Arranging for Songwriters

Arranging for Songwriters

This course is part of multiple programs.

Instructors: Sarah Brindell

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4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

82 reviews

Intermediate level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule

1 week at 10 hours a week

Learn at your own pace

98%

Most learners liked this course

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

82 reviews

Intermediate level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule

1 week at 10 hours a week

Learn at your own pace

98%

Most learners liked this course

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

8 assignments¹

AI Graded see disclaimer

Taught in English

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There are 4 modules in this course

You’ve created a song. You wrote the lyrics, decided on the melody, and maybe even recorded a simple demo. Now what? If you have a basic knowledge of how to use a digital audio workstation (DAW) and are passionate about being a songwriter, this course will help you take your song from a simple recording on your phone to a fully arranged song ready for the recording studio.

You will be learning from two Berklee College of Music songwriting professors, Bonnie Hayes and Sarah Brindell. They will show you how to arrange original songs in a digital audio workstation. You will learn tools to heighten the emotional response of your listeners and you’ll broaden your understanding of instrumentation and how to add sounds to your song without distracting the listener from the most important aspect: the vocalist.

Welcome to Arranging for Songwriters! Here we will cover all the details about the course and what you'll need to know to get the most out of your experience. Then, we’ll learn how to arrange our songs horizontally (meaning the order and length of song sections) and vertically (meaning the frequency range and volume of the various instruments in your song). We’ll also consider how to create and support emotional meaning through our writing and instrumentation. We’ll review processes for working on arrangements, learn how to listen to arrangements critically, and discuss how arrangements change in live performances vs. recording sessions. By the end of the module, you will be able to create a horizontal arrangement for an original song.

What's included

2 videos8 readings2 assignments1 peer review2 discussion prompts

2 videos Total 8 minutes

Arranging for Recording vs. Arranging for Live Performances 4 minutes
Deciding What's Right for the Tune 4 minutes

8 readings Total 85 minutes

Welcome! 10 minutes
Meet Your Instructors 10 minutes
Course Resources 10 minutes
Earn A Course Certificate 10 minutes
Connect with Your Classmates 5 minutes
Critical Listening and Workflow 10 minutes
Horizontal Arrangement vs. Vertical Arrangement 30 minutes
Exercise: Diagramming Song Sections 0 minutes

2 assignments Total 35 minutes

Module 1 Quiz 25 minutes
SELF-ASSESSMENT: Project 1 10 minutes

1 peer review Total 60 minutes

Project 1: Create Your First Arrangement 60 minutes

2 discussion prompts Total 15 minutes

Meet and Greet 5 minutes
Working Alone vs. Working with a Band 10 minutes

In this second module, you will start to lay the foundations for your song. We will discuss how to find the right key and tempo for your song and look at a few popular arrangement styles. By the end of the module, you will be able to create a basic track of your original song.

What's included

3 videos3 readings2 assignments1 peer review

3 videos Total 34 minutes

Developing A Feel for Your Song 15 minutes
Finding the Right Key 10 minutes
Vocals and Rhythm 9 minutes

3 readings Total 30 minutes

Choosing the Right Tempo 10 minutes
Example of a Popular Arrangement Style 10 minutes
Sign-up for the full experience! 10 minutes

2 assignments Total 35 minutes

Module 2 Quiz 25 minutes
SELF-ASSESSMENT: Project 2 10 minutes

1 peer review Total 60 minutes

Project 2: Create a Basic Track of an Original Song 60 minutes

In module 3, we’ll focus on how to determine the right groove for your song. We’ll discuss how the bass works with the drums to support the rhythmic structure of a song, as well as creating a foundation for the song’s harmony. By the end of this module, you’ll be able to create the perfect groove for your original song.

What's included

2 videos2 readings2 assignments1 peer review2 discussion prompts1 plugin

2 videos Total 32 minutes

What is Groove? 4 minutes
The Low End - Bass 28 minutes

2 readings Total 20 minutes

Basic Beat Subdivisions 10 minutes
Drumbeat Basics 10 minutes

2 assignments Total 35 minutes

Module 3 Quiz 25 minutes
SELF-ASSESSMENT: Project 3 10 minutes

1 peer review Total 60 minutes

Project 3: Add a Groove to Your Original Song 60 minutes

2 discussion prompts Total 20 minutes

What Kind of Drumbeat? 10 minutes
The Process of Arranging 10 minutes

1 plugin Total 15 minutes

Diary of a Song: Shape of You 15 minutes

In this final module, we will look at how to build the rest of the track around your song. Now that we have the foundation of the groove with the drums and bass, we’ll take a look at how we can add other instruments to the mix. Most importantly, we will discuss how to incorporate these additions without taking focus away from the vocal part. By the end of this module, you will have completed a full demo of your original song.

What's included

5 videos2 readings2 assignments1 peer review1 discussion prompt

5 videos Total 52 minutes

Using Synthesizers in Your Arrangements 16 minutes
Strings 8 minutes
Horn Arrangements 22 minutes
The Primacy of the Lead Vocal 5 minutes
Wrap-up 2 minutes

2 readings Total 20 minutes

General Mid-Range Arranging Tip 10 minutes
Are you looking for more? 10 minutes

2 assignments Total 35 minutes

Module 4 Quiz 25 minutes
SELF-ASSESSMENT: Project 4 10 minutes

1 peer review Total 60 minutes

Project 4: Add Instruments to Your Arrangement 60 minutes

1 discussion prompt Total 10 minutes

Describe the Instruments and Vocals in Your Arrangement 10 minutes

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Instructors

Instructor ratings

(23 ratings)

Sarah Brindell

Berklee

1 Course 16,562 learners

Offered by

Berklee

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Reviewed on Jan 10, 2022

I learnt more than I expect..... Worth all the time for this course!

Reviewed on Sep 4, 2021

Great course, I loved it! Very usefull for songwriters

Reviewed on Oct 12, 2020

This is an excellent course, perfectly planned, motivating and inspiring. The teachers are impressive an there is a lot to learn in this course. I highly recommended. Thanks so much for this course!

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