David Thomas, Minor Advisor
dbthomas@uarts.edu

C O N T E N T S

• Description
• Admission to the Minor    
• Program Objectives    
• Program Requirements

Description

The Songwriting minor is designed to give students the skills to become expressive and skilled songwriters. Required coursework nurtures students’ creativity while helping them develop their analytical and technical songwriting skills. Electives give students the opportunity to extend their knowledge of the music business, recording technology and/or creative writing.

Admission to the Minor

Students should submit an audio sample of their songwriting; if they prefer, can perform live for the instructor. Students should have some familiarity and experience in writing lyrics and/or melodies, in setting melody with chords, or with singing lyrics over pre-recorded tracks (top-lining). If they can’t play to perform a musical accompaniment to demonstrate their songs (for example, piano or guitar), they can use pre-recorded loops as found in programs like Apple Loops, GarageBand, etc.) Students should be able to demonstrate familiarity and a basic skill level in at least one of the above referenced areas.

Program Objectives

Students who complete this minor will:

• Compose songs in a variety of styles
• Understand how songs work in various genres
• Understand how songs work in historical and sociological contexts
• Utilize current tools and technologies to produce professional-quality demos
• Have the business expertise to support a songwriting career
• Possess the skills necessary to succeed as a professional songwriter

Program Requirements (15 credits)