Songs in the Key of Wonder

Course Description

Summary

This seminar is based on the 1973 songwriting classics, “Innervisions” , and the 1976 “Songs in the Key of Life”, both released on Tamala Records, a subsidiary of Motown Records. Students will examine melodic and harmonic chord progressions using 18th century tonal harmony, and 20th century jazz substitutions, chromaticism, and quartal harmony that Stevie Wonder used in composing these landmark recordings. Assignments include; creating contrafacts, e.g. composing new melodies over Stevie Wonder's song progressions. Students will have the opportunity to examine select songs while gaining a greater understanding of theoretical practices. For the final, students will use these theoretical tools and progressions to create their own original song or instrumental composition in the styling of Stevie Wonder. A presentation showcasing students live or prerecorded work will be shared at the end of the term. Live performance options are encouraged and available at Music Workshop.