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Arranging for Songwriters

Sarah Brindell and Bonnie Hayes

4.4

Based on 77 ratings

, see reviews

Sarah Brindell and Bonnie Hayes

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.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome to Arranging for Songwriters

Welcome to the course! Here we will cover all the details about the course and what you'll need to know to get the most out of your experience.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Deepens knowledge of music theory and practice, from chords to song structure, to vocal arrangements

Provides hands-on learning opportunities through various music production exercises

Taught by Berklee College of Music songwriting professors, who are experts in the field

Covers music theory concepts in a practical setting, allowing students to see the effects of their decisions

Emphasizes the importance of matching instrumentation to the emotional intent of the song

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Reviews summary

Arranging fundamentals for songwriters

According to students, this course is a solid introduction for songwriters looking to improve their arrangements using a DAW. Learners find the instructors knowledgeable and appreciate the focus on core arranging principles like horizontal and vertical structure and establishing the groove. While it provides a strong foundation, some reviewers felt the pace was slow or desired more advanced techniques, suggesting it's particularly well-suited for beginners rather than experienced producers.

Pacing suits beginners, may lack depth

"The pace was perfect for me as a complete beginner."

"Found some parts a little slow and wished they went deeper into certain techniques."

"Could use more advanced examples for intermediate users who already know DAW basics."

"While it covers the basics well, it doesn't delve into advanced production tricks."

Covers core arrangement principles effectively

"Learning about horizontal and vertical arrangement was a game changer for my process."

"The section on building the groove with bass and drums was particularly helpful."

"It taught me how to think about arrangement conceptually, not just mechanically."

"Got a solid understanding of how different parts interact within a song."

Ideal starting point for novices

"If you're new to arranging or music production, this course is a perfect starting point."

"It really broke down the basics in a way that made sense for me as a songwriter."

"Assumes very little previous knowledge of DAWs or arrangement theory."

"Excellent for those who have written songs but need help taking them to the next level in production."

Expert guidance from Berklee faculty

"Bonnie and Sarah are excellent teachers and clearly know their stuff."

"I enjoyed learning from their experience and perspectives."

"They explain complex ideas very clearly."

"Their insights as experienced songwriters were particularly valuable."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Arranging for Songwriters with these activities:

Review Basic Music Theory

Show steps

Warm up your musical mind by reviewing the basics of music theory. This will make learning new concepts easier.

Browse courses on Music Theory

Show steps

Review the major and minor scales.
Practice identifying chords by ear.
Read through a simple piece of sheet music.

Watch Video Tutorials on Arranging Techniques

Show steps

Expand your songwriting toolbox by watching video tutorials on various arranging techniques. This will provide practical examples of how to use different sounds and instruments in your songs.

Browse courses on Arranging

Show steps

Search for video tutorials on arranging techniques.
Watch several tutorials on different topics.
Take notes on the techniques that you learn.
Experiment with the techniques in your own songs.

Analyze Your Favorite Songs

Show steps

Deepen your understanding of songwriting by analyzing your favorite songs. This will help you identify effective arranging techniques and develop your own unique style.

Browse courses on Songwriting

Show steps

Choose a few of your favorite songs.
Listen to the songs carefully and identify the different instruments and sounds used.
Analyze the arrangement of the songs and how the different elements work together.
Write down your observations and insights.

Two other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all five activities

Practice Arranging Simple Songs

Show steps

Solidify your arranging skills by practicing on simple songs. This will help you build confidence and fluency in your abilities.

Show steps

Choose a simple song that you know well.
Create a basic arrangement of the song.
Record your arrangement.
Listen to your arrangement and identify areas for improvement.

Help Other Songwriters with Their Arrangements

Show steps

Reinforce your learning by helping other songwriters with their arrangements. This will provide valuable feedback and diverse perspectives.

Show steps

Join a songwriting community or forum.
Offer to help other songwriters with their arrangements.
Provide constructive feedback and suggestions.

