SAMPLE SCHEDULE
DAY 1: Intro to Songwriting
Icebreaker activities to foster group cohesion.
Overview of the camp objectives and schedule.
Introduction to the fundamentals of songwriting: lyrics, melody, and harmony.
Listening and discussion session: analysis of popular songs to identify key songwriting elements. Students will present 2 songs that resonate with them.
Exercise 1: Object Writing
Creative exercises to practice writing descriptive and evocatively
Peer feedback and discussion on each other's object writing sessions
Exercise 2: Creating similes and metaphors
DAY 2: Finding Inspiration / Crafting Lyrics
Exploring different sources of inspiration: personal experiences, emotions, and storytelling.
Creative exercises to spark ideas and develop themes.
Group discussion and sharing of potential song concepts.
Exercise 1: Using any of the previous two days writings, exercises, to create song lyrics. Feedback and group discussion to ensue
Exercise 2: Guided writing exercises using specific rhythms and meter
DAY 3: Melody and Harmony
Introduction to melody and its role in songwriting.
Memorable melodies from popular songs - each student shares two songs of choice, discussion to follow
Collaborative melody writing exercises
Exercise 1: Students split off in groups, create simple melodies using provided chord progressions.
Introduction to harmony: basics of chord progressions, analysis of harmonic structures in popular song
Discussion on harmony/techniques for harmonizing melodies/minor and major harmonies
Exercise 2: Using chords diatonic to major or minor C major scale, come up with your own progression and melody
DAY 4: Arrangement, Structure and Collaborative Songwriting
Understanding song structure: verse, chorus, bridge, etc.
Analyzing the arrangement of popular songs.
Collaborative Songwriting
Introduction to collaborative songwriting techniques.
Exercise 1: Group songwriting exercises where students work together to create songs.
Peer Feedback Session
DAY 5: Putting it all Together
On the final day, students will split off in groups or alone and workshop/complete any of the songs they have begun over the last week. I will be floating around to offer advice, help, feedback as the students work to finish their songs.
The second half of the day will be a showcase, performing completed or partially completed songs for one another, and providing feedback/suggestions.