Lesson 9 – Form
Question: What do the best novelists and music producers have in common? Answer: Control of form. Much like a great novel, a good song requires a solid foundation to support the body of work as the listener is led along on a musical journey. We’ll learn more about the various sections of songs in western popular music, the 32-bar AABA form, sections of a song (hook, pre-chorus, chorus, verse, bridge, outro) as well as using skeletons or references during the songwriting process. Remember, good song form enables you to take the listener on an exciting sonic experience which will keep them hungry for more! Knowing how to set a good foundation will help you organize all of the elements you use and create a dynamic, enticing song that really moves. Let’s begin!
Build an understanding of the building blocks that make up modern musical forms.
Understand the importance of separate sections in a proper arrangement.
Begin to construct their own works in an arrangement that serves their artistic vision.
Gain the ability to actively critique their own pieces and other pieces when it comes to their choice in form.
Be able to develop a piece into a proper modern form.