group Songwriting class 

Work with our resident songwriting teacher Jeyhan to learn about song structure, melody, lyrics and chord progressions to improve your songwriting ability.  Basic knowledge on piano, guitar, or ukulele is recommended to get the most out of these classes, but not required.  

 

Students will be given songwriting prompts and homework each week to complete and prepare for the following week.

 

Beginner Level: Will focus on learning foundational songwriting skills by completing mini songwriting assignments throughout the class. Focusing on learning basic lyric and melody structure and technique. 

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Intermediate Level: All students must be proficient in either piano or guitar to be accepted at intermediate level. The class focuses on improving upon their already established songwriting skills and incorporating chord progressions while working through the curriculum.  All students at Intermediate level are encouraged to work towards a final performance at one of LJMA’s Open Artist Showcases or Black Tie Recitals. 

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CURRICULUM

1. Songwriting Terms

• Basic terms: Melody, harmony ,chords, lyrics

• Sections/Tools: Verse, Pre-chorus, Chorus, Bridge, Hook, Tag, Intro, Outro

• Song forms: Strophic/AAA, AAB(12-bar blues), AABA
  (American popular song form), AB (verse chorus), ABC (verse chorus bridge)

• Genre and characteristics: pop, country, blues, R&B, etc.

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2. Chords/harmony

• How to play more advanced certain chords and how to add extensions/substitutions (Group 2 only)

• Common progressions

• How to match chord quality to the tone or emotion needed in a song

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3. Melody

• How to craft a melody that fits in the key or matches the quality of your chords

• Writing for different voice parts

• Tips and tricks for writing melodies that help establish sectional identity (ex: listener can tell that the verse has ended and we are in the chorus now)

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4. Lyrics

• Rhyme

  • Types: perfect, family, additive and subtractive, assonance, consonance

  • Schemes: AABB, ABAB, AAAA, ABBA or ABA, AAAB, etc.

• ​Tools: metaphor, simile, personification, imagery, hyperbole, engaging the five senses

• Editing: learn how to analyze your lyrics and figure out ways to get your message across in the most efficient manner

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5. Songwriting Assignments

• Follow instructions given by teacher and create a song based on that

• Improve your collaborative skills in co-write sessions (groups or duo)

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Past Songs:

Listen to our past songwriting creations from LJMA students: