Learning the Basics of Songwriting and Compositions: 6 Sessions

Lyrics and compositions are fundamental parts of songwriting and playwrighting, especially in musical genres like pop, rock, folk, and also, various genres or types of playwrighting, each with its distinct characteristics and themes, such as comedies, tragedies, histories, problem plays, melodramas, musical theatre, and theatre of the absurd. Words are the vehicle through which emotions, stories, or ideas are conveyed to the listener, whether in a song or a play. Whether the words are deeply personal or more universal, the right words can take a song or a play from good to great. The process of writing lyrics and compositions, whether a song or a play, often begins with the theme or message. Some writers start by asking themselves, “What story do I want to tell?” or “What emotion am I trying to express?” This initial idea provides the foundation for the story and helps guide the writing process. For instance, if the goal is to write a song or a play about heartbreak, the lyrics should reflect the emotions associated with that experience—loss, sadness, or even hope—and the list goes on. What you’ll learn: - Learn the skills to create your lyrics and/or stage plays from an idea at inception through a polished final draft execution, ready for contests, readings, and workshops. - Discover “traditional” formulas, methodologies, and creative insights to help jumpstart your journey as a songwriter or playwright. - Identify and overcome common flaws new writers encounter. - Study and master the art of nuanced dialogue creation. - Manage character and audience expectations. - Understand, demonstrate, and duplicate proper stage play format. - Each participant will be required to write at least one song lyric and one short story. - Constructive feedback will be provided for those who complete all six (6) sessions.