Songwriter–Producer Practicum

This course offers students interested in the practical application of modern collaborative songwriting the opportunity to work collaboratively with student producers and songwriter–producers on multiple projects. Students will work collaboratively with producers on all aspects of modern popular music creation including hook writing, toplining, vocal performance and production, arranging, recording, editing, sequencing, sound designing, and mixing to create finished tracks or original songs. Special emphasis will be placed on the interrelationship of vocals and electronic music and finding creative solutions to songwriting and production challenges. Work for the course will include two projects that encourage the songwriter to work with producers to explore new sub-genres of electronic popular music and a third final project that will be a culmination of the songwriter/producer team experience. Lectures and discussions will cover analysis techniques, workflow, the dynamics of collaborative working relationships, and in-depth critiques of works in progress. The class will meet concurrently with EP-482, Electronic Music Producer–Songwriter Practicum. Combined class meetings will be held throughout the semester. Admission to the course is by application.