June 27th, 2013

6/27/13

In Class:
Over the performed progression, write two stanzas using at least 6 of the words on the board.
- rain                    - time                    - release
- lie                      - skin                     - help
- scamper             - parachute            - defenestrate
- fluffy                 - recipe                  - disastrous


Instruction in three concepts of constructing a song: premise, structure, and repetition.
 
Premise: the foundational and defining idea. Often outlined by the song title and/or chorus. The premise is what makes a song unique and interesting: “I miss you” has been done, but “Can I come home for the summer? / I could slow down for a little while. / Get back to love and each other, / Leave all those long and lonesome miles behind” is more personal and intriguing. “I love looking at you” is weird and sort of boring, but “You are a cinema” is a powerful metaphor. Oftentimes, identifying and articulating the premise of the song you want to write is the best place to start: it will help you determine tone, style, structure, and give you a solid starting point for your lyrics. Also known as a “focus” in How to Write a Hit Song. Structure: define terms intro, verse, chorus, bridge, outro. Identify common contemporary structures – VCVCVC, VCVCBC, CVVCVC etc. Note that while some songs deviate from these common structures in their own way, most relate back to it fairly easily. Some songs completely deviate from this structure very deliberately to create a more scattered and confusing mood. Repetition: patterns and repetition are crucial in and literature. By repeating an idea or phrase, the author draws closer attention to it, persuading the audience to read into it more deeply. Additionally, repetition can help guide the lyrics and the structure of the song. The most common use of repetition in contemporary songwriting is the implementation of a chorus.

Practiced identifying Premise, Structure, and Repetition using “Alive with the Glory of Love” by Say Anything.

Independently, students practiced identifying these traits by explicating a song of their choice:
- Articulate and explain the premise; how is this different from every other song? Be specific. 
- Map out the song structure using VCB notation. 
- Underline any repetition you find.

Independently, each student began generating a list of ten premises for songs: you can use anything, but be creative.

Exit ticket: Identify one of the most common song structures (VCB notation).

Homework:
Finish your list of 10 premises.