Songwriting for Contemporary Performance
UndergraduateUNE-MUSI2212025
Course information for 2025 intake View information for 2024 course intake
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 15 June 2025
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 16 weeks
- Price from
- $2,338
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- FEE-HELP available
Songwriting for Contemporary Performance
About this subject
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- analyse contemporary music songwriting techniques across a variety of popular music genres;
- demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between songwriting and live music performance outcomes in a variety of genres;
- evaluate the role lyrics, sampling and musical production techniques play in the development of aesthetics in contemporary songwriting;
- apply analytical and technical knowledge of songwriting to the creation of an original song; and
- apply knowledge of the relationship between musical text and performance to the performance of an original song.
- Topics will be available to enrolled students in the subjects Learning Management System site approximately one week prior to the commencement of the teaching period.
Songwriting is a powerful means to express ideas, emotions and important messages that connect with audiences and communities. In this subject you will be introduced to popular music songwriting and performance techniques across a variety of contemporary genres including rock, pop, folk, hip hop and electronica. You will also explore the role of music production approaches in songwriting. You will learn how to analyse popular song structures, navigate conventions of instrumentation and harmony, and form a technical understanding of how popular songs develop themes, styles and emotions. You will assess the relationship between live music performance and songwriting in order to understand how performance modifies and augments musical texts. Throughout the trimester you will develop lyric writing skills and craft an original song in your preferred genre. The unit will culminate with a performance of the song.
Assessment 1: A written song analysis assessment. 1000 words. Related to Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3;
Assessment 2: Creation of an original song. 1500 words (equivalent). Related to Learning Outcomes 4;
Assessment 3: Performance of an original song. It is mandatory to pass this performance component in order to pass the unit. 1500 words (equivalent). Related to Learning Outcomes 5;
Assessment 4: Online group Activities. 1000 words (equivalent). Related to Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3.- Assessment 1 - A written song analysis assessment (20%)
- Assessment 2 - Creation of an original song (30%)
- Assessment 3 - Performance of an original song (30%)
- Assessment 4 - Online group activities (20%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
Part of a degree
To enrol in this subject you must be accepted into one of the following degrees:
Elective
- UNE-MTC-DIP-2025 - Diploma in Music Technology
- UNE-MUS-DIP-2025 - Diploma in Music
Additional requirements
- Equipment requirements - Headphones or speakers (required to listen to lectures and other media). Headset, including microphone (highly recommended). Webcam (may be required for participation in virtual classrooms and/or media presentations).
- Software requirements - It is essential for students to have reliable internet access in order to participate in and complete your units, regardless of whether they contain an on campus attendance or intensive school component. Please refer students to link for requirements: For additional information please visit UNE Hardware Requirements: https://www.une.edu.au/current-students/support/it-services/hardware
- Other requirements - Students will require a Digital Audio Workstation and music notation programme to complete this unit. Students are expected to have some prior experience in musical performance, composition/songwriting or music technology in order to complete this unit. Students will be required to source and install music software to complete this unit. The unit coordinator will provide advice on this process at the beginning of the unit. The recommended systems are Protools, Sibelius or Ableton Live.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
Related degrees
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
UndergraduateUNE-MTC-DIP
UndergraduateUNE-MUS-DIP