MUSA214-24S2 (A) Semester Two 2024 (The Arts Centre Christchurch)

Techniques of Song Writing

15 points

Details:
Start Date: Monday, 15 July 2024
End Date: Sunday, 10 November 2024
Withdrawal Dates
Last Day to withdraw from this course:
  • Without financial penalty (full fee refund): Sunday, 28 July 2024
  • Without academic penalty (including no fee refund): Sunday, 29 September 2024

Description

MUSA214 teaches foundational techniques in popular song writing. Topics include creating memorable melodies, effective harmonisation and the use of common chord progressions, creating and developing compelling lyric concepts, and managing sectional forms. Students hone their writing skills while preparing a portfolio of songs. Students will also gain experience mentoring song writers enrolled in MUSA114.

MUSA214 teaches foundational techniques in popular song writing. Topics include creating
memorable melodies, effective harmonisation and use of common chord progressions, creating and
developing compelling lyric concepts, and managing sectional forms. Students hone their writing
skills while preparing a portfolio of songs. Students will also gain experience mentoring song writers
enrolled in MUSA114.

Learning Outcomes

  • Hua Ako | Course Learning Outcomes
  • Demonstrated skill in melody and lyric writing;
  • Able to prepare professional quality chord charts and lead sheets;
  • Able to create effective harmonic progressions;
  • Experience mentoring 100-level song writing students.
    Transferable Skills
  • The ability to work in a disciplined and persistent way on an individual project;
  • Peer review skills;
  • The ability to criticise one’s own work.
    • University Graduate Attributes

      This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attributes specified below:

      Critically competent in a core academic discipline of their award

      Students know and can critically evaluate and, where applicable, apply this knowledge to topics/issues within their majoring subject.

Prerequisites

Restrictions

MUSA114, MUSA220

Timetable 2024

Students must attend one activity from each section.

Lecture A
Activity Day Time Location Weeks
01 Wednesday 15:00 - 17:00 A8 Lecture Theatre
15 Jul - 25 Aug
9 Sep - 20 Oct
Workshop A
Activity Day Time Location Weeks
01 Monday 15:30 - 17:00 Arts Centre G15 Recital Room
15 Jul - 25 Aug
9 Sep - 20 Oct

Timetable Note

Mahi ā-Ākonga | Workload
Student workload (150 hours) will be allocated to:
• 24 hours attending lectures
• 18 hours attending composition workshops
• 82 hours composing songs, realising assessment content and mentoring others
• 26 hours self-directed study

Course Coordinator

Claire Benedict

Lecturers

Lauren Barus and Naomi van den Broek

Assessment

Assessment Due Date Percentage 
Advanced Song Analysis 20%
Collaborative Verse and Chorus 30%
Two Complete Songs 50%

Indicative Fees

Domestic fee $942.00

International fee $4,663.00

* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.

For further information see Creative and Digital Arts .

All MUSA214 Occurrences

  • MUSA214-24S2 (A) Semester Two 2024 (The Arts Centre Christchurch)