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Arranging for Songwriters

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Arranging for Songwriters

This course is part of multiple programs.

Instructors: Sarah Brindell

16,831 already enrolled

Included with

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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

91%

of learners achieved a positive career outcome

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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.

Module details

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 videosTotal 8 minutes

Arranging for Recording vs. Arranging for Live Performances4 minutes
Deciding What's Right for the Tune4 minutes

8 readingsTotal 85 minutes

Welcome!10 minutes
Meet Your Instructors10 minutes
Course Resources10 minutes
Earn A Course Certificate10 minutes
Connect with Your Classmates5 minutes
Critical Listening and Workflow10 minutes
Horizontal Arrangement vs. Vertical Arrangement30 minutes
Exercise: Diagramming Song Sections0 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 35 minutes

Module 1 Quiz25 minutes
SELF-ASSESSMENT: Project 1 10 minutes

1 peer reviewTotal 60 minutes

Project 1: Create Your First Arrangement60 minutes

2 discussion promptsTotal 15 minutes

Meet and Greet5 minutes
Working Alone vs. Working with a Band10 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 videosTotal 34 minutes

Developing A Feel for Your Song15 minutes
Finding the Right Key10 minutes
Vocals and Rhythm9 minutes

3 readingsTotal 30 minutes

Choosing the Right Tempo10 minutes
Example of a Popular Arrangement Style10 minutes
Sign-up for the full experience!10 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 35 minutes

Module 2 Quiz25 minutes
SELF-ASSESSMENT: Project 210 minutes

1 peer reviewTotal 60 minutes

Project 2: Create a Basic Track of an Original Song60 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 videosTotal 32 minutes

What is Groove?4 minutes
The Low End - Bass28 minutes

2 readingsTotal 20 minutes

Basic Beat Subdivisions10 minutes
Drumbeat Basics10 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 35 minutes

Module 3 Quiz 25 minutes
SELF-ASSESSMENT: Project 310 minutes

1 peer reviewTotal 60 minutes

Project 3: Add a Groove to Your Original Song60 minutes

2 discussion promptsTotal 20 minutes

What Kind of Drumbeat?10 minutes
The Process of Arranging10 minutes

1 pluginTotal 15 minutes

Diary of a Song: Shape of You15 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.