Carl Rubino

Basic Class Descriptions

Each class consists of a series of three two-hour and fifteen minute classes, one per week.

The Beginner Class 

This Class provides an introduction to the basics of songwriting.  There will be no pressure for anyone to come up with a complete song by the end of the class. 

The objective is that everyone becomes comfortable with the basic skills and techniques used in songwriting at a beginning level.  Coming up with a draft of a single verse and a chorus will be just fine for purposes of learning what we are focusing on.

We will be learning the basic components of creating a song: the melody (the musical notes the singer sings when performing the song), the lyrics (or words), song structure, basic rhyme concepts and pairing the words and melody so they flow together.  And we’ll learn ways to come up with each of those, especially when you get “stuck”.

In each class we will do exercises based on the material we are learning in that class that will help you get comfortable with what we are learning, in “bite-sized” pieces.

The first class will be largely instructional, in which I will describe and explain the various component parts of what makes a song, discuss rhyme and other aspects of a song, do some demonstrations in the form of my signing or playing things, and listening to some songs of well-known writers/artists/bands.  

Starting in the first class we will each begin working on our own songs and will develop them in stages from class to class through the third class.  In the fourth class we will look at using chord progressions beyond the basic ones we covered previously. 

Keep in mind that this is the first time you are attempting songwriting, or one of the first times, so please do not expect that you will come up with a great song, any more than someone would expect that the first painting they ever made would be a work of art, or that that they would balance and glide perfectly the first time they rode a bike. These will be the first steps on a new journey.  Relax.  In fact, most seasoned professional songwriters throw out far more than they keep and write a lot of “bad” songs for every good one they come up with.

You absolutely do not need to be able to play an instrument to create the melody (music) for your song.  All you will need to do in this class is just sing or even hum the musical melody.  Many skilled songwriters who play an instrument well do not even pick it up until they have come up with the melody line by simply singing it or humming it.  For those who do play, I will spend a portion of one class discussing some simple, common chord progressions in songwriting. And if everyone in class plays an instrument we can spend a bit more time on that.  

For classes that will be held online, attendance is by link to the Zoom broadcast. You must pre-register by email to carlrubinomusic@gmail.com with subject “Beginner Songwriting Class” to get the link.

Improving Your Songwriting Class

This is for those who have written at least a few songs, and who would like to improve their find ways to imrove their lyric writing, learn more about editing their songs to transform them to the best they can be, improve their knowledge of chord progressions to be able to compose songs with more variation between verses and chorus, expand their chord vocabulary and learn a bit about using things like key changes, modulation and chord substitute to elevate their compositional ability beyond simple C-F-G type progressions.  

For classes that will be held online, admission to the Zoom broadcast is by link. You must pre-register by email to carlrubinomusic@gmail.com with subject “Improving Your Songwriting Class” to get the link.

Testimonials From “Songwriting for Beginners” Students 

“Wasn’t sure where it was gonna take me when I signed up for it, but I did know that I had music in me that needed to come out in a more organized fashion…I know this wouldn’t have happened without your class. I would’ve had bits and pieces all over the darn place totally unorganized…Writing songs/music and then sharing it is like exposing your soul to the world. Your non-judgmental, encouraging approach made it so comfortable to go through that process. This experience will continue to live and enrich my life!”  Thank you.”      Aisha Stanyon (full name used with permission).

“I really enjoyed what I got to experience and feel you taught the subject well. You offered both a good mix of detailed lecture and analysis, as well as encouragement for everyone to follow their own path creatively. I also liked that you included opportunities to practice right then and there, in class. Thanks again, Carl, and I hope you can continue offering classes like this.” Austin Petrashune (songwriter and professional musician, “Austin and the Outlaws”)

“Considering myself to be someone who enjoys listening to music with high interest but low talent, I was a little apprehensive going into this class.  That said, I felt that the instructor was very gracious and patient, meeting each student where they were at in terms of experience and proficiency.  The class exercises and process of creating a song gave me the courage to try something that was initially very intimidating.  I can’t recommend this class highly enough to anyone who has an interest in songwriting…This class was a great introduction to the different elements that go into creating a song, with real-world examples and practical exercises culminating in writing a song.”  M.G. (initials used with permission)

“Carl Rubino’s Song Writing for Beginners class exceeded my expectations. Not only did he breakdown the structure of a song, but he helped me understand music theory in a way that made sense to me. As a complete novice unable to hold a note or play more than a few simple chords on a guitar, I left his class with a beautiful song that is very personal. With Carl’s expertise, I was able to take a simple story and turn it into multiple verses and a progressing chorus that underscores the journey of the story. I highly recommend working with Carl. He is knowledgeable, inspiring, and an amazing teacher. I look forward to working with Carl again to create another work of art.” Victoria Hantout (name used with permission)