Course Outline for Music Literature 28
Musical Structure & Songwriting

Effective: Fall 2022
SLO Rev: 12/09/2016
Catalog Description:

MUSL 28 - Musical Structure & Songwriting

3.00 Units

Study of contemporary rock and popular music theory with a songwriting implementation. Common chord progressions, harmonic development, song forms, lyric structure and analysis, orchestration, history and analysis of studio recording effects on important popular music styles of the mid to late 20th Century.
Strongly Recommended: MUSL 6 or MUSL 2A Students should have fundamental skills in reading music notation, note identification, knowledge of scales and some knowledge of chords.
1005.00 - Commercial Music*
Letter Grade Only
Type Units Inside of Class Hours Outside of Class Hours Total Student Learning Hours
Lecture 3.00 54.00 108.00 162.00
Laboratory 0.00 18.00 0.00 18.00
Total 3.00 72.00 108.00 180.00
Measurable Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. identify common song and lyric forms from selected musical examples;
  2. design and implement common harmonic progressions;
  3. compose lyrics using basic lyric structures;
  4. interpret multiple meanings from song lyrics;
  5. harmonize a simple melody using basic harmonic progressions;
  6. distinguish individual layers in a multilayered recording;
  7. criticize or defend musical accompaniment in support of lyrical meaning.
  8. understand a basic history and context for popular songs and songwriting.
Course Content:

Course Content (Lecture):

  1. Triad structures
    1. Major
    2. Minor
    3. Diminished
    4. Augmented
  2. Rock and pop chord progressions
  3. Blues form
  4. Basic song form
    1. AABA
    2. Verse/chorus
    3. Intros and outros
    4. Contemporary songs
      1. The Bridge
      2. The Breakdown
      3. Through-composed
      4. Improvisational
      5. Cademza
  5. Common lyric structures
  6. Double meanings in lyrics
  7. Melody harmonization
    1. Major, natural minor and harmonic sclaes
    2. Building chords from scales
    3. Choosing chords to fit melody
    4. Chord subsitutions and key changes
  8. Analysis of lyric/accompaniment relationships
  9. Basic history/context of songs & songwriting


Course Content (Laboratory):

  1. Analysis and creation of triad structures
  2. Analysis and creation of rock and pop chord progressions
  3. Basic melodic harmonization
  4. Analysis and creation of lyric/accompaniment relationships
Methods of Instruction:
  1. Guest speakers
  2. Guided listening examples
  3. Lecture/Discussion
  4. Demonstration/Exercise
  5. Demonstration
  6. Distance Education
  7. Listening assignments
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
  1. Read chapter on the Blues form and be prepared to discuss
  2. Compose a simple chord progression
  3. Analyze the form of a given song
  4. Compose a song using a demonstrated song structure
  1. Quizzes
  2. Class Participation
  3. Home Work
  4. Exams/Tests
  5. Demonstration of practice and skills
  6. Final Examination
  7. Projects
  8. Class Work
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. Identify various popular musical forms and structures
  2. Compose music using fundamental Western theoretical concepts.
  3. Articulate the importance of the arts is society and culture
Textbooks (Typical):
  1. Harrison, C.M. (2015). The Songwriting Labyrinth: Practical Tools to Decode the Mysterious Craft (1ST). self published.
  2. Jason Blume (2008). Six Steps to Songwriting Success Billboard Books.
  3. Stolpe (2015). Beginning Songwriting: Writing Your Own Lyrics, Melodies, and Chords (1st). Berklee Press.
Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:
Study of contemporary rock and popular music theory with a songwriting implementation.
Strongly Recommended: MUSL 6 or MUSL 2A Students should have fundamental skills in reading music notation, note identification, knowledge of scales and some knowledge of chords.