Career center

Learners who complete Arranging for Songwriters will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Music Producer

A Music Producer is responsible for overseeing the recording process of music. This can involve working with artists, engineers, and musicians to create a final product. Arranging for Songwriters can be helpful for Music Producers, as it teaches the skills necessary to arrange and produce music. The course covers topics such as creating a horizontal arrangement, finding the right groove, and incorporating instrumentation and vocals. These skills are essential for Music Producers, as they need to be able to create and produce music that is both musically appealing and commercially successful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Producer

Songwriter

A Songwriter is responsible for writing and composing music. This can involve writing lyrics, melodies, and harmonies. Arranging for Songwriters can be helpful for Songwriters, as it teaches the skills necessary to arrange and produce music. The course covers topics such as creating a horizontal arrangement, finding the right groove, and incorporating instrumentation and vocals. These skills are essential for Songwriters, as they need to be able to create and produce music that is both musically appealing and commercially successful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Songwriter

Music Arranger

A Music Arranger is responsible for taking a piece of music and arranging it for a specific group of instruments. This can involve changing the instrumentation, adding or removing sections, and creating a new arrangement that is appropriate for the group. Arranging for Songwriters can be helpful for Music Arrangers, as it teaches the skills necessary to arrange and produce music. The course covers topics such as creating a horizontal arrangement, finding the right groove, and incorporating instrumentation and vocals. These skills are essential for Music Arrangers, as they need to be able to create and produce music that is both musically appealing and appropriate for the group.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Arranger

Music Director

A Music Director is responsible for overseeing the musical aspects of a production, such as a play, musical, or film. This can involve hiring musicians, selecting music, and conducting rehearsals. Arranging for Songwriters can be helpful for Music Directors, as it teaches the skills necessary to arrange and produce music. The course covers topics such as creating a horizontal arrangement, finding the right groove, and incorporating instrumentation and vocals. These skills are essential for Music Directors, as they need to be able to create and produce music that is both musically appealing and appropriate for the production.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Director

Music Teacher

A Music Teacher is responsible for teaching music to students of all ages. This can involve teaching music theory, history, and performance. Arranging for Songwriters can be helpful for Music Teachers, as it teaches the skills necessary to arrange and produce music. The course covers topics such as creating a horizontal arrangement, finding the right groove, and incorporating instrumentation and vocals. These skills are essential for Music Teachers, as they need to be able to teach students how to create and produce music.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Teacher

Music Therapist

A Music Therapist uses music to help people improve their physical, emotional, and cognitive health. This can involve using music to reduce stress, improve mood, and promote relaxation. Arranging for Songwriters may be helpful for Music Therapists, as it teaches the skills necessary to arrange and produce music. The course covers topics such as creating a horizontal arrangement, finding the right groove, and incorporating instrumentation and vocals. These skills can be helpful for Music Therapists, as they need to be able to create and produce music that is both musically appealing and therapeutic.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Therapist

Audio Engineer

An Audio Engineer is responsible for recording, mixing, and mastering audio. This can involve working with musicians, producers, and other engineers to create a final product. Arranging for Songwriters can be helpful for Audio Engineers, as it teaches the skills necessary to arrange and produce music. The course covers topics such as creating a horizontal arrangement, finding the right groove, and incorporating instrumentation and vocals. These skills are essential for Audio Engineers, as they need to be able to create and produce music that is both musically appealing and technically sound.

See salaries and explore the career path for Audio Engineer

Composer

A Composer is responsible for writing and composing music. This can involve writing music for film, television, video games, and other media. Arranging for Songwriters can be helpful for Composers, as it teaches the skills necessary to arrange and produce music. The course covers topics such as creating a horizontal arrangement, finding the right groove, and incorporating instrumentation and vocals. These skills are essential for Composers, as they need to be able to create and produce music that is both musically appealing and appropriate for the medium.

See salaries and explore the career path for Composer

Musician

A Musician is someone who plays a musical instrument. This can involve playing in a band, orchestra, or other musical group. Arranging for Songwriters may be helpful for Musicians, as it teaches the skills necessary to arrange and produce music. The course covers topics such as creating a horizontal arrangement, finding the right groove, and incorporating instrumentation and vocals. These skills can be helpful for Musicians, as they need to be able to play music that is both musically appealing and appropriate for the group.

See salaries and explore the career path for Musician

Sound Designer

A Sound Designer is responsible for creating and editing sound effects for film, television, video games, and other media. Arranging for Songwriters may be helpful for Sound Designers, as it teaches the skills necessary to arrange and produce music. The course covers topics such as creating a horizontal arrangement, finding the right groove, and incorporating instrumentation and vocals. These skills can be helpful for Sound Designers, as they need to be able to create and edit sound effects that are both musically appealing and appropriate for the medium.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sound Designer

Music Journalist

A Music Journalist writes and reports on music for newspapers, magazines, and other publications. Arranging for Songwriters may be helpful for Music Journalists, as it teaches the skills necessary to understand and analyze music. The course covers topics such as creating a horizontal arrangement, finding the right groove, and incorporating instrumentation and vocals. These skills can be helpful for Music Journalists, as they need to be able to understand and analyze music in order to write and report on it effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Journalist

