MOS2001 - The Working Songwriter 01 Sep 2023 - 31 Aug 2029 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: MOS2001
Module Title: The Working Songwriter
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: 5
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

Build upon the skills and knowledge developed in Fundamentals of Songwriting.

To enable learners to choose and demonstrate a variety of songwriting techniques, applicable to their own work.

To support learners and create a higher level of core skills in relation to compositional styles and techniques.

To prepare learners to write and produce an interactive discussion.

Content Summary

In this module the learner will apply their knowledge and approaches to new levels by studying more outlying/progressive examples of songwriting in order to understand how they work and what made them successful. Learners will develop and demonstrate contemporary songwriting techniques as a means of creative expression. Learners will Investigate key concepts in songwriting such as formal, harmonic, rhythmic and lyrical aspects.This module will build on the knowledge from the ‘Fundamentals of Songwriting’ module in the previous academic year.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 8
Seminar 20
Practical classes and workshops 12
Supervised time in studio/workshop 8
Independent Study 68
Directed Study 82
Formative Assessment - Scheduled 2
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 To produce an original song with a clear aesthetic and lyrical theme within strict stylistic boundaries
LO2 To breakdown and analyse features of songwriting to present to an audience.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Synchronous Onsite Practical Assessment Practical Coursework (Onsite) 2 To produce a Podcast discussing techniques and inspiration with a songwriter or Discussing and performing an original composition in a songwriters round 0 N/A 30 No 40
Synchronous Onsite Practical Assessment Practical Coursework (Onsite) 1 To compose an original song from a given brief. 0 N/A 70 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Practical Coursework (Onsite) 2
Practical Coursework (Onsite) 1

Reading List

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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