Module Details

Module Code: MUSC8071
Title: Song Writing 1
Long Title: Song Writing 1
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2017/18 ( September 2017 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 2121 - Music & Performing Arts
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: The first in a series of modules looking at the practical considerations of songwriting. The constituent elements of songwriting such as harmony, lyrics, form are discussed, with reference to specific songwriters/songs. Weekly submissions based on these elements facilitate the student's active engagement with the songwriting process. The practicalities and considerations of a live original music performance are discussed, such as advertising and promotion, venue considerations. The module culminates in a performance by the student of original material.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 List, identify and discuss the constituent musical parts of a typical pop song
LO2 Demonstrate the acquisition of specific stylistic nuances, based on the study of specified songs/songwriters
LO3 Demonstrate typical lyric writing techniques and their use in songwriting
LO4 Adequately advertise and promote a concert of original songs
LO5 Present in a live context a short concert of original songs
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Songwriting elements
An exploration of songwriting elements such as form, instrumentation, rhythmic concepts, harmony, lyrics and rhyming schemes. Additionally, specific songwriters and their use of the above elements is examined
Performance
A performance of original material
Continuous assessment
Each individual student in monitored on a weekly basis. The continuous assessment mark is comprised of attendance and participation in the lab, as well as the quality of weekly submissions required by the module
Advertising and promotion
The considerations of concert advertising, such as posters/ flyers etc
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 40
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
Continuous assessment of songwriting as outlined in the indicative content
Assessment Type Performance Evaluation % of Total Mark 45
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 3,5
Assessment Description
Performance of original songs
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 15
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 4
Assessment Description
Advertising and promotion of performance
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lab Contact Songwriting lab Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact No Description Every Week 6.00 6
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 1.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Jimmy Webb. (1998), Tunesmith, Hyperion, New York, [ISBN: 978-0786884889].
  • Jack Perricone. (2000), Melody in Songwriting: Tools and Techniques for Writing Hit Songs (Berklee Guide), Berklee Press, [ISBN: 978-0634006388].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_GPOPM_8 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Popular Music 5 Elective