Introduction to MusicComposition/Songwriting

Catalog description

This course, open to all students, will serve as an entry levelcomposition/songwriting course. It will cover various concepts inherent in writingmusic (in any style), with an emphasis on exploration, creativity, and developinggood work habits. This course aims to develop each student's compositional skill,insight, and creativity through a series of assignments structured around theirindividual interests, goals, and abilities. Although creating music will be the focusof the course, we will also explore the structure, technique, and language ofmusic employed in various historic genres and styles through listening, classdiscussion, and analysis, as these are essential elements of the learningprocess. Class time will be divided into lecture, analysis, and students sharingtheir work with each other and receiving feedback. There will be a number ofindividual meetings with the professor during the semester. Notes: (1) Studentsshould have basic ability to read music and/or proficiency using a digital audioworkstation. (2) Fulfills SUNY-GE The Arts. Prerequisite: B or better in MUS117,MUS121, or MUS122 or permission of the Academic Chair.