Weeks 8 and 9 (Revision)

Slides and playlist from Week 8

Slides from Week 9

 

Week Seven: Song Structure Terminology

This week we covered song structure and the terms associated with them. The main thing you should able to do is to recognise the different parts of a song (eg verses, choruses, middle eights etc) and to be able to write out the structure of a song using these terms. The structures that we looked at (AA, AB, AABA and ABABCB) are all just examples of commonly used song structures. If you are asked to write out the structure of a song I'd say it would be best to use the actual terms rather than letters. Also try to be as specific as possible- because the term 'bridge' can be used to describe a number of structural elements (pre-chorus, middle 8 and solo) then it is best to use the specific term. So if a section links the verse to a chorus, then it is better described as a pre-chorus (although describing it as a bridge is also correct). A middle 8 is generally a change of key, mood, instrumentation or lyrical perspective and is usually found between the 2nd chorus and 3rd chorus. Again you can use the term 'bridge' though. A solo is usually when an instrument plays over the verse or chorus chords (as in Smells Like Teen Spirit) and probably not best described as a middle 8. This is admittedly a bit confusing so just use your best judgement. If you are able to argue your case convincingly there is always room for debate. Finally it would be good to practice counting the bars in different sections at home, this may well come up in the exam.

Powerpoint slides

Playlist
[Note: not all of these tracks were played during this class due to a lack of time, but if you have time, listen to the rest and try to figure out the structures at home]

Week Six: Naming the Musical Parts (Part 2)

A continuation of last week, all fairly self-explanatory! The recap Powerpoint slide in week 7 should be helpful in summarising the material from this week.

Powerpoint slides

  Playlist