Arranging for Songwriters from Coursera

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.

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.

New Ways of Listening

In this first lesson, we’ll learn how to arrange our songs horizontally (meaning the order and length of song sections) and vertically (meaning the frequency range and volume of the various instruments in your song). We’ll also consider how to create and support emotional meaning through our writing and instrumentation. We’ll review processes for working on arrangements, learn how to listen to arrangements critically, and discuss how arrangements change in live performances vs. recording sessions. By the end of the lesson, you will be able to create a horizontal arrangement for an original song.

Laying the Foundation

In this second lesson, you will start to lay the foundations for your song. We will discuss how to find the right key and tempo for your song and look at a few popular arrangement styles. By the end of the lesson, you will be able to create a basic track of your original song.

Finding the Groove

In lesson 3, we’ll focus on how to determine the right groove for your song. We’ll discuss how the bass works with the drums to support the rhythmic structure of a song, as well as creating a foundation for the song’s harmony. By the end of this lesson, you’ll be able to create the perfect groove for your original song.

Instrumentation and Vocals

In this final lesson, we will look at how to build the rest of the track around your song. Now that we have the foundation of the groove with the drums and bass, we’ll take a look at how we can add other instruments to the mix. Most importantly, we will discuss how to incorporate these additions without taking focus away from the vocal part. By the end of this lesson, you will have completed a full demo of your original song.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, 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

Reviews summary

Rewarding, in-depth songwriting course

Learners say this in-depth songwriting course will help you arrange songs in a creative way. It supports beginners and active songwriters of various skill levels. The enthusiastic instructors and exceptional musicians teach proven holistic materials from music theory to instrumental sections. Interviews and conversations add intrigue to the content. However, some learners suggest the course could use a modern makeover with DAWs and more electronic elements.

Suitable for all levels

"This course will also be useful to composers of the academic direction of music, since many methods and theoretical information intersect with classical courses such as arranging, theory etc."

"This is a very informative course for songwriters of various skill levels."

"It is suitable for beginner songwriters as well as for those who are active as a songwriter for a long time."

Exceptional instructors

"The teachers are enthusiastic and comprised of exceptionally good musicians from whom I learned a lot."

Write better songs

"This course took my songwriting to a different level and I now better understand how to arrange my songs to sound more professional."

"This course had me tackle writing with the Logic Pro X"

In-depth materials

"This course provides me to learn more about song arrangements and helping to my ongoing projects."

"This is an excellent course, perfectly planned, motivating and inspiring."

Learn proven materials

"The material taught are holistic and proven to be very significant for newbie songwriters like me."

"The teachers are enthusiastic and comprised of exceptionally good musicians from whom I learned a lot."

Missing essential info

"Pretty embarrassing for a Berklee course. The captions are full of errors, one video was filmed over Zoom with no professional backgrounds or lighting, and a number of quiz questions were literally impossible to answer because the videos preceding them hadn't provided the necessary information."

Lacks modern elements

"Unfortunately, the teaching materials and methods are a bit outdated."

"Nowadays you should use way more electronic stuff in your songs and get the right groove and instruments with modern VSTs."

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

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

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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

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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.

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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

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

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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

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Practice Arranging Simple Songs

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

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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

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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