Song Writing unit (UCP005)

Hobart

Introduction

Songwriting gives you the tools and opportunity to express yourself through the development of your own original songs. In this unit you will study compositional techniques integral to song writing through a focus on using and communicating in a variety of forms: melodies, rhythms, harmonies, song structures, and lyrics. However, you will go beyond technical knowledge to align emotional intent with your musical choices, reflecting on your own work and learning from the work of other songwriters. Ultimately, you will compose and present a portfolio of original songs, ready to share your work with the wider world and prepared for further study in songwriting.

Summary

Unit name	Song Writing
Unit code	UCP005
Credit points	25
College/School	Arts and Society UTAS Conservatorium of Music
Discipline	Music
Coordinator	Mx Katy Raucher
Available as an elective?	No
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Foundation or Enabling

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Full Year Period

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Full Year Period	22/02/2027	17/08/2027	31/10/2027	31/10/2027

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2027 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2027 will be available from the 1st October 2026. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Apply technical knowledge to compose original songs
• Reflect on the songwriting process, illustrating emotional intent and analytical thinking through creative practice
• Identify and apply elements of diverse musical traditions through creative practice
• Document musical works using musical conventions and recordings

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
100101	$2,470.00	$2,114.00	not applicable

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	Classes delivered by the school/college Associate Teacher. Skills workshops, 120 minutes, 3 times Online learning and teaching content (self-directed learning), 60 minutes, weekly Assessments conducted by UTAS Lecturers, Tutors and Associate Teachers, 30 minutes per student, 2 times
Assessment	Task 1: Analysis of a Contemporary Song (10%)|Task 3: Song and Score Analysis (10%)|Task 2: Songwriter Brief 1 (15%)|Task 4: Songwriter Brief 2 (15%)|Task 5: Composition and presentation (50%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

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