Therapeutic Songwriting - Prof - University of t

The Therapeutic Songwriting module at UWE Bristol is a Master's level program designed to equip individuals with the skills to utilize songwriting in therapeutic settings. It covers the history, philosophies, and techniques of therapeutic songwriting, and provides opportunities for practical application and reflection. The program is open to qualified and trainee music therapists, as well as professionals from various fields and musicians without prior songwriting experience.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Therapeutic Songwriting module

is a 15-credit Level 7 (Master's level) program designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge to utilize songwriting within therapeutic settings. It is open to both qualified and trainee music therapists, along with professionals from various fields including education, social care, and counselling. Even musicians without prior songwriting experience are welcome.

Program Objectives:

Develop a critical understanding of therapeutic songwriting's history, philosophies, and integration with established psychotherapeutic frameworks.
Enhance active and creative listening skills within a musical context.
Acquire and apply melodic and harmonic techniques in therapeutic songwriting.
Reflect critically on one's development as a therapeutic songwriter.
Enhance musical skills, including guitar and piano usage for songwriting.
Understand and employ group songwriting approaches.

Outline:

Content:

Historical and cultural background of therapeutic songwriting
The songwriting process
Philosophy of therapeutic songwriting
Psychological considerations
Culturally sensitive approaches
Introduction to major songwriting approaches
Musical techniques
Basic guitar and keyboard technique
Acrostic techniques
Overcoming creative hurdles and blocks
Harmonic structures
Improvisation
Therapeutic skills
Active and creative listening
Staying musically engaged
Suspending value judgments
Client-led lyric creation
Group songwriting
Recording techniques and ethics
Utilizing recorded materials

Structure:

The program comprises various teaching formats like workshops, lectures, individual and small group activities, and discussions.
Scheduled learning: workshops, small group activities, and group discussions/seminars.
Independent learning: includes time spent practicing techniques, engaging with essential and further readings, self-directed study, reflective writing, preparing for lectures, completing assignments.

Learning Time:

Total learning time: 45 hours of scheduled time on therapeutic songwriting lectures and workshops.
Independent study: Approx.
Assessment methods involve reflective practice, discussions with examiners and peers, and presentations to demonstrate integration of theory and practice.
The assessment consists of:
Recordings of songs written in practice.
A written self-appraisal.
A written reflective piece on songwriting development referencing recordings.
An in-person viva presentation of songwriting practice as a case study.
The total word count for written parts of the portfolio (2+3) is 3,000 (+/- 10%).

Teaching:

The program features experienced practitioners Bob Heath and Will Lawton as instructors.
Teaching methods incorporate a variety of formats like workshops, lectures, individual and small group activities, discussions, and presentations.
The program adapts its teaching and learning methods based on the cohort size.

Therapeutic Songwriting - Professional/Short course

Program Overview