- minimum 2 verses (8 or 12 bars each)
- minimum 2 choruses (8 or 12 bars each)
- 1 bridge (8 or 12 bars each)
- intro of any length
- melody written in 4 bar phrases using C major scale or C pentatonic scale
- uses chord progressions in C major (your choice)
- RH Harmony that is rhythmically interesting
- Bass Line using root and 5th of each chord (ask Ms. Moynihan to accept other notes in the bass line)
- Drum kit with minimum 3 parts (kick, snare,cymbal)
- DIFFERENT TEMPO! No 120 bpm
- ONE recorded track for a minimum of 1 verse, chorus or bridge
- minimum one master effect and one effect on one track
- Intro, Verse 1, Verse 2, Chorus 1, Chorus 2, Bridge, outro, etc. labelled with Markers
- an ending - no abrupt cut-offs
Your song must demonstrate these ELEMENTS:
- use of texture
- clear melody phrases (4 bars each)
- interesting rhythm patterns in the harmony
- verse, chorus, and bridge have different harmony
- interesting rhythms patterns in the bass
- repeating 1 or 2 bar rhythm pattern in the drums that changes in verse, chorus, bridge
- careful attention to detail.
Complete this Google Doc Project Planning Sheet as you go.
Process Due Dates:
May 13 - Verse/Chorus/Bridge order and Song Theme
May 21: Chord Progressions and Song Title
June 1; Final Checklist
June 1; Final Checklist
Total Project Due: June 1
What makes a good Chorus?
- shorter phrases
- catchy
- use fewer notes in melody
- could be shorter number of bars
- lyrics remain the same every time you repeat
- title or "hook" in the chorus
What is the difference between Verse and Chorus?
- Verse repeats with DIFFERENT lyrics
- Chorus repeats with the SAME lyrcic
- Bridge does not repeat and has new lyrics and harmony
Common Song Form: (Verse=A, Chorus=B, Bridge=C)
- Intro, ABABCB
- Intro, AABAABCBB
- Intro, ABABABCB
- Some start with a Chorus! BABCABB
The variations on this form are endless. Be creative!
Here is a good graphic to help you. Middle 8 is the same as the Bridge.
