Berklee

Arranging for Songwriters

This course is part of multiple programs.

Taught in English

Some content may not be translated

Sarah Brindell
Bonnie Hayes

Instructors: Sarah Brindell

14,080 already enrolled

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Course

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals

4.4

(75 reviews)

|

98%

Intermediate level

Recommended experience

8 hours (approximately)
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

Details to know

Shareable certificate

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Assessments

8 quizzes

Course

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals

4.4

(75 reviews)

|

98%

Intermediate level

Recommended experience

8 hours (approximately)
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

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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 quiz

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 quizzes2 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 quizzes1 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 quizzes3 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 quiz1 peer review1 discussion prompt

Instructors

Instructor ratings
4.7 (22 ratings)
Sarah Brindell
Berklee
1 Course14,085 learners
Bonnie Hayes
Berklee
1 Course14,085 learners

Offered by

Berklee

Recommended if you're interested in Music and Art

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4.4

75 reviews

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5

Reviewed on Apr 20, 2021

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