Courses
Basic Recording and Production Techniques
This is a hands-on recording course using the Mac laptop computer, an audio interface in tandem with a rack of gear consisting of microphones, a compressor, and a small mixer.
Survey of Popular Song Styles
The purpose of this course is to provide the student with an overview of the contributions that songwriters have made to 20th-century American culture.
Guitar Techniques for Songwriting
This class provides a stylistically open foundation in guitar playing focused on the needs and working processes of songwriters.
Arranging for Songwriters
Building on skills acquired in AR-111, this course focuses on writing effective arrangements built around a lead vocal with a contemporary rhythm section including percussion, background vocals, an
Hip-Hop Songwriting
This course is designed to enrich the students understanding of composition as it pertains to hip-hop.
Lyric Writing 2
Composition of lyrics using techniques gained in SW-221.
Lyric Writing 1
This course will focus on the structural aspects of lyric writing, especially the use of rhythm, rhyme, and form.
Songwriting 2
Continuation of SW-211. Proper integration of lyrics and melody. Expansion of tonal materials used in songwriting including modulation and modality.
Songwriting 1
Basic songwriting techniques. Students will develop a strong sense of form, melody, harmony, bass line development, and rhythm. Introduction to lyric considerations.
Introduction to Desktop/Digital Audio 1
A Pro Tools course for the DAW beginner with no extensive experience with MIDI (perhaps some use of Garage Band).
Essentials of Songwriting
Designed to give an overview of the subject to the student contemplating a career as a songwriter or a career in music in which songwriting plays a major role.
Compositional Techniques of Bob Brookmeyer
This course is about the study and application of compositional techniques of Bob Brookmeyer as demonstrated through his compositions, improvisations, and teaching methods.
Music Notation Software Workshop
Designed primarily for novice users of both notation software and music notation itself, but useful for all, this is a project based, hands-on, workshop type course designed to teach students immed
Professional Writing Seminar
A course to be offered only when a resident artist joins the Professional Writing Division.
Orchestral Mock-Up Production
In parallel with a student's development as a modern composer, arranger, and orchestrator, this course will develop his/her skills in emulating a live orchestra through effective use of softwa
Multimedia for the Writer
A hands-on introduction to multimedia and a survey of available applications.
The Creative Flame
This course looks at proven methods that help individuals chisel out their own system in order to ignite their creative flame and sustain their creativity.
Technology Tools for the Writer
Development of skills and concepts necessary for effective operation of a computer-based music writing workstation.
Music Application and Theory
A study of popular music. This study begins with the aural analysis of contemporary songs, including bass motion, chord function, and aspects of the rhythm section.
Writing Skills
Exploration of the elements and concepts of music and how they combine and interact to create compositions and arrangements as applied to the rhythm section (guitar, keyboard, bass, and drums).