(6 Sessions) Learn how to write great lyrics and melodies. Delve into creating effective lyrics, prosody, rhythmic elements and melodic patterns. Explore song form, chord structures and song analysis to write songs that have a memorable “hook.” Students will write at least two songs. Students, both beginners and accomplished songwriters will gain an understanding of how to write effective lyrics and melodies to perform and/or optionally record as finished songs. Objectives and Goals: Students will learn how to develop an idea into lyrics and how to join the melody with the lyrics and how to market, publish, and record their music. Students will be introduced to basic music theory in creating melodies that match song lyrics. Students will gain an understanding of what makes a great song by analyzing examples of famous songwriters. Instructor will use as a reference, John Braheny's "The Craft and Business of Songwriting" considered the Bible of songwriting by Berklee School of Music and Nashville Songwriters. Handout materials will be provided. Students will need to bring: three-ring binder, a dictionary, pencil and paper, and an instrument such as guitar to accompany their voice when writing songs in class (piano keyboards may be provided for those who play piano). Students will have the option of performing the songs in class or having the instructor perform them in class; students will receive class and instructor feedback.