COMMERCIAL MUSIC MANAGEMENT
(COURSE MASTER SYLLABUS)

MUSC-1321 SONGWRITING


TEXT REQUIRED:
NONE. Student however, is expected to keep a note book or "idea pad". A hand-held tape recorder or boom box is also recommended.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Creative writing of music and lyrics with an emphasis on placing product in today's marketplace. Covered topics include: song forms, radio driven genres, alternative, jazz, film score, advertising, niche markets, children’s music, CD release and promotion, Holiday songs, stage musicals and multi-media. In addition, other subjects discussed are: writers block, creativity stimulation, performance anxiety, rhyming, publishing, copyright, demo production, computer aids for the songwriter and collaboration. Guest artists/writers are frequently invited to perform and lecture to the class.

OUTCOMES AND OBJECTIVES:
The student will develop skills to compose marketable melodies with commercial music, form, and harmony; write lyrics; set lyrics to song; create lyrical, melodic, and harmonic “hooks”, and devise a production plan for a song demonstration.

PREPARATION:
No formal training or experience is required. However, some knowledge of music and/or creative writing is helpful.

ASSIGNMENTS:
Many assignments will be given over the course of the semester. Examples include:
A) write 10 "hooks", B) compose a children's song or story, C) write a jingle for a real or imaginary product or service, D) write suspense music for a stressful film or video sequence, E) pick an artist and write specifically for him or her, F) give a song as a gift. G) pick seven names and logos for your own publishing Co. H) write a blues song, I) compose 10 seamless loops , etc………

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:
It is this instructor’s belief that creativity as such is impossible to place into categories of good, better and best. The purpose of this course is to stimulate creativity, not to grade it. However, in the professional world of creative writing, one often finds that considerable effort is required in order to place original material in the current market place. For example, a commercial creative project may contracted to take place over a set period of time during which the writer is expected to produce original material at designated intervals. In some multi media projects these intervals are marked by “milestones”. After a certain number of milestones have been completed, the project goes “Gold” and is launched into the market. Similarly, the student will be expected to complete certain “milestones” during the course of this semester.

STUDENT EVALUATION:

Grades will be determined by the degree to which the student attends and participates in the class. (See policies attached)
Specifically, that participation will include:
	•	At least two completed assignments to be handed in every 4 weeks.
	•	These approximate four-week intervals will define the course’s “milestones”. The assignments themselves will come from class lectures and an assignment list to be handed out at the beginning of each new 4-week period. Consideration will be given to students with special problems.

COLLABORATION:
Most "hits" are products of some kind of collaboration. It is preferred that students collaborate with someone or others in the class. A suitable collaboration, however, can come from anywhere.

FINAL EXAM:
A full review and comprehensive final exam will be given at the semester’s end covering important concepts addressed during the course.

RECORDING:
The student has the option of recording his or her project in the ACC recording studio at semester's end or during the semester in conjunction with the ACC audio courses. (See instructor for scheduling)

POLICIES:

•	Makeup exams may be given if arrangements are made prior to the exam date.
•	Students will not receive full credit for assignments turned in late.
•	Failure to attend class regularly may result in a lower grade.
•	If you do not attend class the entire semester you will receive a failing grade.
•	Withdrawal from this class is the responsibility of the student.
•	An incomplete may be given to a student under special circumstances. If you feel this is necessary you must discuss the issue with the instructor no less than three weeks prior to the end of the semester.
•	Scholastic Dishonesty: (From Student Handbook 2002-2003, p. 32) ; "Acts prohibited by the College for which discipline may be administered include scholastic dishonesty, including but not limited to cheating on an exam or quiz, plagiarizing, and unauthorized collaboration with another in preparing outside work, Academic work submitted by students shall be the result of their thought, research, or self-expression. Academic work is defined as, but not limited to tests, quizzes, whether taken electronically or on paper; projects, either individual or group: classroom presentations and homework."
•	Office of Students with Disabilities: (From Student Handbook, 2002-2003, p. 14) ; "Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented physical of psychological disabilities. Students with disabilities must request reasonable accommodations through the Office for Students with Disabilities on the campus where they expect to take the majority of their classes. Students are encouraged to do this three weeks before the start of the semester."
•	Student Discipline: Students are expected to behave as responsible adults and be courteous to their instructor and classmates at all times. Any student not demonstrating these qualities will be asked to leave the classroom. Repeated unacceptable behavior will result in a student being asked to leave the class permanently.
•	Academic Freedom: Each student is strongly encouraged to participate in class. In any classroom situation that includes discussion and critical thinking, there are bound to be many differing viewpoints. Students may not only disagree with each other at times, but the student and instructor may also find that they have disparate views on sensitive and volatile topics. It is the college's hope that these differences will enhance the class and create an atmosphere where students and instructors alike will be encouraged to think and learn. Therefore, be assured that your grade will not be adversely affected by any beliefs or ideas expressed in class or assignments. Rather, we will respect the views of other when expressed in classroom discussions.