Songwriting: An Introduction



Overview

This practical course will teach the  skills common to all types / styles of songwriting, particularly those needed to write for voice with instrumental accompaniment. No previous composing experience is necessary for full participation, just basic musical literacy and an interest in learning to write songs. Topics to be covered will include: setting texts to musical rhythms, setting texts to melodies, writing idiomatically for the voice, practical harmonisation of vocal melodies, writing idiomatic instrumental accompaniments and more, as time allows.

Programme details

Term Starts: 23 April

Week 1:   Introduction - setting words to a rhythm

Week 2:   Setting words to a melody I

Week 3:   Setting words to a melody II

Week 4:   Basic harmonisation of a vocal melody I

Week 5:   Basic harmonisation of a vocal melody II

Week 6:   Writing accompaniments I

Week 7:   Writing accompaniments II

Week 8:   Exploring different types of song I

Week 9:   Exploring different types of song II

Week 10:  Catch - up and Conclusions

Certification

Digital badge

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be issued with an official digital badge from the Department for Continuing Education, University of Oxford. After the course, you will receive an email with a link and instructions on how to download your digital badge. You will be able to add your badge to your email signature and share it on social media if you choose to do so. In order to be issued with your badge, you will need to have attended at least 80% of the course.

Fees

Description Costs
Course Fee £285.00

Funding

If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit, you are a full-time student in the UK or a student on a low income, you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees. Please see the below link for full details:

Concessionary fees for short courses

Tutor

Dr Peter Copley

Peter Copley D.Phil, MA, B.mus is a composer, cellist and pianist. He is a visiting lecturer at OUDCE, the University of Sussex and for the Open University, where he has been a Research Associate for the music faculty.

Course aims

To encourage the setting of texts to music and, in particular, to teach the necessary skills associated with the craft and technique of songwriting and the writing of instrumental accompaniments.

Course Objectives

1. To introduce students to the basic skills of writing for the voice.

2. To teach students the necessary skills to devise instrumental accompaniments for vocal melodies.

3. To teach students to notate their music adequately for practical performance.

Teaching methods

The topics for each week are not exhaustive. Students will also have the opportunity to have their songs played (where possible) and discussed even if not related to the main topic of the week. Each topic will incorporate student exercises, musical examples, both live and recorded and class discussions. Each class will include short lectures with musical examples and workshopping / discussion of students' exercises and compositions.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course students will be expected to:

1. Have an understanding of the basic characteristics of writing for the voice with instrumental accompaniment.

2. Be able to compose idiomatically for voice and set a text to music.

3. Be able to notate their music adequately for practical performance.

Application

Please use the 'Book' or 'Apply' button on this page. Alternatively, please complete an application form.

Level and demands

Basic musical literacy and the ability to notate music is essential.

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support