Writing song lyrics: a taster

Do you have an idea of a song lyric but aren’t sure if it will work? We’ll look at examples of good song lyrics through the years – and at how they work and why. Also guidance and exercises to write your own lyrics. A sense of rhythm is helpful. Beginners welcome.

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Key course information

Date
10/12/11

Day(s)
Sat

Duration
1 week

Time
10:30 - 16:30

Fees
Full fee: £37
Senior fee: £23
Concession: £11

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
HW247

Availability
This course has finished

This course has finished

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Still got questions?
humanities@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2652

Course outline

What is the course about?

This one-day workshop will look at what makes a good song lyric and some techniques for writing lyrics. There will be group discussion and group exercises, as well as individual writing exercises to enable you to experiment and begin writing your own song lyrics.

What topics will we cover?

- A brief look at some successful song lyrics – from the 1940s to the present
- Discussion on how and why good lyrics work, and how song lyrics differ from poetry
- Exploration of different techniques for writing song lyrics
- Writing exercises designed to stimulate your imagination and get you started writing
- Time to write your own song lyrics and try them out in a supportive workshop environment.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

- Discuss why a certain song lyric works, why it 'sings' well
- Demonstrate an understanding of rhythm in a song lyric
- Experiment with different techniques for writing song lyrics
- Produce some song lyrics of your own.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This is an introductory level course. Beginners welcome, as well as those who are already writing song lyrics.
Good written and spoken English skills needed.
A basic sense of rhythm is helpful.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

In-class discussions, tutor input, writing exercises, tutor and group feedback.

Tutor:
Barbara Marsh is a poet, singer, songwriter and musician. She is a solo and collaborative performer and recording artist and was one-half of band The Dear Janes, releasing three albums for record labels including Geffen Records. Now a member of experimental band Vachement Bath, she is also working on a solo album and recently co-wrote and recorded a spoken word piece with Japanese composer Akira Inoue. Her poetry has appeared in various magazines and anthologies in the UK, as well as online. Barbara is currently finishing an MPhil in Writing from the University of Glamorgan and is preparing her first collection for publication. She teaches Creative Writing at City Lit.

City lit reserves the right to change course tutors or venues from those advertised in this outline. In line with our refund policy we are unable to grant a refund on the grounds of a change of tutor/venue.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Pad of paper (preferably A4 size, but not smaller than A5), pen or pencil.
Enthusiasm and a love of words.
Small musical instruments are welcome.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2652

humanities@citylit.ac.uk

Advice times:

During term-time Monday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30

Non term-time Monday 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.