Songwriting Fundamentals

Rodney Alejandro

Authored by Rodney Alejandro

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Course Code: OSONG-110

In this undergraduate songwriting course, you will develop original songs from idea to completion by combining creative instinct with proven techniques. Through melody, lyrics, structure, and collaboration, you will build a distinct voice while gaining the skills to craft, refine, and share songs professionally.

Level 1
Foundational
Modality
Online
Duration
12 Weeks
3-Credit Tuition
$1,575
Semester Starts
June 29
Accreditation
NECHE

Key Learning Outcomes

  • Compose and complete original songs that integrate melody, harmony, lyrics, structure, and arrangement into a cohesive artistic statement
  • Develop a distinctive songwriting voice by synthesizing personal influences, storytelling approaches, and stylistic choices
  • Apply core songwriting techniques, such as prosody, phrasing, and harmonic development, to create emotionally compelling music
  • Translate creative ideas into fully realized songs using repeatable processes from inspiration through revision and presentation
Overview Syllabus Requirements Instructors Related Music Career Roles
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Course Description

Songwriting is a multifaceted process with no single, guaranteed path to success. While the ultimate goal is to create music that resonates with others, the journey of each songwriter is unique. Songwriting Fundamentals provides a comprehensive framework for guiding you from inspiration and identity through craft, collaboration, and career pathways. You will explore the motivations behind songwriting, the practical techniques involved, and the strategies for sharing your work with the world. This course emphasizes honing creative processes and learning to harness your instincts to craft songs that are both authentic and impactful. This foundational knowledge will serve as a crucial stepping stone as you continue your musical journey with Berklee Online.

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Course materials feature diverse artists and songwriting traditions, while assignments encourage you to explore your unique voice. Collaborative work emphasizes respectful, equitable participation, and varied assessment formats ensure accessibility for all learners. The course also critically engages with the music industry, addressing systemic inequities and highlighting songwriting as a tool for empowerment, activism, and cultural storytelling.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

  • Examine the core foundations of songwriting, including melody, harmony, lyrics, song structure, and arrangement
  • Analyze the relationship between songwriting and the music industry, including copyright, publishing, performance rights, and career pathways
  • Collaborate effectively in songwriting contexts by giving, receiving, and applying constructive feedback
  • Present and position original songs for professional opportunities, including performance, production, and career development pathways
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Syllabus

Lesson 1: Passion, Practice, Path-Finding

  • Topic 1: Passion
  • Topic 2: Practice
  • Topic 3: Path-Finding
  • Topic 4: Recording your Assignments
  • Assignment 1: Song Seed and Songwriter Purpose

Lesson 2: Creator Identity

  • Topic 1: Self-Discovery
  • Topic 2: Defining Your Unique Voice
  • Topic 3: Creator Identity
  • Topic 4: You Are Who You Listen To
  • Assignment 2: Creator Identity Vision Board + Theme Sketch

Lesson 3: Appropriate Relationship of Elements

  • Topic 1: Elements of a Song
  • Topic 2: Prosody in Songwriting
  • Topic 3: Functions of Prosody
  • Assignment 3: Songwrite #1 - A.R.E.

Lesson 4: The Song Journey - From Conception to Completion

  • Topic 1: Song Seeds
  • Topic 2: Song Ideation
  • Topic 3: Songwriting Process
  • Topic 4: The Storyline
  • Assignment 4: Songwrite #2 - From Spark to Song

Lesson 5: Song Structure and Sections

  • Topic 1: The Role of Sections
  • Topic 2: Fundamental Song Structures
  • Topic 3: Creating Variation and Tension
  • Topic 4: The Importance of Flow and Momentum
  • Assignment 5: Songwrite #3 - Sections to Structure

Lesson 6: Songwriting – Melody, Harmony, and Rhythm

  • Topic 1: Melody Frameworks
  • Topic 2: Harmony Frameworks
  • Topic 3: Rhythmic Frameworks
  • Assignment 6: Songwrite #4 - Make it Match

Lesson 7: Songwriting – Lyrics

  • Topic 1: Six Best Friends
  • Topic 2: Emotional Expression and Evocation
  • Topic 3: Meaning and Thematic Communication
  • Topic 4: Point of View
  • Assignment 7: Songwrite #5 - Words That Sing

