Module Code - Title:
MD6191
-
SONGWRITING PROCESS 1
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
In this module students explore the creative process of songwriting and develop the skills to produce a body of work for performance and / or recording in a supportive, reflective environment. With the guidance of the course director and songwriting faculty, students hone skills and strategies in writing song lyrics, composing song melodies and creating song arrangements. Students also develop skills in reflective practice/critique. On completion of this module, students have developed a heightened awareness of their own creative voice, a demonstrable body of work to add to their songwriting portfolio and a wider repertoire of songwriting skills and creative strategies to draw from.
Syllabus:
This module provides students with opportunities to engage with a variety of approaches to songwriting, helping them to better understand and locate their own artistic practice. Students develop their skills in lyric writing and in music arrangement and composition. Students develop a body of work for recording and/or performance through a combination of one-on-one mentoring with their creative mentor, performance-based seminars with visiting artists and collaborative workshops with their peers.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
Explore and reflect upon a variety of approaches to songwriting.
Develop a clear sense of one's own creative process and artistic 'voice.'
Engage with and locate oneself within a range of compositional and performative styles.
Develop a professional body of work suitable for recording / public performance.
Demonstrate the ability to work both collaboratively and as a solo artist.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
Evaluate and discuss creative work of self and others through constructive and sensitive reflective practice / critique.
Demonstrate awareness of his / her own creative voice.
Engage in collaborate artistic practice with fellow students and mentors.Demonstrate a high level of proficiency in songwriting for recording and / or performance purposes.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
Demonstrate skilfully the appropriate motor skills for affective communication of song material in a performance context.
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
This module is taught through a combination of weekly group workshops, performance-based seminars and lectures, one intensive songwriting 'retreat' each semester and bi-weekly, one-on-one mentoring. Through engagement with professional songwriters and peers, students work collaboratively and as individuals to develop their songwriting ability and create a portfolio of work of professional standard.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Zollo, Paul (2003)
Songwriters on Songwriting
, De Capo Press
Anderton, Chris; Dubber, Andrew; James, Martin (2013)
Understanding the Music Industries
, Sage
Myers, Mark (2016)
Anatomy of a Song: The Oral History of 45 Iconic Hits That Changed Rock, R&B and Pop
, Grove Press
Simos, Mark (2014)
Songwriting Strategies: A 360ยบ Approach
, Berklee Press
Other Relevant Texts:
Dylan, Bob (1985)
Lyrics: 1962 - 1985
, Alfred A. Knopf; Rev Sub edition
Cohen, Leonard (2009)
The Lyrics of Leonard Cohen
, Omnibus Press
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
stephen.tj.ryan@ul.ie