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Arranging for Songwriters
  • Level Professional
  • Duration 9 hours
  • Course by Berklee
  • Offered by

About

You’ve created a song. You wrote the lyrics, decided on the melody, and maybe even recorded a simple demo. Now what? If you have a basic knowledge of how to use a digital audio workstation (DAW) and are passionate about being a songwriter, this course will help you take your song from a simple recording on your phone to a fully arranged song ready for the recording studio. You will be learning from two Berklee College of Music songwriting professors, Bonnie Hayes and Sarah Brindell. They will show you how to arrange original songs in a digital audio workstation. You will learn tools to heighten the emotional response of your listeners and you’ll broaden your understanding of instrumentation and how to add sounds to your song without distracting the listener from the most important aspect: the vocalist.

Modules

Getting Started

    • 6 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • What Are Your Goals?

6 Readings

  • Welcome!
  • Meet Your Instructors: Bonnie Hayes
  • Meet Your Instructors: Sarah Brindell
  • Connect with Your Classmates
  • Course Resources
  • Earn A Course Certificate

New Ways of Listening

    • 2 Videos
    • 3 Readings
    • 1 Discussion
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • New Ways of Listening Quiz

1 Discussions

  • Working Alone vs. Working with a Band

2 Videos

  • Arranging for Recording vs. Arranging for Live Performances
  • Deciding What's Right for the Tune

3 Readings

  • Critical Listening and Workflow
  • Horizontal Arrangement vs. Vertical Arrangement
  • Exercise: Diagramming Song Sections

Create an Arrangement of an Original Song

    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Discussion
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • SELF-ASSESSMENT: Create a Horizontal Arrangement of an Original Song

1 Discussions

  • Create a Horizontal Arrangement of an Original Song

1 Readings

  • How To Upload an .mp3 to the Discussion Forums

Laying the Foundation

    • 3 Videos
    • 3 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Laying the Foundation Quiz

3 Videos

  • Developing A Feel for Your Song
  • Finding the Right Key
  • Vocals and Rhythm

3 Readings

  • Choosing the Right Tempo
  • Example of a Popular Arrangement Style
  • Sign-up for the full experience!

Create a Basic Track of an Original Song

    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Discussion
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • SELF-ASSESSMENT: Create a Basic Track of an Original Song

1 Discussions

  • Create a Basic Track of an Original Song

1 Readings

  • How To Upload an .mp3 to the Discussion Forums

Finding the Groove

    • 2 Videos
    • 2 Readings
    • 2 Discussion
    • 1 Plugin
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Finding the Groove Quiz

2 Discussions

  • What Kind of Drumbeat?
  • The Process of Arranging

2 Videos

  • What is Groove?
  • The Low End - Bass

2 Readings

  • Basic Beat Subdivisions
  • Drumbeat Basics

Adding a Groove to Your Basic Track

    • 1 Discussion
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • SELF-ASSESSMENT: Add a Groove to Your Original Song

1 Discussions

  • Add A Groove to Your Original Song

Instrumentation and Vocals

    • 4 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Discussion
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Instrumentation and Vocals Quiz

1 Discussions

  • Describe the Instruments and Vocals in Your Arrangement

4 Videos

  • Using Synthesizers in Your Arrangements
  • Strings
  • Horn Arrangements
  • The Primacy of the Lead Vocal

1 Readings

  • General Mid-Range Arranging Tip

Adding Instruments to Your Arrangement

    • 1 PeerReview
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1 Peer Review

  • Add Instruments to Your Arrangement

Course Wrap-Up

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
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1 Videos

  • Wrap-up

1 Readings

  • Are you looking for more?

Auto Summary

Transform your simple song recordings into fully arranged masterpieces with "Arranging for Songwriters" on Coursera. Taught by Berklee College of Music professors Bonnie Hayes and Sarah Brindell, this professional-level course guides you through using a digital audio workstation (DAW) to enhance your song's emotional impact and instrumentation. Perfect for passionate songwriters with basic DAW knowledge, the course spans 540 minutes and offers both Starter and Professional subscription options. Elevate your songwriting skills and prepare your works for the recording studio.

Sarah Brindell
Instructors

Sarah Brindell

Bonnie Hayes
Instructors

Bonnie Hayes