Lyric Writing

The course Lyric Writing will help you to understand the inner workings of lyrics more deeply and to develop your own voice in lyric writing.
The program is structured in 3 different modules:

• Module 1: Language as Carrier of Meaning

• Module 2: Language as Carrier of Sound and Rhythm 

• Module 3: Language as Carrier of Value

Each module contains 5 tutorials and will cover wide ranging topics such as the functions of lyrics, meter, cultural associations, opposites, free flow, etc. ...
After joining this course, you will be able to view weekly a new video lesson. Each video lesson discusses a specific topic and consists of:


- Examples of the different concepts and topics discussed in the videos


- Analysis of Lyrics that will deepen your understanding of LyricWriting


- Assignments that will help you to translate your newly gained knowledge to your 
own creative process as a lyric writer
At the end of the course, you will receive an individual A-MACK review by Blanka Pesja on your work.

 

 

Lesson 1 : General Introduction to the Course

A general introduction to the course that gives you insight into the structure and the three different modules.

The Topics we will talk about are:

- Functions of Lyrics

- Two Forms of Lyrics
- The Three-Dimensional Function of Lyrics

No Assignments.

Lesson 2 : Introduction to Module 1 : Language as Carrier of Meaning

An introduction to the first Module : Language as Carrier of Meaning.

The topics we will talk about are :

- Being understood
- Writing Lyrics
- The 5 Tutorials
- The Difference between a Poem and a Lyric

No Assignments.

Lesson 3 : Module 1 Lesson 1 : Symbol & Metaphor
 
In this lesson, we will talk about how to create meaning by using symbols and metaphors.

The topics we will talk about are :

- Symbols

- Metaphor

- Symbolic Organization
- The Use of Metaphor

- Translation

- Creating Meaning

Please submit the assignments, as explained by Blanka during this lesson, by video recording yourself and sending the video to us for individual feedback. Have fun!

Lesson 4 : Module 1 Lesson 2 : Equivalence

In this video, we will further explore how meaning is created by applying equivalences.

The topics we will talk about are :

- Equivalence through Personification

- Equivalence through Sayings

- Creative Freedom

- The Art of Repetition
- Equivalence as Personalization

- Another Layer of Meaning

- Opposites Absolved

Please submit the assignments, as explained by Blanka during this lesson, by video recording yourself and sending the video to us for individual feedback. Have fun!

Lesson 5 : Module 1 Lesson 3 : Tension Arc & Power Placements

In this tutorial, we will learn how to structure the tension arc and where to place the two most important lines in a lyric.

The topics we will talk about are :

- Power Places

- The Finish

- TensionArc

- Driving the Narrative

- Verses as Stepping Stones

- More on the Narrator’s Perspective

- Notation vs. Associaton

Please submit the assignments, as explained by Blanka during this lesson, by video recording yourself and sending the video to us for individual feedback. Have fun!

Lesson 6 : Module 1 Lesson 4 : Opposites Attract

In this lesson, we will examine opposites and how they organize the tension in a lyric.

The topics we will talk about are :

- Structuring the tension arc

- Personification

- Cultural agreements

- Textual context: History 
- Protest Songs and a New Era in Lyric Writing
- Comparison

- More on the Narrator

- Analysis

Please submit the assignments, as explained by Blanka during this lesson, by video recording yourself and sending the video to us for individual feedback. Have fun!

Lesson 7 : Module 1 Lesson 5 : Free Flow

In this tutorial, we will explore the function of free flow and the influence of the Beat generation on the lyrical development of Pop Music.

The topics we will talk about are :

-  Free Form
-  The Beats
-  The Struggle of the Beats
-  The Art of Repetition
-  Long Lines
-  Free Verse
-  Catalog
-  Parataxis
-  Comparison

Please submit the assignments, as explained by Blanka during this lesson, by video
recording yourself and sending the video to us for individual feedback. Have fun! 


Lesson 8 : Module 1 Lesson 6 : Outro to Module 1 


A summary of the first Module 


The topics we will talk about are :


- Review of the different topics in Module 1

- Writing Exercise 



Please submit the writing exercise, as explained by Blanka during this lesson, by video recording yourself and sending the video to us for individual feedback. Have fun! 


Lesson 9 : Introduction to Module 2 : Language as Carrier of Sound & Rhythm

An introduction to Module 2: Language as Carrier of Sound and Rhythm

The topics we will talk about are :
- Creating meaning and creating tone

- Sound and Rhythm of Lyrics

No Assignments.

Lesson 10 : Introduction Module 2 Lesson 1 : Your Voice in Lyric Writing

In this lesson, we will take a close look at the sound effects of your lyrics.

