Song Writing Lessons

The new Songwriting module/class in the Academy of Popular Music is a comprehensive course that will teach students the complete craft of song-writing. This programme has been created/written to facilitate students in their progression throughout the song-writing process step by step from the song's initial concept through to performing finished songs in a live end of year concert. Fees are €300 per semester.

The course is both academically and musically challenging and will teach students how to develop both their creativity and confidence in their abilities.

We will focus on 4 main areas throughout the course using hands-on examples of well known popular songs and testimonials from successful songwriters:

  1. Lyric Writing and Song Structure (rhyme scheme, writing techniques such as simile, metaphor, and imagery. Song structure such as verse, chorus, bridge, and their uses. Types of songs such as list songs, holiday songs, political songs, love songs etc.)
  2. Harmony and Melody (melodic rhythm and melodic phrasing. Use of intervals when writing melody, use of chord progressions and harmony, arrangement of instruments used in the song, song genres and their characteristics.)
  3. The Music Industry (copyright, publishing, promotion, sales. The various agencies who protect and collect royalties on behalf of song-writers such as IMRO, MCPS, RAAP etc. Current trends and changes in the music industry.)
  4. Song Analysis and History (complete analytical break-down of case-study songs, history of song-writing up to current chart hits)

The course will also teach important practical skills such as finding sources of inspiration, beating writer's block and working to deadlines, It does this by using hands-on tutorials with regular feedback and by giving regular weekly exercises/assignments as well as writing tips and the option of writing collaboratively with other students.

Throughout the semester/course participants will be encouraged to play their songs in front of their fellow classmates and will perform publicly in an end of year concert where they will be accompanied by a full band made up of students from the Academy of Popular Music.

Students will be required to write 3 songs over the course of the semester and will sit a written exam at the end of the academic year.

Applicants will not need any previous experience in song-writing but will need to be able to play a harmonic instrument e.g. guitar, piano.

Songwriting Tutor Sara Ryan

Sara Ryan song writing teacher Cork

Sara Ryan, Folk Artist of the Year 2018 holds a degree in Vocals - B.A in Popular Music from CIT Cork School of Music. Sara is fascinated by every aspect of the voice and creates a fun and expressive approach to singing through her vocal coaching. She is extremely passionate about song-writing and thoroughly enjoys sharing this with her students and helping each student to develop their own style.

Last year she released her debut single Belle, which won "Best New Comer" and "Best New Single" on Dublin City FM. And to top the year off, she was crowned New Folk Artist of the Year at the Irish Folk Music Awards. Following this she released her Debut EP, “Glitter Skies” in March 2018, accompanied by a single and music video and the response from radio, media and the public has been wonderful. Sara is currently touring nationally and internationally promoting her EP.

Throughout the Song-writing classes Sara caters to each individuals creative goals and develops stylistic awareness, the basics of melody writing, lyrical writing, an understanding of chords and rhythm as well as establishing a career in the music business.

See all our music lessons Cork here:

Singing Lessons Cork | Guitar Lessons Cork | Drum Lessons Cork | Piano Lessons Cork | Bass Lessons Cork | Senior Cycle | Music Technology Lessons | Song Writing Classes