Key facts
UNE unit code: MUSI221
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
Songwriting is a powerful means to express ideas, emotions and important messages that connect with audiences and communities.
In this unit you will be introduced to popular music songwriting and performance techniques across a variety of contemporary genres including rock, pop, folk, hip hop and electronica. You will also explore the role of music production approaches in songwriting.
You will learn how to analyse popular song structures, navigate conventions of instrumentation and harmony, and form a technical understanding of how popular songs develop themes, styles and emotions. You will assess the relationship between live music performance and songwriting in order to understand how performance modifies and augments musical texts.
Throughout the trimester you will develop lyric writing skills and craft an original song in your preferred genre. The unit will culminate with a performance of the song..
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Students training to be qualified school music teachers are required to study four units in musical performance to meet the Subject Content Requirements outlined by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NSWESA) . MUSI221 can be counted towards these requirements.
Students are expected to have some prior experience in musical performance, composition/songwriting or music technology in order to complete this unit.
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- analyse contemporary music songwriting techniques across a variety of popular music genres;
- demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between songwriting and live music performance outcomes in a variety of genres;
- evaluate the role lyrics, sampling and musical production techniques play in the development of aesthetics in contemporary songwriting;
- apply analytical and technical knowledge of songwriting to the creation of an original song; and
- apply knowledge of the relationship between musical text and performance to the performance of an original song.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 | Yes | 20% | All offerings | A written song analysis assessment No. Words: 1000 |
| Assessment 2 | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Creation of an original song No. Words: 1500 (equivalent) |
| Assessment 3 | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Performance of an original song. It is mandatory to pass this performance component in order to pass the unit. No. Words: 1500 (equivalent) |
| Assessment 4 | No | 20% | All offerings | Online group activities No. Words: 1000 (equivalent) |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Writing Music for Hit Songs
ISBN: 9780825672453
Josefs, J., Schirmer Trade Books 2nd ed. 2000
Text refers to: Trimester 2 (Online)
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
See Note
Text refers to: Trimester 2 (Online)
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