Song Writing Camp with Josh Keys

Last Minute Productions /Music Studio - Redfern Community Centre present "Song Writing" camp with Josh Keys.

Week 1:

Week 1 will be a predominantly theory-based lesson, trying to simplify the theory and get students comfortable. Concepts explored:

Week 2:

The goal for week 2 is to solidify the students’ understanding of chord progressions, and an understanding of why progressions feel a certain way.

Week 3:

Week 3 is all about melody and hooks, delving into the feel of different melodies, what makes a melody catchy/memorable?

Week 4:

Week 4 lesson will centre around groove, rhythm and phrasing. Looking at lyrical flow, and how different grooves can completely change the feeling of the song.

Week 5:

I hope by week 5 that students have begun writing some songs at home, or feel more confident to do so. This lesson will focus on further developing any ideas they feel comfortable sharing. I’ll also begin to show my own written songs, explain the theory behind it and any other useful information. Week 5 lesson will be a lot more individual, with students being able to come to me for one-on-one advice. This lesson will also be the introduction of lyric writing.

Week 6:

This lesson will primarily focus on chord theory, and how the students can further their songs with these new chords. The second half of the lesson will focus on rewriting, editing, exploring their creative process of writing, and discussing with the group what they have been finding challenging.

Week 7:

This lesson will be looking at trying to finalise ideas into songs.

Week 8:

This lesson is completely focused on ensuring each student has a final developed idea that is ready to begin recording the following week. Students will have ½ of the lesson for feedback, individual practice and the opportunity to ask me for assistance. We will then do a group presentation of the songs and briefly discuss the recording process.

Week 9/10:

Recording will take place in these 2 lessons.