Handouts
Reference pages for the Pop Songwriting Studio. Open the one for today's session. Each page has a Download PDF button for printing.
Download all handouts (one PDF)Phase 1 · First Song
Song Anatomy MapWhat each section of a song does, plus a listening map to fill in.Session 1Chord CheatsheetRoman numerals, ukulele shapes, and the famous four-chord loops.Sessions 1 · 7Beat PatternsDrum grids for six grooves, from Basic Rock to Dembow.Session 2Melody & Hook ToolkitThe Hook Recipe, six melody rules, and the One-Listen Test.Sessions 3 · 9Lyric ToolkitTitles, show-don't-tell, object writing, rhyme, and fitting words to notes.Sessions 4 · 9Song Map PlannerFill-in song structure, length formula, and the energy curve.Sessions 5 · 10Mix & Export ChecklistRecording, the four mix moves, and exporting the final song.Sessions 6 · 12
Phase 2 · Level Up
Use all the time
Songwriter JournalOne entry per session, reflections, liner notes, and a portfolio.Every sessionUkulele Songwriter's GuideChord shapes, strum patterns, melody notes, and recording tips.Every sessionUsing おんぷノートWriting melodies in the school notation app, with workarounds.Sessions 3 onwardListening ListSongs to study, grouped by the idea they show well.Any session