Songwriting II: Defining and Deepening Your “Brand”(REMOTE)

Course Description

Summary

This is a course for advanced songwriter/composers, music makers who are ready to create bands, albums, shows, that transcend the single song into a larger listening experience. Knowing which songs/compositions represent your “voice” with resonance predictive of what you will write in the future, but combine, with integrity, strong material you’ve already written—is difficult to do on your own. Artistic self-knowledge in music requires dialogue with outside listeners. The class will function as your “producer,” helping you to find and draw upon your strengths. We will also construct a music theory “toolbox” to help you learn to understand and troubleshoot what you do, when parts of the whole aren't working. How do you approach harmony, melody, rhythm, timbre, text and texture? How should you approach them? What is your personal style? Who are you...after all? Students should have a private and quiet setting where they are able to play and sing out loud, for the entire duration of class time. All classes will be taught remote except for two separate weeks at the middle and end of term when the instructor will come to campus to offer in-person coaching. However, permanently remote students will be included in those in-person classes. Showing work at weekly Music Workshop can be in-person or remote. Likewise concerts of class-related music may be in-person or remote. Remote students may trust their inclusion in all class events.