Curriculum:
Song writing-- Learn basic poetic structures and lyrical arrangement. How do singers express what they want to say through their lyrics, including rhyming, rhythmic devices, word play, and patterns? How do verses, choruses, bridges, etc. come together?
Melodic and musical arrangement-- Learn basic notes, chords, and keys that comes together to build your song and create a melody. A good song writer must know which notes sound great together and how key changes create moods and effect emotions. This includes basic knowledge of the piano / keyboard.
Rhythm and movement-- Learn the different rhythms and tempos used in pop music. How does the choice of different rhythms effect the mood and outcome of your song? Does it make the listener relax? Cry? Sing along? Dance?
Making a “hit” song-- The most popular songs in almost any culture or style are the ones with a great “hook”. Learn what it means to create a hook that grabs the attention of the listener. Learn about the importance of creating a rise and a fall, or tension and release, and how the best songs use these contrasts.
Basic recording skills-- Learn some tools that make recording easy, yet result in a professional sound. Discover the software, how to use the microphone, and how instruments and effects are combined to build a complete pop song.
Basic performance skills-- Great pop stars in any genre are usually the ones that don’t only sound great, but who know how to project their art on the stage and connect on a personal level with the audience. Learn how to lose your fear and shine!
Music marketing-- Learn some easy ways to showcase, market, and even sell your music. Once you've created some great songs, it can be a lot of fun to share them.
Note: The Durrant School of Pop plans to expand upon demand and hopes to include future courses in advanced recording (for home studios), midi programing, use of "virtual instruments", sound mixing, and more. Other areas will include basic, no-budget or low-budget music video production and editing. These skills will be taught as the students excel in the original curriculum, so they can keep learning and using their creativity and more ways. Plus, it will be a lot of fun!
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