Programme fee

AED 2936

Programme details

This course provides a hands-on introduction to collaborative songwriting in a professional context. Students will explore the songwriting process through guided co-writing, creative exercises, listening analysis, and structured feedback. A significant portion of each class is dedicated to in-class writing, ensuring that creativity is actively supported during sessions.

All musical backgrounds are welcome: lyricists, topliners, singers, beatmakers, instrumentalists, and producers. While the course is taught in English, students may write in any language, applying the learning outcomes across cultural and stylistic contexts. By the end of the course, students will have developed a portfolio of original songs and song ideas, and gained confidence collaborating with others in a professional songwriting environment.

Learning Outcomes

• Upon completion of the course students will be able to:
• Collaborate confidently with others in songwriting sessions
• Generate, organize, and develop song ideas from concept to draft
• Apply common song structures appropriately across styles
• Understand how lyrics, melody, harmony, and dynamics shape emotional impact
• Recognize what makes a song effective across different styles and languages
• Communicate musical ideas clearly within a group setting
• Overcome creative blocks using practical songwriting tools
• Gain awareness of basic songwriting and publishing related rights
• Build a portfolio of original songs and collaborative works developed during the course

Attendance Policy

Because the course relies heavily on in-class collaboration and writing, attendance is essential. More than two absences will result in ineligibility for a course certificate.

Structure & Weekly Topics

Week 1: Introduction to the Songwriting Process

• Exploring how songs are born and developed
• Creative vs structural thinking in songwriting

Week 2: Generating and Developing Song Ideas

• Nurturing ideas into lyrical and melodic material
• Creating song concepts

Week 3: Collaboration in Songwriting

• Understanding creative roles and team dynamics
• Co-writing etiquette and communication tools

Week 4: Melody Writing Techniques

• Tools for creating catchy, singable melodies
• Building flow and excitement across sections

Week 5: Lyric Writing Strategies

• Writing with clarity, rhythm, and meaning
• Connecting language to emotional intention

Week 6: Concept to Chorus

• Developing concepts and ideas into memorable choruses

Week 7: Common Song Forms and Functions

• Popular structures across genres and cultures
• How song form shapes emotional impact

Week 8: Chord Progressions and Emotional Storyline

• Most used progressions in popular music
• How harmony affects mood and momentum

Week 9: Writing Effective Verses and Bridges

• Crafting verses that invite the listener
• Writing bridges and pre-choruses that connect

Week 10: Reviewing and Finishing Songs

• Final edits and polish
• Writing bridges and pre-choruses that connect

Week 11: Staying Inspired and Creative

• Understanding creative blocks and how to move forward
• Tools for long-term idea generation

Week 12: Introduction to Song Rights and Credits

• Basic overview of songwriting, publishing and IP fundamentals
• Best practices for songwriting sessions

Learning Engagement and Course Expectations

Student progress is supported through active participation, creative output, and reflective practice, in line with Berklee’s practice-based and student-centered learning philosophy. The following components describe how students are expected to engage with the course and how learning progress will be supported throughout the semester:

Participation and Engagement

Students are expected to actively participate in class discussions, guided writing exercises, and collaborative songwriting sessions. Consistent engagement is essential, as the course is built around in-class creative work and peer interaction.

Songwriting Portfolio

Students will develop a portfolio of original songwriting work created during the course. This may include song drafts, partial ideas, and selected completed songs. Not all works are expected to be fully finished or release-ready; the focus is on creative exploration, collaboration, and development over time.

Reflection and Self-Assessment

Students will be encouraged to reflect on their creative process, collaboration experiences, and artistic growth throughout the course. Reflection may take written or recorded form and is intended to support self-awareness and long-term creative development.