Xinhui Yan

As a songwriting major, you’ll learn to write artfully as well gain the knowledge for writing commercially-viable songs. Throughout your four-year program, while completing the college’s core music curriculum, you’ll develop a creative approach to contemporary music compositions. Using the college’s state of the art facilities, you will work with a diverse community of musicians, faculty, and industry professionals, gaining real world experience while earning a bachelor's degree.

• Developed curriculum for beginner instrumentalists, focusing on ear training, music theory, and performance in various styles (pop, rock, jazz, etc.). Emphasized critical listening, collaboration, and adaptation to modern music technology. One to one piano lesson, exploring complex concepts such as sight-reading, playing chords, and improvisation.

• Provides a comprehensive foundation in music composition and arranging, equipping students with the skills to create compelling and stylistically diverse music. The curriculum covers both theoretical and practical aspects, incorporating contemporary styles and techniques, and delves into music supervision, providing students with the knowledge and experience to select and license music for diverse media applications.

• Exploring, possess a strong understanding of key terminology in disciplines like music, society, gender studies, and global studies, with experience applying it to analyze of artistic works exploring identity.

• Strong foundation in conducting principles, including baton technique, score study, rehearsal techniques, and leadership skills. Proficient in songwriting techniques, including melody and lyricwriting, using a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) for composition and production. Strong understanding of song structure and genre writing. One to one piano lesson, develop piano technique, learn music theory, and improve sight-reading skills.

• Expanded knowledge of conducting techniques for instrumental and vocal soloists in orchestral settings. Continued study of advanced music theory concepts including modern chord progressions, melodic construction, and modal harmony. Understanding of sound waves, propagation, room acoustics, human hearing, and tuning systems.

• Advanced music theory with emphasis on chromaticism, modulation, and 19th-century Romantic styles. Music production with MIDI/audio sequencing software and film scoring applications. Advanced sight-reading and comping skills for the piano in a rhythm section. Understanding of key terminology in gender and global studies related to music. In-depth knowledge of the evolution of contemporary American music from its African roots.

• Creation and writing of grooves for rhythm sections, including analysis of various styles (funk, rock, soul, Afro-Cuban, hip-hop, electronic, Brazilian) and hybrid approaches. Development of piano performance skills and stylistic understanding within a variety of genres (pop, rock, jazz, R&B). Production of original songs utilizing Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) and exploring diverse recording techniques and workflows.

• Songwriter workshop emphasizes the importance of both technical skill and artistic expression, preparing students for success in any musical ensemble. Learning to express musical ideas with authenticity and genre-appropriate nuance. Navigate the music industry with a focus on copyright, publishing, and revenue generation. Explore the evolution of popular American music and its impact on culture.

• Analyzed mix elements like balance, panning, EQ, reverb, compression, and time-based effects. Developed advanced critical listening skills with a focus on analyzing recording and mix techniques in popular music. Analyzed artist identity, vision, intention, melody, lyrics, song form, arrangement, performance, and mixing. Presented critical analyses of recordings in class, demonstrating understanding and communication skills.

• Provided hands-on training in modern recording, mixing, programming, and post-production techniques. Facilitated small group seminars for songwriting majors to refine final projects. Cultivated critical listening, musical expression with stylistic accuracy, and instrumental roles within a band setting through supervised lessons and rehearsals. Provided rehearsals room, fostering ensemble skills and performance techniques.

• Defining the goals of the recording project; selecting and collaborating with composers, arrangers, instrumentalists, and vocalists as appropriate; choosing and making the most of the technical resources available to fit the defined goals and budget; critically evaluating performance; and orchestrating, coaching and motivating all of the participants, from rehearsal to recording and final mix.