Week 2: Songwriting with Diatonic Triads

Focus

Understanding harmony through creation—using scale degrees and diatonic chords.

Core Skills

• Building triads on scale degrees (I, IV, V, vi)

• Recognizing common chord progressions (I–V–vi–IV, etc.)

• Writing melodies using chord tones (1–3–5)

• Using numbers instead of chord names for accessibility

Collaborative Exercises

• Small groups compose a short song using only 3–4 chords

• Exchange melodies and harmonize each other’s work

• Rewrite a known melody using scale-degree structure

Teaching Application

• Create a beginner songwriting prompt using only scale degrees

• Scaffold a lesson where students write melodies before learning notation

Reflection Questions

• How does songwriting deepen theoretical understanding?

• What barriers might your students face when composing?

• How can limiting options (e.g., only 3 chords) increase creativity?