The topics we will talk about are :
- Art as a Mentality

- Analysis of Two Songs

- Semantics

- Sound Cliche

- Phonetics

- Vowels

Please submit the assignments, as explained by Blanka during this lesson, by video recording yourself and sending the video to us for individual feedback. Have fun!

Lesson 11 : Module 2 Lesson 2 : Abstract Sound

In this video, we will examine the sound qualities in lyric writing, especially when using different languages.

The topics we will talk about are :
- Mimicking sound and rhythm

- Cultural Associations

- Use of Cliche

- Writing in your native tongue

Please submit the assignments, as explained by Blanka during this lesson, by video recording yourself and sending the video to us for individual feedback. Have fun!

Lesson 12 : Module 2 Lesson 3 : Rhyme

In this lesson, we will take a close look at the best known and dangerous equivalences in lyric writing : rhyme.

The topics we will talk about are :
- What is Rhyme?

- The Functions of Rhyme

- Different Sorts of Rhyme

- Rhyme Names

- Rhyme Schedule

- Rhymes Defined by Position

- Rhyme Behavior

Please submit the assignments, as explained by Blanka during this lesson, by video recording yourself and sending the video to us for individual feedback. Have fun!

Lesson 13 : Module 2 Lesson 4: Meter “The Invisible Drums”

In this tutorial, we will examine “meter”, the foundation of the rhythmical structure of language.

The topics we will talk about are :
- Poetic Meter
- Music Meter
- Stanza

- Syllables

- Different Sorts of Meter
- Notation

Please submit the assignments, as explained by Blanka during this lesson, by video recording yourself and sending the video to us for individual feedback. Have fun!

Lesson 14 : Module 2 Lesson 5 : Advanced Tone

In this lesson, we wil examine sound and rhythmical functions of a diverse collection of songs in order to understand the employment of “tone”.

The topics we will talk about are :
- Tone Syllables

- Lyric Analysis

- Textual Tone

Please submit the assignments, as explained by Blanka during this lesson, by video recording yourself and sending the video to us for individual feedback. Have fun!



Lesson 15 : Module 2 Lesson 6 : Outro to Module 2

A summary of the second Module

The topics we will talk about are :
- Review of the topics of the second Module

- Final assignment of this module

Please submit the final assignment, as explained by Blanka during this lesson, by video recording yourself and sending the video to us for individual feedback. Have fun!

Lesson 16 : Introduction to Module 3 : Language as Carrier of Value

An introduction to Module 3: Language as Carrier of Value

The topics we will talk about are :
- What is Value?

- Jacques Derrida

- Taboos

- Value Change

No Assignments.

Lesson 17 : Module 3 Lesson 1 : Derrida

In this lesson, we will explore the work of French philosopher Jacques Derrida.

The topics we will talk about are :
- Deconstruction

- A Method for deconstructing a lyric

Please submit the assignments, as explained by Blanka during this lesson, by video recording yourself and sending the video to us for individual feedback. Have fun!

Lesson 18 : Module 3 Lesson 2 : Deconstruction

In this video, we will practice the method of deconstruction by analyzing several lyrics.

The topics we will talk about are :
- The 4 Steps of Deconstruction

- More Analysis

Please submit the assignments, as explained by Blanka during this lesson, by video recording yourself and sending the video to us for individual feedback. Have fun!

Lesson 19 : Module 3 Lesson 3 : Focalisator

In this lesson, we will have a closer look at how to create different emotional values using technical writing skills.
 
The topics we will talk about are :
- Three Uses of Focalisator Change

- External Focalisator Change

- Internal Focalisator Change

- Skipping the Focalisator Change
- Analysis of Lyrics

Please submit the assignments, as explained by Blanka during this lesson, by video recording yourself and sending the video to us for individual feedback. Have fun!

Lesson 20 : Module 3 Lesson 4 : Truth Lies

In this tutorial, we will examine the value of “truth” as related to art and lyric writing.

The topics we will talk about are :
- Lyrical analysis of different songs

- Truth in Art and Lyric Writing

Please submit the assignments, as explained by Blanka during this lesson, by video recording yourself and sending the video to us for individual feedback. Have fun!

Lesson 21 : Module 3 Lesson 5 : Murder Music

In this lesson, we will have a look at three famous lyrics that deal with important cultural values of our society.

The topics we will talk about are :
- Problematic taboos in Lyric Writing

- Comparison of Lyrics

Please submit the assignments, as explained by Blanka during this lesson, by video recording yourself and sending the video to us for individual feedback. Have fun!

Lesson 22 : Module 3 Lesson 6 : Outro to Module 3

A summary of Module 3 : Language as Carrier of Value

The topics we will talk about are :
- Review of the topics of Module 3

- Final assignment

Please submit the final assignment, as explained by Blanka during this lesson, by video recording yourself and sending the video to us for individual feedback. Have fun