COURSE: Music Theory and Ear Training for Singers and Songwriters
“A techical knowledge of music theory can’t hurt. It can help. Yeah, there are some problems that you solve by information that a teacher can give you. You’ll have a much harder time solving those problems without that information. You might solve them, anyway. But why reinvent the wheel when the information is there?”
INFO
4 Masterclasses - Starting February 3rd, 2025.
The 4 Group Sessions will take place on:
February 3rd, February 10th, February 24th, and March 3rd
Always at 19:30 CET (Berlin) / 18:30 GMT (London)
Zoom link will be the same for all sessions
4 meet-ups with fun and engaging Music Theory and Ear Training lessons, especially tailored to the needs of singers and songwriters.
This intensive mini-course takes place over the course of one month on 4 Monday evenings. Each session is 90 minutes long and includes a focus on a specific music theory topic with relevant exercises.
The workshops will be recorded, and you’ll have indefinite access to this material, along with all written and visual examples from the course.
PRICING: 200€
CONTENT
Session 1 - Mon. 03.02..2025
Intervals
We’ll dive into intervals, the building blocks of everything else in music. You’ll learn to “feel” and recognize their sound, practicing with various exercises. As we revisit intervals throughout the course, you’ll become naturally attuned to any given interval, similar to responding instinctively to a friendly “Hello.” Think of it as learning a new language (but with far fewer words).
Session 2 - Mon. 10.02.2025
Chords and Scales
We’ll break down the theory behind chord structures: how to build and name them. But as singers and songwriters, internalizing their sound and feel is key. Think of different chords as colors to paint with. Learn how one melody can fit into various harmonic environments depending on the chords you choose.
You’ll also see how chords and scales are essentially the same concept—they’re interdependent. I’ll explain this through a western jazz context, transforming how you generate melodies and analyze others' work.
Session 3 - Mon. 24.02.2025
Progressions
Imagine composing an entire song on a simple afternoon stroll—progressions make this possible. We’ll look at common progressions and practice hearing and decoding them.
Mastering this skill will open up your ears, like two blooming flowers, eager for the next sound that leads you deeper into the expansive world of music.
Session 4 - Mon. 03.03.2025
Analysis
With all our knowledge, we’ll analyze music to discover its inner workings. We’ll explore a pop song and a jazz standard, connecting theory to practice.
This course goes beyond theory to build skills that are practical for singing, songwriting, and understanding why certain musical choices work so well.
With a world of musical history at our fingertips, knowing how to analyze music is like unlocking an endless well of inspiration and insight, an invaluable tool for any creative.
I love teaching music theory, so join me as we turn this sometimes dry or daunting subject into something fun, relevant, and inspiring!
No worries if music theory feels a bit intimidating—this course is designed to meet you wherever you’re at. Whether you’re a beginner or have some theory knowledge, you’ll feel safe, supported, and right at home here. We’re going to make theory practical, approachable, and fun, with plenty of guidance along the way. Jump in and let’s explore together!
Remember, you can book a free chat with me if you have any questions.: Free Chat
“Working with Freddie got me over the fear of starting. I’ve always wanted to write songs, and have always felt like I didn’t know enough to be able to. Freddie helped me realise that there is no barrier to entry - that you can write beautiful songs with 2 chords, knowing next to nothing about music. He also explained some music theory concepts which gave me so many more colours to paint with and really elevated my songwriting. And then there’s Freddie’s IKEA songbuilding exercise... the best weapon to silence your inner critic and actually finish songs!! I’m so grateful to Freddie for getting me started. If you get the chance to work with him, jump on it. You won’t find a kinder or more supportive teacher.”
WHO IS TEACHING THIS COURSE?
I’ve been a professional songwriter and artist through much of the 2010s, performing in bands like The White Album and The Eclectic Moniker, as well as with Poul Krebs, Søs Fenger, and Dicte. I have extensive teaching experience, from intermediate to advanced levels, including at the Copenhagen Rhythmic Conservatory, Aalborg Musikkonservatorium, several MGK programs, Den Rytmiske Højskole, and Engelsholm Højskole in Denmark.
In my twenties, while studying electric guitar at the Carl Nielsen Academy of Music (2003-2008), I taught guitar, band, and theory at music schools and MGKs. I’ve also worked as a guitar teacher in Germany, and currently, I’m a part-time music teacher at the Scandinavian School in Berlin.
Since 2017, I’ve operated my own studio, working as a songwriter, producer, and mixing engineer.
Payment and Cancellation Policy
Once payment has been made, your spot in the course is reserved. Please note that this reservation is non-refundable under any circumstances.
This policy ensures clarity and commitment for all parties involved. Let me know if there’s anything else I can help with!
BEYOND VOCALS ADD-ON COURSE: Practical Songwriting for Singers
INFO
NOTE! This course is only bookable by members of the Beyond Vocals 2024 Autumn Membership!
6 Workshops - Starting September 9th 2024.
The 6 Group Sessions will take place on:
September 9th, September 23rd, September 30th, October 14th, October 28th and November 11th.
Always at 19.30 CET (Berlin) / 18.30 GMT (London).
Zoom link will be the same for all sessions.
Each session is 90 minutes long and will include exploring a songwriting related topic and will also include group work and individual creative writing. You will be set tasks in each session and there will be opportunities to showcase your work and receive feedback.
During the course, you’ll have the option of booking in 1hr one-to-one sessions with me for 45€ (normally 80€). You can book as many sessions as you like in the duration of the course.
Unlimited written email feedback on songs or ideas during the course.
You also have free access to check-ins with me and the group via text and voice memos.
The workshops will be recorded and you will have indefinite access to this material as well.
Price: 225€ (Normal Price 315€) for the whole course (or 3 installments of 75€ paid at the beginning of Sept, Oct and Nov).
Send me an e-mail on frederikvedersoe@gmail.com if you want to pay in installments.
“Working with Freddie got me over the fear of starting. I’ve always wanted to write songs, and have always felt like I didn’t know enough to be able to. