In this module, students will be exposed to a variety of song-writing techniques and will develop and nurture the wide-ranging skill set necessary to succeed in the current music industry. Students will learn to carry out basic harmonic analyses of existing songs and apply theoretical approaches to produce original work, investigate different ways to structure songs, explore creative methods to write and develop lyrics, and learn how to enhance basic song templates with melodic accompaniments (e.g. strings, brass etc.).
Contact Hours: 22
Private Study hours: 128
Total Hours: 150
Main assessment methods
1) Song 1: Recording of an original song for voice and one other instrument (4 minutes) 20%; plus a Written Commentary (300 words) 10%.
2) Song 2: Recording of an original song for voice and 3 - 5 other instruments (4 minutes) 45%; plus a Reflective Critique (1000 words) 25%.
Reassessment methods
Like for like.
Indicative Reading List
Everett, W. (2004). 'Making Sense of Rock's Tonal Systems', Music Theory Online, Vol. 10 (4)
Moore, A (1992). 'Patterns of Harmony', Popular Music, Vol. 11. pp. 73-106
Moore, A. (2012). Song Means: Analysing and Interpreting Recorded Popular Song. Aldershot: Ashgate.
Winkler, P. K (2007). 'Toward a Theory of Popular Harmony' in Moore, A. (Ed) Critical Essays in Popular Musicology, Aldershot: Ashgate.
See the library reading list for this module (Medway)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1) demonstrate an understanding of key technical concepts in writing and arranging popular music;
2) demonstrate a critical awareness of key topics in music theory in areas such as tonality/modality, harmony and rhythm;
3) create original music using song writing techniques, beginning to shape the finer details of a composition;
4) utilize musical instruments and related musical technologies to develop musical material in the production of songs.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1) use IT and other sophisticated technologies in the preparation of work;
2) be self-critical of work in progress, responding to the critical insights of others in order to develop a final piece of work;
3) prioritise tasks and manage time and resources effectively.
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