The Singer Songwriter Specialization Course Syllabus

Overview: This specialization is designed for aspiring singer-songwriters with little to no experience, offering a comprehensive foundation in songwriting, singing, guitar playing, and music production. Spread across five core modules and a final project, the course provides hands-on learning through practical exercises and creative assignments. Each module takes approximately 4 weeks to complete at a flexible pace, with an estimated 3–5 hours of work per week. By the end, you’ll have developed original songs, recorded performances, and produced tracks using industry-standard tools, culminating in a final project that showcases your artistic voice.

Module 1: Guitar for Beginners

Estimated time: 12 hours

• Learn to play basic chords and scales
• Master strumming patterns for rhythm guitar
• Develop fingerpicking techniques
• Play a complete song using a lead sheet

Module 2: Singing Popular Music

Estimated time: 12 hours

• Practice proper breathing techniques for singing
• Develop head voice, mix voice, and chest voice
• Learn healthy belting and powerful vocal performance
• Incorporate improvisation into your vocal style

Module 3: Songwriting: Writing the Lyrics

Estimated time: 12 hours

• Define point of view, form, and narrative elements in songs
• Identify the "who, what, where, when, and how" in lyrics
• Use rhyming techniques to evoke emotion
• Apply phrasing to clarify lyrical ideas

Module 4: Introduction to Ableton Live

Estimated time: 12 hours

• Navigate the Ableton Live interface
• Program MIDI drums and virtual instruments
• Record and edit audio tracks
• Work with preexisting audio loops and create original arrangements

Module 5: Producing Your Music

Estimated time: 12 hours

• Create a complete musical piece using MIDI and audio
• Integrate guitar and vocal recordings into a production
• Apply basic mixing and arrangement techniques

Module 6: Final Project

Estimated time: 15 hours

• Write an original song with full lyrics and structure
• Record a vocal and guitar performance
• Produce and finalize the track in Ableton Live

Prerequisites

• No prior musical experience required
• Access to a guitar (acoustic or electric)
• Basic computer and internet access for course materials and software

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Play guitar to accompany your singing with confidence
• Perform with improved vocal technique and personal style
• Craft emotionally compelling lyrics using proven songwriting methods
• Produce and record original music using Ableton Live
• Create and release a complete song as an independent artist