Lesson 8: Arranging

  • Topic 1: Reinforcing Prosody through Arrangement
  • Topic 2: Instrumentation and Texture
  • Topic 3: Enhancing Emotional Impact
  • Topic 4: Arrangement vs. Production Process
  • Assignment 8: The Art of Arrangement

Lesson 9: Music Production

  • Topic 1: Fundamental Music Technology
  • Topic 2: Essential Production Terminology
  • Topic 3: Production Stages and Workflow
  • Assignment 9: Production Blueprint

Lesson 10: Song Presentation and Performance

  • Topic 1: Vocal Delivery and Interpretation
  • Topic 2: Performance Contexts
  • Topic 3: Capturing the Performance
  • Assignment 10: The Song's Star

Lesson 11: The Business of Songs and the Songwriter

  • Topic 1: Copyright
  • Topic 2: Publishing and the Publisher
  • Topic 3: Collective Management Organizations
  • Topic 4: Professional Networking and Career Development
  • Assignment 11: Career Development Strategy

Lesson 12: Songwriting Pathfinding

  • Topic 1: Songwriting Intersections
  • Topic 2: Songwriting Journey
  • Topic 3: Creative Purpose and Future Vision
  • Topic 4: Professional Networking and Career Development
  • Assignment 12: Your Songwriting Compass Document and Capstone Song

Requirements

Prerequisites and Course-Specific Requirements 

Prerequisite Courses, Knowledge, and/or Skills
Completion of Music for Beginners and Lyric Writing: Tools and Strategies, or equivalent knowledge and experience is required.

Textbook(s)

Software

Hardware

Student Deals
After enrolling, be sure to check out our Student Deals page for various offers on software, hardware, and more. Please contact support@online.berklee.edu with any questions.

General Course Requirements

Below are the minimum requirements to access the course environment and participate in Live Classes. Please make sure to also check the Prerequisites and Course-Specific Requirements section above, and ensure your computer meets or exceeds the minimum system requirements for all software needed for your course. 

Mac Users

  • macOS Monterey 12.0 or later

PC Users

All Users

  • Latest version of Google Chrome
  • Zoom meeting software
  • Webcam
  • Speakers or headphones
  • External or internal microphone
  • Broadband Internet connection

Instructors

Rodney Alejandro
Rodney Alejandro

Author

In his 30+ year career, Rodney has become recognized as a protean polymath within the entertainment industry. In his most recent rock ‘n’ roll chapter, he was a performing member of the international pop band the Script. As the keyboardist/music director, he was responsible for arranging and weaving the group's hit songs into an unforgettable concert experience. Before his tenure with the Script, Rodney built a career as a consummate professional behind the scenes. 

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Rodney’s work includes songwriting/producing chart-topping songs in the English, Latin, and Asian music markets. He has collaborated with artists such as Quincy Jones, Sting, the Temptations, and Ray Charles. Rodney has also performed with many artists from around the world including Mańa, Babyface, Sofia Carson, and Stevie Wonder among many others. His work has earned industry recognition with projects garnering Grammy and Latin Grammy nominations, winning Billboard Latin pop album of the year in 2004, and multiple gold and platinum-selling record awards. Rodney has also taken on television opportunities and was the main title composer/producer for the Golden Globe winner for best drama series The Shield, as well as the composer/music producer for the drama series Thief.

In 2006, he was honored by his alma mater Berklee College of Music as the Alumnus of the Year, and in 2011 received recognition as the Music Education Advocate of the Year from the Recording Academy Texas Chapter. Rodney is currently an associate professor at Berklee College of Music where he teaches in the Songwriting Department, sharing his knowledge and experience from his distinguished music career.

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What's Next?

When taken for credit, Songwriting Fundamentals can be applied towards the completion of these related programs:

Related Certificate Programs

Related Music Career Roles

Employers look for skills learned in this course, when hiring for the following music career roles:

Lyricist

Performing Songwriter

Recording Artist (or Group)

Song Plugger

Songwriter-Producer

Questions?

Contact our Academic Advisors by phone at 1-866-BERKLEE (U.S.), 1-617-747-2146 (INT'L), or by email at advisors@online.berklee.edu.

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