WHAT IS A SONG?
Words set to music, most of the time anyway. But it’s really so much more than that.
Join singer-songwriter Mary Spender and electronic music producer, Rachel K Collier in this brand-new in-depth course in learning how to write and record your own original songs.
Songwriting is a craft, and like all crafts, you should never stop learning over your lifetime.
This course is a step-by-step guide on how Mary and Rachel use different approaches to build their songs from the ground up. The beauty of having two instructors with very different styles means you can mix and match whatever works for you. It’s perfect for songwriters at all levels.
We’ll start with the basics of every great song - Harmony and Rhythm.
Mary and Rachel, both trained musicians, will teach you all about chords, their structure and progressions, and what works together.
As we progress through the course, you’ll learn all about constructing a catchy melody, finding your voice, writing and refining lyrics, and song structure and arrangement.
Then your instructors will teach you everything you need to know about basic home studio production, their recording setups, and how you can record great sounding demos on a budget, as well as the fundamentals of mixing and mastering.
By the end of the course you’ll have all the skills and knowledge you need to craft great songs, and continue your songwriting journey.
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTORS
Mary Spender is an accomplished singer-songwriter, known for her moving, soulful vocals and highly skilled fingerstyle guitar playing.
Mary is also a classically trained singer and multi-instrumentalist, playing the viola, violin, and piano.
She began teaching herself the guitar aged twelve, and wrote her first songs at fifteen. Since then, she’s toured all over the UK and Europe from open mics to Glastonbury festival.
Her original music has been streamed over five million times on YouTube, and her songs are characterized by their emotional depth, confessional lyrics, and melodic hooks.
Most recently, she’s released her debut studio album, Super Sexy Heartbreak, demonstrating her timeless songwriting, and will be touring the UK in Autumn 2024.
Rachel K Collier is a singer-songwriter and producer from Swansea in the UK. Rachel started writing her own songs at the age of twelve, and spent her teenage years recording hundreds of tracks with her Dad’s tape player and a Yamaha DJX keyboard.
Fast forward to 2012 and Rachel was being flown to LA for writing sessions with the superstar DJ David Guetta.
That same year, she had her first UK top 20 hit with ‘Boom Boom Heart Beat’ and in 2014 she wrote the lead single from Mat Zo’s grammy nominated album ‘Damage Control’.
To date, Rachel has independently released two studio albums ‘RKC’ and “Songs In the Key Of Internet’
As well as writing and producing, Rachel’s online performances have led to shows around the world, playing at SXSW, Amsterdam Dance Event and Radio 1's Biggest Weekend.
FOLLOW AT YOUR OWN PACE
Perfect for songwriters of all levels, this in-depth course is hosted by two experienced professional musicians. With over 60 videos spread over 10 chapters totalling 7 hours of content, it’s the best way to up your songwriting game.
EXCLUSIVE DOWNLOADS
You'll not only have visual insight with easy to follow screen recordings, but you'll actually have access to the EXACT project files Rachel and Mary use on their songs. Plus sample and MIDI packs that you can use in your own music!
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY
You'll gain access to Mary and Rachel's exclusive Discord server where you'll meet other songwriters, share your tracks and find new collaborators to inspire you!
The Curriculum
- Intro to Generating Ideas (0:25)
- Chord Generator (8:42)
- Alternate Guitar Tunings (7:22)
- Generating Chord Ideas - Part 1 (3:18)
- Generating Chord Ideas - Part 2 (5:05)
- Working with Midi Chord Progressions (5:21)
- Writing on the Guitar - Noodling (4:42)
- Writing on the Guitar - Notes Between The Chords (2:43)
- Software - Intro to Logic Drummer (9:40)
- Software - Intro to Superior Drums (5:42)
- Generating Rhythm With Ducking FX (3:34)
- Generating A Beat (4:03)
- Generating A Beat Using XO (2:50)
