Berklee's Songwriting Workshop

The Songwriting Workshop offers you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the art of songwriting. The workshop will examine song forms, melody creation, and the interaction and use of rhythm and harmony. Berklee teachers and guest clinicians will help students explore lyric writing as well as ideas that will help the creative process. You'll see demonstrations of how technology has allowed the easy exchange of ideas and files, and strategies and tools for improving both your songwriting and production values through collaboration. An overview of how songs are currently used in film and TV (and other visual media) will be discussed along with the tools you'll need to place your songs and start earning royalties in this fast developing industry. Classes include: Singer-Songwriter Workshop: This course is designed to provide everyone with an opportunity to perform their songs and receive feedback from faculty and peers. Songwriters can accompany themselves, have someone accompany for them, or use prerecorded music. Music Composition for Songs: Topics and techniques include groove writing, melody writing, modes, and interesting and useful harmonic progressions. Lyric Writing: Topics include prosody (setting words to music and vice versa), brainstorming techniques, and writing from titles. Creating Your Own Demo and Recordings: Producing quality demos and ways to market them. MIDI and audio workshop sessions are continually held at Berklee’s Learning Center. Business of Songwriting: Each class discusses different topics related to songwriting and the songwriter (including publishing, copyright laws, mechanical rights, ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, and promoting your songs). The workshop offers a variety of songwriting topics providing you with a chance to focus on your interests. Pick and choose the classes you want to attend, assuring you get as much as possible out of the many courses that are offered. Concerts will be held each evening, featuring faculty, guest artists, and students performing their songs in various settings (including concerts and open mic nights). Parents and friends are invited to attend. http://www.berklee.edu/summer/songwriting/program-like.php