MUS 31 Songwriting

The practice of animating language with music shows up in nearly every culture in the world. Throughout time, songs have been a medium for emotion, story, survival, cultural memory, spiritual practice, celebration, mourning, commerce and more.  In this course students will explore the technical, sonic, formal, poetic and metaphysical dimensions of songs through a rigorous weekly practice of songwriting, listening, sharing and critique. We will look broadly at songwriting techniques from many genres and traditions, and we will acquire powerful tools for unlocking and understanding the musicality that exists in language, and the meaning that can unfold from harmonic, melodic and sonic gestures. This course is open to students with any level of musical training or ability, but comfort with singing in front of others is recommended.