Songwriting: Melody, Harmony, and Rhythm | Writing Melodies with Shapes | Berklee Online 14/24

In this video series, Berklee Songwriting instructor Scarlet Keys shows you the songwriting tools that professional songwriters use and how you can apply them to your own songs. Scarlet will demonstrate how to write songs in major and minor keys, and show you how to use notes that feel stable and unstable, and when to use them to best fit your lyrics. She will also get into how to write melodies that bring out the best in your songs’ lyrics, and how to incorporate rhythms intentionally. After watching this video series you will be able to paint the scene in your musical story, which will allow you to gain a new awareness as a songwriter and use these time-tested tools to make your songs more emotionally impactful.

About Scarlet Keys:
Scarlet Keys has been a professor in the Songwriting Department of Berklee College of Music since 2003. She holds a Bachelor of Music from Berklee and is a former staff writer for Warner Chappell. Scarlet has had a gold record in Sweden, has topped the charts in Britain, and her songs have been recorded in the US by award-winning artists spanning genres from jazz, country, Americana, folk, and pop. Her songs have appeared on film and TV, as well as national commercials. Scarlet has collaborated with artists such as Chris Stapleton, Gretchen Wilson, Emily West, Golden Globe nominee Monty Powell, and more. Scarlet’s former students include Charlie Puth, Charlie Worsham, Liz Longley, Betty Who, and many up and coming artists. She writes, performs, and teaches both at Berklee and songwriting clinics across the US.

About Berklee Online:

Founded in 2002, Berklee Online is the premier innovator and largest provider of worldwide music education, offering the renowned curriculum of Berklee College of Music at a fraction of the cost through award-winning programming and instruction. Contact an Academic Advisor today:

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Songwriting | Songwriter | Scarlet Keys | Berklee College of Music | Berklee Online | Lyric Writing | Melody | Songwriting Tutorial | Songwriting Techniques | Rhythm | Songwriting Tips | Major Key Chords | Choosing Chords | Chord Progressions | Non-Diatonic Chords | Sad Chords | Writing in Minor Keys | Minor Chord Progressions | Major Tensions | Minor Tensions | Harmonic Rhythm | Adding Contrast | Highlighting Lyrics | Writing Melodies | Writing Melodic Hooks | Stable and Unstable Tones | Creating Melodic Contrast | Developing Melodies | Melodic Rhythm | Lyrical Setting | Melodic Contour for Storytelling | Minor Key Melodies | Chord Tones and Non-Chord Tones | How to Write a Song | Writing Hit Songs | Songwriting Process | Musicians | Music | Charlie Puth | Charlie Worsham | Liz Longley | Betty Who | Chris Stapleton | Gretchen Wilson

[chrisneyman]

"Audition ideas" is such a lovely and fantastic concept. Thank you Scarlett!

[TheHistoryTellers]

You are simply ASTOUNDING! I am just learning at 63 but your style of teaching reaches out and INTO😇 thank you IMMENSELY!!

[petera]

Another simple insight well explained. I did know about this (though I’ve never heard of the thirds as a separate type) but this short video puts it into context. I shall be sad when this series ends.

[Badbettypowers]

Omg!!!! Thank you so much ❤ I’ve been stuck all week, this is so helpful

[WorshipwithMeena]

Thank you! Brilliant!😊 Love the idea of using shape! In fact, I was doing it all the time without realizing it!😉

[FreddyJ]

Excellent! I do this all the time to visualize a melody idea, but never thought in categories like this. Thank you! 😊👍🏻👍🏻

[ramesh]

Awesome tutorial. Beautifully explained and simplified. Thank you. 🙏

[Limbiclesion]

Great model for getting the appropriate emotion in a vocal composition 🎶🙏🙏🏿👏👏🦄🎩👍

[annasljnovikova]

This is another awsome and clear advice and insight - love the whole series! Thank you for doing this job. Please can you explain what exactly is meant by "addition melodies" as it says in the subtitles in 00.44?

[AF-fbyp]

Thanks for the video and sharing your tips.

[aakash]

In all 4 examples you did a IM to VIm progression. Basically 1 to 6-minor. Am I missing something?

[nicolaipolukoshko]

Longer form videos would be appreciated