It’s no secret that Taylor Swift is a prodigious mind at songwriting, but learning the skill is now earning some students credits at Berklee College of Music.
The course, called “The Music of Taylor Swift,” is being offered for the first time this semester, and spots are filling up as quickly as her concerts. NBC10 Boston was invited to attend one of the lectures.
Professor Scarlett Keys teaches the classes and has developed the curriculum. Together, students listen to one of Swift’s songs and then discuss the techniques she used.
“I’m kind of doing the Eras Tour in class, like the first week is a record one. The second week is the second record week,” Keys said.
A lesson is much more than just singing. Students learn the tools Swift uses, including melodies and metaphors. Homework is to come up with your own versions and complete them.
“She is the reason I started writing songs and want to become one. She showed me that it is possible to get people to listen to your story through music,” said senior Benji Luong.
If you missed Taylor Swift’s live performance this year, here’s your chance to see her on the big screen.
Ada Papila, a music business graduate, met Swift at the film’s premiere last week and told her about the course.
“I also gave her the letter and it was there, so hopefully she will hear about it and come to class one day,” Papila said.
Although they are all currently in their college era, they all have big professional dreams and say they owe the pop superstar much more than just their college performance.
“College is so stressful and this is a place where they can study, sing and have fun. It’s great to see them learning the craft. They come in with so much talent and I’m just a coach,” Keys said.
The course has become so popular that Keyes will offer two sections of it next semester, just to keep up with demand.