MOS1001 - Fundamentals of Songwriting 01 Sep 2023 - 31 Aug 2029 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: MOS1001
Module Title: Fundamentals of Songwriting
Faculty: Faculty of Business and Creative Industries
Faculty Group: Music and Drama
Faculty Sub Group: Music
Module Leader: , Andrew Gwilliam
Module Team:
First Intended Intake: SEP 2023 Final Year of Intake:
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 4
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100695 - music composition
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 01 Sep 2023
Valid To 31 Aug 2029

Module Aims

Develop songwriting techniques and a deeper understanding of arranging.

Explore a range of compositional styles and techniques to enhance their knowledge.

Compose an original piece of music that is presented as a recording.

Gain an understanding of the songwriting process.

Content Summary

To be a successful songwriter, you’ll need the skills to write and perform a repertoire of original songs across a range of thematic, structural and stylistic briefs. This module will enable the learners to develop those skills, as well as to develop co-writing techniques and experience, a practical research-based approach to exploring your creativity, and a deeper understanding of the cultural, historical, social and political contexts of your songwriting. Our personalised approach will guide you through a variety of styles, genres and forms, and provide an opportunity to explore different approaches to writing.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 10
Seminar 20
Tutorial 2
Practical classes and workshops 12
Supervised time in studio/workshop 4
Independent Study 68
Directed Study 84
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 To recognise and distinguish between the techniques used in songwriting.
LO2 To critically listen in order to identify and describe a variety of songs from a range of genres.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Synchronous Onsite Practical Assessment Production (Onsite) 1 Original piece of music that is a minimum of 3 verses and a chorus. 0 N/A 75 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Presentation (Asynchronous) 1 Of a song of your choosing, discuss techniques used and writers intention. 10 N/A 25 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Production (Onsite) 1
Presentation (Asynchronous) 1

Reading List

Bell, E. (2017) The art of songwriting: How to create, think and live like a songwriter. New York: The Song Foundry.

MEDIA, I.R.B. (2022) Summary of Pat Pattison's songwriting without boundaries. S.l.: IRB MEDIA.

Tweedy, J. (2022) How to write one song. London: Faber & Faber.

Stolpe, A. and Stolpe, J. (2015) Beginning songwriting: Writing your own lyrics, melodies, and chords. Boston, MA: Berklee Press.

Chase, W. (2006) How music really works!: The Essential Handbook for Songwriters, performers, and music students. Vancouver: Roedy Black Pub.

Blume, J. (2008) 6 steps to songwriting success: The Comprehensive Guide to writing and marketing hit songs. New York: Billboard Books.

Pattison, P. (1991) Songwriting: Essential guide to lyric form and structure. tools and techniques for writing better lyrics. Boston: Berklee Press.

Pattison, P. (2011) Writing Better Lyrics. Cincinnati: F+W Media.

Pattison, P. (2012) Songwriting without boundaries: Lyric writing exercises for finding your voice. Penguin Publishing Group.

Pattison, P. (2014) Essential guide to rhyming: A step-by-step guide to better rhyming for poets and lyricists. Boston, MA.: Berklee Press.

Zollo, P. (2020) Songwriters on songwriting. New York: Hachette Books.

www.songwritingmagazine.co.uk

www.thecreativeunconstrained.com