Popular music songwriting: a formal curriculum for the informally trained musician
Term
2008
Capstone
Thesis
Degree Name
MAEd
Abstract
In this capstone I will present the details of a course I have developed for high school rockers, rappers, singers and performers using integrated model of formal and informal learning. In this course students write original pop songs. Students learn the musical structure of popular music, working to answer the question, What do good songwriters do? They learn the technology and instruments that can help them achieve their desired sound. They collaborate, self-assess, and peer-assess. They learn their way around a recording studio and begin to understand the business side of the music industry. Students perform for the class and for hundreds of people, becoming performing artists.
Recommended Citation
Buzza, Timothy D., "Popular music songwriting: a formal curriculum for the informally trained musician" (2008). School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations. 2026.
https://digitalcommons.hamline.edu/hse_all/2026