Course Description

In this hands-on, creativity-focused class, students will learn how songs are made — and then make their own! Through listening, singing, rhythm games, group brainstorming, and guided songwriting, we will explore a variety of musical genres such as pop, rock, folk, blues, hip-hop, and more. No prior musical experience necessary!

Each week, students experiment with musical elements using their voices, small percussion instruments, and live guitar accompaniment from the teacher. They will learn how melodies work, how rhythm shapes a song, and how to write meaningful and memorable lyrics. By the end of the 9-week program, students will have written a complete original song, and will gain confidence expressing themselves through music, rhythm, and creative storytelling.

Essential Questions

  • How do songwriters turn ideas into songs?
  • How can music and lyrics communicate feelings, ideas, and stories?
  • How do melody, rhythm, lyrics, and genre work together to create a song?
  • How can listening to and exploring different kinds of music inspire our creativity?
  • How can collaboration, experimentation, and revision help us become better songwriters?
  • How can songwriting help us discover and express our unique voices?

Weekly Breakdown

Week 1 What is a Song? - students provide a list of their favorite songs and we explore the elements that make up a song including: melody, rhythm, and lyrics
Week 2 Songs as Stories - we focus on how music can be used to communicate feelings, ideas, and stories and analyze the use of rhyme and metaphor in lyric writing
Week 3 Genre Journey - we listen to some of the students’ favorite songs from week 1 then listen to and analyze songs across different musical styles from around the world
Week 4 Architecture of a Song - we explore the different elements of song structure including: verse, chorus, and bridge. Brainstorm ideas for our song or songs
Week 5 Lyric Writing Workshop 1 - we write lyrics together and begin working on our song or songs
Week 6 Lyric Writing Workshop 2 - we continue writing lyrics and begin organizing them around a song structure
Week 7 Plan and Prep for Performance - decide which song or songs we will perform and organize students into an ensemble
Week 8                 Rehearsal - continue rehearsing our song or songs, adding percussion instruments and/or other musical elements
Week 9 The Big Performance! - dress rehearsal followed by a performance for parents and guardians

Instructor

Other Details

Cost

  • $337.50
    • 9 classes, 50 minute class

Location

Date & Time

  • Saturdays, September 26 - November 21st 2026
  • 10:00am - 10:50am

Refund and Transfer Deadlines

  • Full refund: Two weeks before classes start
  • 50% refund: One week before classes start
  • No refund: Less than one week before classes start