Thursday, November 13, 2008

Song Project - due 11/20


What are songs about?

Think of one of your favorite songs and really take a minute to think about what the topic of the song is. Now think about how the song manages to make you feel the way that it does. What kinds of instruments are used? What is the tempo like? What kind of scale (major/minor) is being used?

Let's listen to one song and pay attention to what it is doing to create a specific emotion:
link

Here's another:  link

So, starting today, you will be working on making your most complete song to date. These songs are due by the end of class a week from today (Thursday 11/20) and will be worth a double quiz (20 points).

But before you get really into writing your song, I want you to take the time to pick a topic that you're going to write about. Your topic can be whatever you want, within reason (nothing violent, sexual or drug related). And I want you to turn in by the end of today a Word or text document that tells:

1.  What the topic of your song is
2.  3  things you are going to try to put in your song to give it the emotion that you are trying to get across.  Be specific, don't tell me, "I'm going to put in some drums."  Tell me what kinds of drums - club sounding, old school, distorted drums.

Call this file:  "(your name)_song topic" and put a copy in the Dropoff folder.


Your song must include:

1. A minimum of 5 instruments
2. A clear song structure including
  • An Intro
  • 3 or more Verses
  • 3 or more Choruses (including a change in the drums)
  • A Bridge
  • An Outro (fade out)
3. Use of FX (Inserts & Auxes)
4. Basic Mixing (Volume and Panning)

Most of all, your song must include a genuine effort to express something through your music.

I can't wait to hear your song!

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