How to Write Your First Song

Online Course

The University of Sheffield

Future Learn

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How to Write Your First Song

What is the course about?
Prerequisites & Facts
Cost, Certificate & Degree
Reviews & Experiences

What is the course about?

How to Write Your First Song

The course How to Write Your First Song is an online class provided by The University of Sheffield through Future Learn. It may be possible to receive a verified certification or use the course to prepare for a degree.

Get a practical introduction to the mechanics of songwriting and meet established songwriters with this free online course_x000D_

Course description

Ever wanted to write a song, but not known how?
6 weeks

This course will introduce you to the tools and techniques you need to write your first song.
Each week, using specially-commissioned lyrics, we’ll build up a song and encourage you to do the same. World-renowned musician, Martin Simpson, will use the same words and techniques and we’ll check in with him each week for inspiration and guidance on the songwriting process.
We’ll also talk to experts in music and psychology as well as established musicians and songwriters to find out what makes a song successful.

Setting words to music
Time and pitch
Working with melody
Chords and chord progressions
Song forms
Arranging your song

Set words to rhythm using the concepts of metre and scansion.
Identify the ingredients of an effective melody.
Describe the different chord types and progressions used in popular songs.
Explain the most commonly used song forms and structures.
Explore how songs can develop when different lines and instruments are added to the accompaniment.
Combine these fundamental musical elements to come up with a song of your own.

Whether you’re a complete novice who has never written a song in their life, a budding amateur looking to develop further skills or an accomplished professional brushing up on the basics, this course will deliver comprehensive practical and theoretical knowledge to help set you on your path.
While it will be useful to have access to a musical instrument this is not a requirement, you can participate in the course just using your voice or with freely available music software.

The University of Sheffield
The University of Sheffield is one of the world’s top 100 universities with a reputation for teaching and research excellence.

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Prerequisites & Facts

How to Write Your First Song

Course Topic

Creative Arts & Media, Music, Writing

University, College, Institution

The University of Sheffield

Course Skill Level

see course summary

Course Language

English

Place of class

Online, self-paced (see curriculum for more information)

Degree

Certificate

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Degree & Cost

How to Write Your First Song

To obtain a verified certificate from Future Learn / The University of Sheffield you have to finish this course or the latest version of it, if there is a new edition. The class may be free of charge, but there could be some cost to receive a verified certificate or to access the learning materials. The specifics of the course may have been changed, please consult the provider to get the latest quotes and news.

The University of Sheffield

How to Write Your First Song

provided by Future Learn

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