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.
Arranging for Songwriters
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Arranging for Songwriters
This course is part of multiple programs.
Instructors: Sarah Brindell
15,031 already enrolled
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4.4
(77 reviews)
Intermediate level
Recommended experience
Flexible schedule
Approx. 8 hours
Learn at your own pace
98%
Most learners liked this course
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
Shareable certificate
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Assessments
8 assignments
Taught in English
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There are 5 modules in this course
Welcome to the course! 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.
What's included
6 readings1 assignment
In this first lesson, 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 lesson, you will be able to create a horizontal arrangement for an original song.
What's included
2 videos4 readings2 assignments2 discussion prompts
In this second lesson, 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 lesson, you will be able to create a basic track of your original song.
What's included
3 videos4 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt
In lesson 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 lesson, you’ll be able to create the perfect groove for your original song.
What's included
2 videos2 readings2 assignments3 discussion prompts1 plugin
In this final lesson, 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 lesson, you will have completed a full demo of your original song.
What's included
5 videos2 readings1 assignment1 peer review1 discussion prompt
Instructors
Instructor ratings
4.7 (23 ratings)Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Music and Art
University of Colorado Boulder
Coursera Project Network
Yale University
Wesleyan University
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