Crafting Songs: A Deep Dive into Lyrics, Music, and Meaning
Explore the lyrical, musical and philosophical elements of of songwriting. The lessons learnt can be applied for aspiring songwriters, experienced songwriters, or anyone interested in listening to music with a more critical ear. Some basic musical theory will be involved, but no prior knowledge is required.
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Mon 28 Apr
- $120.00 incl. GST
Sessions
Session 1
Mon 28 Apr 19:30 - Mon 28 Apr 21:00At Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 2
Mon 05 May 19:30 - Mon 05 May 21:00At Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 3
Mon 12 May 19:30 - Mon 12 May 21:00At Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 4
Mon 19 May 19:30 - Mon 19 May 21:00At Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 5
Mon 26 May 19:30 - Mon 26 May 21:00At Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 6
Mon 09 Jun 19:30 - Mon 09 Jun 21:00At Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 7
Mon 16 Jun 19:30 - Mon 16 Jun 21:00At Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 8
Mon 23 Jun 19:30 - Mon 23 Jun 21:00At Selwyn College, Auckland.Please note there is NO refund or transfer if you cancel less than 5 working days in advance of a class starting. Our refund policy can be read in full here. -
Mon 21 Jul
- $120.00 incl. GST
Sessions
Session 1
Mon 21 Jul 19:30 - Mon 21 Jul 21:00At Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 2
Mon 28 Jul 19:30 - Mon 28 Jul 21:00At Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 3
Mon 04 Aug 19:30 - Mon 04 Aug 21:00At Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 4
Mon 11 Aug 19:30 - Mon 11 Aug 21:00At Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 5
Mon 18 Aug 19:30 - Mon 18 Aug 21:00At Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 6
Mon 25 Aug 19:30 - Mon 25 Aug 21:00At Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 7
Mon 01 Sep 19:30 - Mon 01 Sep 21:00At Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 8
Mon 08 Sep 19:30 - Mon 08 Sep 21:00At Selwyn College, Auckland.Please note there is NO refund or transfer if you cancel less than 5 working days in advance of a class starting. Our refund policy can be read in full here. -
Mon 06 OctEight classes Mondays 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM no class 27 October Labour Day At Selwyn College, Auckland. Strahan Cole
- $120.00 incl. GST
Sessions
Session 1
Mon 06 Oct 19:30 - Mon 06 Oct 21:00At Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 2
Mon 13 Oct 19:30 - Mon 13 Oct 21:00At Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 3
Mon 20 Oct 19:30 - Mon 20 Oct 21:00At Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 4
Mon 03 Nov 19:30 - Mon 03 Nov 21:00At Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 5
Mon 10 Nov 19:30 - Mon 10 Nov 21:00At Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 6
Mon 17 Nov 19:30 - Mon 17 Nov 21:00At Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 7
Mon 24 Nov 19:30 - Mon 24 Nov 21:00At Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 8
Mon 01 Dec 19:30 - Mon 01 Dec 21:00At Selwyn College, Auckland.Please note there is NO refund or transfer if you cancel less than 5 working days in advance of a class starting. Our refund policy can be read in full here.
Description
Explore the lyrical, musical and philosophical elements of of songwriting. The lessons learnt can be applied for aspiring songwriters, experienced songwriters, or anyone interested in listening to music with a more critical ear. Some basic musical theory will be involved, but no prior knowledge is required.
Expected learning outcomes
- Learn how to use several songwriting techniques
- Learn some music theory in the context of how it’s used for writing songs
- Have experience writing songs in short, improvised, collaborative projects
- Learn to how identify lyrical, compositional and arrangement techniques when listening to music, and how those techniques compel an emotional response
Course outline
- Song structures, including 12 bar blues, AABA, through-composition
- Techniques including repeated refrains, key changes/modulation
- Lyrical techniques including rhyme schemes, listing, cliches
- Making and filling space
- Creating and releasing tension
- And more!
Who should attend?
Anyone with an interest in writing songs or listening to music with intent.
What to bring
There will be a chance to share/perform written songs for feedback and workshopping, BYO instruments for these sessions. Bring pen and paper/score.
About your tutor
I completed a Bachelor of Music with a Major in Popular Music in 2011. My experience here, and playing in bands including Avalanche City and Great North, have fuelled a life-long passion for dissecting songs and exploring how they work.
