Songwriting Program
Students in the songwriting program complete either the B.S. or B.A. curriculum with a major in Songwriting and a minor in a related area such as music, music production, or music business. Students take classes in songwriting, music theory and ear training, music publishing, and studio production. The Songwriting program also requires students to complete two mentorships with professional songwriters. The objective of the Songwriting program is to help the student develop his or her artistic craft while gaining a practical understanding of the business aspects of a songwriting career.Songwriting Curriculum
| Songwriting (B.A. or B.S.) | Hours | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| General Education Core Requirements (B.A. or B.S.) | 59 | ||
| Songwriting Major | 44 | ||
| Music Business and Songwriting Requirements | 30 | ||
| MBU 1110, Survey of Music Business |
3
|
||
| MBU 3450, Music Publishing | 3 | ||
| AET 1380, Survey of Recording Technology |
3
|
||
| AET 3370, Studio Production | 3 | ||
| SNG 1110, Introduction to Songwriting |
1
|
||
| SNG 2110, Fundamentals of Commercial Songwriting I | 3 | ||
| SNG 2120, Fundamentals of Commercial Songwriting II |
3
|
||
| SNG 3110, Songwriting Practicum I | 3 | ||
| SNG 3120, Songwriting Practicum II |
3
|
||
| SNG 4000, Songwriting Seminar | 0 | ||
| SNG 4110, Song Writer Mentorship I |
1
|
||
| SNG 4120, Song Writer Mentorship II | 1 | ||
| SNG 4015, Songwriting Senior Capstone |
3
|
||
| Music Requirements | 14 | ||
| MUT 1300, Fundamentals of Music(1) |
4
|
||
| MUT 1330, Ear Training I | 1 | ||
| Music elective chosen from applied study, ensembles MUT, MUC and/or MUH courses |
6
|
||
| MUH 3___, a 3000 level MUH course to be approved by the SNG chair in coordination with the music department. |
3
|
||
| Minor | 18 | ||
| Free Electives |
7 |
||
| Total Hours | 128 | ||
1 Theory placement test may determine placement into higher-level theory (e.g. MUT 1310/20, Harmony I/II) where substitution will occur.
Course Descriptions (SNG)
SNG 1110. Introduction to Songwriting (1). An introduction to the “vocabulary” of songwriting includes basic song structure and exposure to the elements of verse, chorus and bridge. Lyric and melody development, rhythmic content, idea/title and ”hooks” will be studied.
SNG 2000. Songwriting Internship Lab (0). Prerequisites: SNG 1220 and sophomore standing or 12 hours of credit in residence at Belmont for transfer students. Cross-listed with MBU-2000. A computer/lecture-centered, career-oriented course covering basic business communication skills, interviewing skills, internship expectations, career-building methodology, and networking techniques.
SNG 2110. Fundamental of Commercial Songwriting I (3). Prerequisites: SNG 1110 Introduction to Songwriting. This is the practical application and technique of the working songwriter. Melody, lyrics, “hooks,” points of view and song logic will be covered. Solo writing as well as the concept of collaboration are introduced. Participants will work individually and in small groups.
SNG 2120. Fundamental of Commercial Songwriting II (3). Prerequisites: SNG 2110 Fundamental of Commercial Songwriting I. Writing on demand will be introduced (examples: a jingle, a wedding song, a movie theme, an artist-specific style, etc.). Cataloging works will be taught so that participants can keep their output organized, keep their library of ideas filed and develop other good professional habits and discipline. This introduces some of the concepts of the business of being a songwriter. Group writing and critiques will occur.
SNG 3000. Songwriting Internship (1-6). Prerequisites: MBU 1110, SNG 2000, SNG 1110, junior standing, a minimum of 2.8 Belmont cumulative G.P.A. and/or approval of the Dean. A letter grade of “C” or better is required in all prerequisites. Transfer students must have completed 12 hours of credit in residence at Belmont. This is a formal intern education assignment in which the qualifying student participates as an intern for a selected period of time. May be repeated. Only full-time degree-seeking SNG majors who have met the prerequisites may register for SNG 3000.
SNG 3110. Songwriting Practicum I (3). Prerequisites: SNG 2110 Fundamental of Commercial Songwriting I. The development of an individual’s unique songwriting “voice” is encouraged while demo production occurs and the study of the songwriting business continues. Groups will be genre specific – pop, country, show tunes, hip-hop, Christian, jazz, etc. Internships at song-publishing companies on Music Row are encouraged.
SNG 3120. Songwriting Practicum II (3). Prerequisites: SNG 2120 Fundamentals of Commercial Songwriting II. “Finding your own voice” as a songwriter continues with exercises in composing for film and television, video games and other assignments. The course further explores songwriting creativity based on individual musical genre preference. Demo production continues. Good songwriter business practices continue as well. Internships at song-publishing companies on Music Row are encouraged.
SNG 3950-4950. Studies Abroad (3-18). Study in a foreign country. Individual course titles and locations are assigned for each course taken. See Studies Abroad program for details.
SNG 3990-4990. Special Studies in the Songwriting (1-3).
SNG 4000. Songwriting Seminar (0). “Masters’ Voices” are used to expose students to the living legends of songwriting. These would be seminars occurring throughout the year where guests professionals would tell their stories, offer advice, and share the wisdom of outstanding careers. The writers involved will represent a variety of genres of popular music.
SNG 4015. Songwriting Senior Capstone (3). Prerequisite: Senior standing and approval of academic advisor. To be taken in the final semester of residence before graduation. This course is designed to be a culminating experience in the major, and also addresses the goals for the Senior Capstone as defined in the BELL Core curriculum, including reflection on the student's academic experience and on their transition from the university setting to professional life. This course comprises an in-depth integration and application of the student's personal experiences, opportunities, and ambitions as related to their anticipated career and life objectives within the global entertainment industry. Through the use of the analysis and discussion of texts, case studies, guest speakers, field trips, written assignments, and personal journal reflections, this course examines the student's goals within the introspection of the Belmont Experience. A final project incorporates the discussion of short- and long-term goals and a plan for the realization of these goals through three- and five-year timelines that are reflective of personal and professional ambitions. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to integrate the spiritual and ethical aspects of their goals as well as their transition from the university towards lifetime learning and professional growth. Pass/Fail only.SNG 4110 and 4120. Song Writer Mentorship I & II (1). Prerequisites: SNG 2120 Fundamentals of Commercial Songwriting II. This is individual study, pairing individuals or collaborators with mentors drawn from the ranks of the most successful songwriters that the music industry has to offer. Demo production continues. Internships continue. Participation in the Songwriting Seminar series continues.
