writing in collaboration A. Writing in collaboration with another songwriter and/or team of songwriters B. Writing in collaboration with others for constructive feedback, critiquing, and networking VII. Public presentation A. Workshop performance for peers with critique B. Performance for an audience C. Demo recording

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: May 26, 2020

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.