Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Lyrics: words and melody
SCQF level: 08:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: MUS08159
Module leader: Renée Stefanie
School School of Arts and Creative Industries
Subject area group: Screen and Performance
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added
Description of module content:

This module will develop your awareness of the role of specificity in description and language/word choice in your lyric writing. Through exploration of lyrical case studies, and experimentation in writing lyrics of your own, you will explore scene-setting through use of specificity and sensory imagery. This will include:Core themes in storytelling, such as who, what, why, when and where.Specificity in scene setting and interaction with consideration of sight, sound, taste, touch, smell, body and motion.Exploration of melody will include: Use of shape, repetition, and sequencing Use of intervallic neighbouring, skip and escape tones.Use of augmentation, diminution, space and Impulse in phrasing.Analysis, reflection, and practice in song writing will explore the relationship between lyric, melody and harmony for songwriters seeking to emphasise focus on the storytelling content and context in your music.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Consider and critically reflect on use of specificity in lyric writing when setting scene or telling story.

LO2: Extend your awareness of the role of lyric writing through practical experimentation within your own song writing practice

LO3: Explore the relationship between lyric, melody and harmony in song writing contexts
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2024/5, Trimester 2, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Renée Stefanie
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Lecture 24 You will actively participate in lectures and classes that are delivered in dialogic settings in which key concepts will be discussed, interpreted and challenged through group and/or individual analysis, activity, and discussion
Face To Face Tutorial 2 You will present and discuss ideas and/or works in tutorials in which concepts and their application will be explored, discussed and evaluated in relation to your individual song writing
Online Guided independent study 8 You will actively engage with Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) presentations and tasks provided on Moodle as a catalyst for practical application and critical reflection
Online Guided independent study 160 You will engage with reading and analysis, and work on tasks or mini projects independently or in collaboration with peers. You will reflect on results working to parameters that take in the key topics explored in this module.
Independent Learning Guided independent study 6 You will actively engage in online forums utilising principals of ‘plussing’ in the critique of your own work, and the work of your peers on the module. You will identify areas for improvement individually and as a peer group, and devise strategies to contribute to your individual and collective development
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Discussion/Participation 40 1~2~3 Week 11 HOURS= Equivalent 2000 You will contribute to two forums in weeks 7 and 9 in which you will post work in progress and offer peer critique to a minimum of two of your peers on the module. Critique will deploy principals of 'plussing'; you will highlight areas for improvement or development with the inclusion of specific ideas or strategies for how improvements or developments might be achieved
Portfolio 60 1~2~3 Exam Period , WORDS= equivalent 3000 You will write and submit two songs that consist of key components of lyrics, melody and harmony (note that melody may be explored in terms of phrasing only if this suits the genre in which you are writing, e.g. rap). Your songs will be accompanied by a critical reflection that evaluates the effectiveness of your writing in terms of scene setting or story in your lyric, and the relationship between this and the melody and harmony of your songs. Your reflection will include suggestions for how you might further develop your skills as a lyricist and song writer.
Component 1 subtotal: 40
Component 2 subtotal: 60
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
Lyrics; Words and melody
 

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