APPLICATION IN CONTEXT

Week 12

WEEK 12 - Review
Song Modeling is a great tool:

To generate ideas within a given structure

To learn the mechanics of songs you love, and styles you wish to compose
in

There are TWO different methods or outcomes:

1.
2.

Emulating the essence of the song

Using the structures of the song as material to generate an original song
in your own style

WEEK 12 - Review
HARMONY
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Role of the Tonic

Progression/chord choice (eg line cliche)
Harmonic rhythm
Contrast between sections
Modal borrowing
Modulation

WEEK 12 - Review
HARMONY
Techniques for appropriating harmony
When using part or all of a chord progression, change:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Key
Tempo
Time Signature
Harmonic Rhythm

WEEK 12 - Review
HARMONY
Techniques for appropriating harmony
When using part or all of a chord progression, also consider altering:
Chord choices
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.

Diatonic
Borrowing from parallel mode
Using secondary and substitute dominants
Using tensions and suspensions
Chord voicings
Bass motion

WEEK 12 - Review
HARMONY
Techniques for appropriating harmony
When altering, consider:

Are you trying to emulate the style/genre/energy of the model song?

What can you alter and still maintain the essence?
What must you keep to maintain the essence?

WEEK 12 - Review
LYRICS
1.

Type of language used:

Story Dimension
Detail Dimension
Focus Dimension
POV Dimension

2. Song Form
3. Song Mapping
4. Lyric Structure (rhythm, rhyme scheme, number of lines, length of lines, type of rhyme)

WEEK 12 - Review
LYRICS
GHOST METHOD:

1)
2)
3)

Analyse the scansion of a model lyric

Replace the model lyric with an original lyric that perfectly matches the
scansion
Write a new melody for the original lyric that maintains correct emphasis
of strong syllables on strong beats, and weak syllables on weak beats.

WEEK 12 - Review
MELODY
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Melodic contour
Melodic rhythm
Melodic phrasing
Notes emphasized (pitch, duration, strong beats, phrasing)
Phrase development/motif repetition/variation

FINAL CONSIDERATIONS
Song Modeling is a great tool:

To generate ideas within a given structure

To learn the mechanics of songs you love, and styles you wish to compose
in

There are TWO different methods or outcomes:

1.
2.

Emulating the essence of the song (writing in the style)

Using the structures of the song as material to generate an original song
in your own style (using techniques)
What do I love about this song?

FINAL CONSIDERATIONS
Song Modeling has real world applications:
1.
2.
3.

Writing for Film and TV (taxi.com)

Pitching to other artists
Writing as a songwriter within a genre - also innovating within a genre

1) Writing for Film and TV

Review Film/TV listing

2) Pitching to Other Artists

Review Artist Pitch Listings

What are some other things you need to consider
when pitching to an artist/label?

Identify the vocal range of the artist, or the reference tracks

Consider their likely audiencemay help inform lyric theme and tone
Production quality: must sound like a record!
The vocal is the most important part; use a great vocalist, and make sure
the vocal is the most present part of the mix.

2) Pitching to Other Artists

What are some other things you need to consider when pitching to an
artist/label?

Identify the vocal range of the artist, or the reference tracks; record in an
appropriate key
Consider their likely audiencemay help inform lyric theme and tone
Production quality: must sound like a record!
The vocal is the most important part; use a great vocalist, and make sure the vocal
is the most present part of the mix.
Do not include long instrumental breaks in your demo.
Always present your best work first.
Pinpoint your pitches; dont send the wrong song to the right contact*

Resources

http://robinfrederick.com

Resources - of interest