Writing song lyrics: create and combine with melody
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
- Course Code: MG913
- Dates: 05/11/24 - 10/12/24
- Time: 19:00 - 21:00
- Taught: Tue, Evening
- Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 weeks)
- Location: Online
- Tutor: Polly Hewett
Course Code: MG913
Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
Ideal for songwriters and instrumentalists who find creating a melody easy and writing lyrics difficult. Enjoy collaborating with class members who can help play along with you, or sing your ideas. We'll work towards recording your song(s) at the end of this short course.
This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.
What will we cover?
- Generating original ideas and imagery from your everyday experiences
- Structure and form of a melody
- Basic and advanced techniques in the use of lyrics and metre, rhythm, scanning and emphasis
- Themes, subjects and perspective
- Listening to and analysing the work of singer-songwriters, bands and lyric writers in a number of genres (pop, jazz, rock, folk) from the 1930’s to the current day.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Create original lyrics that relate to you and your experiences
- Create a melodic line on which your lyrics will flow
- Structure and edit your ideas effectively
- Find your own lyric writing style
- Listen to and analyse song samples
- Have finished a song of your own.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Suitable for songwriters and singer-songwriters. Some knowledge of music theory - harmony, rhythm and scales - is helpful.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The emphasis is on practical work and collaborations in class. You will be asked to complete homework to demonstrate your work to your class.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You may want to use your guitar or piano as part of the course.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Further study can be the song writing pod when scheduled next.
Polly is a multi-instrumentalist, singer and composer, musical director and conductor who has been an adult education tutor since 2009. She enjoys the challenge and exchange of ideas and energy that adult education provides-both as a tutor and as a student. Polly's work also includes live performances and session work in many genres and venues in London and the South East, e.g. playing cello with Clerkenwell String Quartet, piano for Associated Board exams, singing at weddings and parties, and playing in orchestras and ensembles. As a cellist she has appeared on BBC TV's Top of the Pop and on a number of albums. She has also played in lots of pop bands and, after attending a City Lit jazz piano course, she started playing jazz and blues piano too. Polly composes music for radio, for theatre productions and library music for BBC Radio 3, 4 and the World Service and for television around the world. Her study to PhD level at Goldsmiths College opened up the world of Dada and John Cage and conceptual and performance art. Consequently she has sung Dada masterpieces such as "Ursonata" as well as her own compositions at contemporary music festivals such as The Brighton Festival.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