Music Librarian

A Music Librarian is responsible for organizing and cataloging music collections in libraries and other institutions. Arranging for Songwriters may be helpful for Music Librarians, as it teaches the skills necessary to understand and organize music. The course covers topics such as creating a horizontal arrangement, finding the right groove, and incorporating instrumentation and vocals. These skills can be helpful for Music Librarians, as they need to be able to understand and organize music in order to catalog and retrieve it effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Librarian

Music Promoter

A Music Promoter is responsible for promoting and marketing music for artists, labels, and other organizations. Arranging for Songwriters may be helpful for Music Promoters, as it teaches the skills necessary to understand and market music. The course covers topics such as creating a horizontal arrangement, finding the right groove, and incorporating instrumentation and vocals. These skills can be helpful for Music Promoters, as they need to be able to understand and market music in order to promote it effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Promoter

Music Educator

A Music Educator is responsible for teaching music to students of all ages. Arranging for Songwriters may be helpful for Music Educators, as it teaches the skills necessary to understand and teach music. The course covers topics such as creating a horizontal arrangement, finding the right groove, and incorporating instrumentation and vocals. These skills can be helpful for Music Educators, as they need to be able to understand and teach music in order to teach it effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Educator

Music Critic

A Music Critic writes and reviews music for newspapers, magazines, and other publications. Arranging for Songwriters may be helpful for Music Critics, as it teaches the skills necessary to understand and analyze music. The course covers topics such as creating a horizontal arrangement, finding the right groove, and incorporating instrumentation and vocals. These skills can be helpful for Music Critics, as they need to be able to understand and analyze music in order to write and review it effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Critic

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Arranging for Songwriters.

Who Knew?

Save

This classic work on arranging offers a comprehensive overview of the art form, covering everything from basic principles to advanced techniques. It valuable resource for arrangers of all levels.

Who Knew?: Answers to Questions about Classical...

Paperback

Who Knew?: Answers to Questions about Classical...

Kindle Edition

Orchestration

Save

By Walter Piston is another classic text on arranging. It focuses on the craft of arranging and provides detailed instructions on how to arrange for different instruments and ensembles.

Orchestration

Paperback

$$$

Arranging Things

Save

By Richard Bellak comprehensive guide to arranging for all levels. It covers a wide range of topics, from basic principles to advanced techniques.

Arranging Things

Hardcover

Jazz Improvisation (Revised)

Save

By David Baker comprehensive guide to jazz arranging. It covers a wide range of topics, from basic principles to advanced techniques.

Jazz Improvisation (Revised): A Comprehensive...

Kindle Edition

Principles of Orchestration

Save

By Carl Zytowski comprehensive guide to orchestration theory and practice. It provides a detailed overview of the different instruments of the orchestra and how to write for them effectively.

Principles of Orchestration

Kindle Edition

Principles of Orchestration: A Treatise on...

Paperback

Principles of Orchestration: With Musical Examples...

Hardcover

Nicolas Rimsky-Korsakov (v.1): Principles of...

Paperback

Principles of Orchestration: With Musical Examples...

Paperback

Nicolas Rimsky-Korsakov. Principles of...

Leather Bound

$$$

Nicolas Rimsky-Korsakov. Principles of...

Leather Bound

$$$

Essential Dictionary of Orchestration

Save

By Tom Gerou provides a practical guide to music arranging. It covers a wide range of topics, from basic principles to advanced techniques.

Essential Dictionary of Orchestration: The Most...

Paperback

Essential Dictionary of Orchestration: The Most...

Kindle Edition

Jewish Music and Modernity

Save

Provides a comprehensive overview of the history, theory, and practice of film music. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this topic.

Jewish Music and Modernity (AMS Studies in Music)

Paperback

Music's Meanings

Save

Provides a comprehensive overview of the history, theory, and practice of film music. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this topic.

Music's Meanings

Paperback

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Rating

4.4

Effort

Approx. 8 hours

Level

Intermediate

Via

Coursera

Institution

Berklee

Instructors

Sarah Brindell

Bonnie Hayes

Language

English

Transcripts

Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова magyar nyelv Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша اُردُو, فارسی বাংলা پښتو آذربایجان دیلی

Arranging for Songwriters belongs to the following collections:

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Deepens knowledge of music theory and practice, from chords to song structure, to vocal arrangements

Provides hands-on learning opportunities through various music production exercises

Taught by Berklee College of Music songwriting professors, who are experts in the field

Covers music theory concepts in a practical setting, allowing students to see the effects of their decisions

Emphasizes the importance of matching instrumentation to the emotional intent of the song

Arranging for Songwriters

What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Arranging fundamentals for songwriters

Activities

Career center

Reading list

Share

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