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MUS20880

Academic Year 2024/2025

Techniques of Songwriting (MUS20880)

Subject:
Music
College:
Arts & Humanities
School:
Music
Level:
2 (Intermediate)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Peter Moran
Trimester:
Autumn and Spring (separate)
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

In this module, students will explore the relationship between words and music by analysing a wide variety of song-writing techniques from different genres and eras. Students will be given a number of short writing assignments to master the various techniques taught in class. The aim is to equip students with a wide range of writing techniques which can be applied to a broad variety of creative working environments.

For their final evaluation, students will submit the lyrics, chords and recording (or music notation) of an original song which should demonstrate a mastery of the specific techniques learned in class, along with a written commentary outlining which techniques they employed in the song and to what artistic purpose.

The students' final songs will be shared in a workshop masterclass with special guest artists from the music industry who will offer their professional feedback and insight.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

All students completing this module will:

1. Become familiar with the work of songwriters from a diverse range of genres and eras
2. Become familiar with a range of lyric writing techniques, both technical and creative
3. Understand the rhythmic relationship between words and music
4. Become familiar with basic music theory and notation
5. Learn creative approaches to chords, melodies and structure
6. Learn about the real-world applications of these skills when building a career in the arts

Indicative Module Content:

Indicative Module Content

Rhyme & Rhythm
- Scansion, metre and feet
- Sibilance, alliteration and assonance as rhythmic devices
- Internal rhyme
- Syllabic and melismatic settings
- Time signatures

Literary Devices
- Imagery and Word Painting
- Metaphor and Simile
- Thematic Development

Harmony and Melody
- Chord Progressions
- Tonicisation and Modulation
- Chromatic Alterations
- Extended Chords
- Scales and modes
- Notation

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Autonomous Student Learning

76
Lectures

24
Total

100

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module will be delivered through:

1. Taught classes introducing techniques of lyric writing and musical composition
2. Analyses of the work of songwriters from a diverse range of genres and eras
3. Recommended reading and listening
4. In-class exercises, small group work
5. Homework, written assignments
6. Professional feedback in workshops with special guest artists

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

Students taking this module will be given regular music assignments, such as writing chords and melodies. It is not a requirement to be able to read and write music notation, but students should have a basic knowledge of music theory (e.g. be able to name some basic chords and identify the notes that make up a chord). Support is also available for those who have just a little knowledge of this area and need assistance advancing.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): Students must submit music homework assignments based on topics covered in class. Week 2, Week 4, Week 6, Week 8 Graded Yes
35
 Yes
Assignment(Including Essay): Students must submit creative writing assignments based on topics covered in class. Week 1, Week 3, Week 5, Week 7 Graded Yes
35
 Yes
Individual Project: Students will submit a first draft, and then a revised final draft, of an original song with an accompanying commentary detailing which of the module's techniques have been used and how. Week 9, Week 10, Week 11, Week 12 Graded Yes
30
 Yes

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Remediation Type Remediation Timing
Repeat Within Two Trimesters
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

The teachers will monitor student progress throughout the term, offering feedback on their regular homework assignments, and on the first draft of their original song before final submission.

Rubin, Rick and Neil Strauss. The Creative Act: A Way of being. New York: Penguin Press, 2023. James Joyce Library, 153.35 RUB

West, Andrew. "The art of songwriting" London: Bloomsbury Publishing, 2016. (Access online through UCD Library)

Name Role
Dr Jonathan Creasy Lecturer / Co-Lecturer

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Fri 12:00 - 13:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32 Fri 12:00 - 13:50
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