Selwyn Community Education is based at Selwyn College, Kohimarama, Auckland.

This course starts on 28 April with weekly classes over eight Mondays 7 - 9pm. Repeat courses start on 21 July and 6 October.

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.

The term course fee is $120.