SONGWRITING SIMPLIFIED: Music Theory, Melody & Creativity

Module 1: Foundations of Songwriting

⏳ 30 minutes

• Topics: What makes a great song—hooks, structure, and emotional arc

• Hands-on: Analyze three hit-song examples and identify their core “hook formula”

Module 2: Building Strong Chord Progressions

⏳ 45 minutes

• Topics: Common pop and rock progressions (I–V–vi–IV, vi–IV–I–V), key changes, and modal flavor

• Hands-on: Create and record two four-bar progressions in major and minor keys

Module 3: Melody & Hook Development

⏳ 1 hour

• Topics: Melodic contour, motif repetition, call-and-response techniques

• Hands-on: Write and sing a two-line hook over your chord progression

Module 4: Lyric Crafting Techniques

⏳ 1 hour

• Topics: Storytelling arcs, verse vs. chorus lyric roles, rhyme and meter strategies

• Hands-on: Draft a verse and chorus using a provided lyric template and “emotional trigger” prompts

Module 5: Song Structure & Arrangement

⏳ 45 minutes

• Topics: Arranging your song—intro, verse, pre-chorus, chorus, bridge, outro

• Hands-on: Map out three different structure templates and apply one to your draft song

Module 6: Demo Production Basics

⏳ 45 minutes

• Topics: Quick DAW setup, basic virtual instruments, simple drum patterns, and vocal scratch tracks

• Hands-on: Record a demo of your song using free or built-in DAW plugins

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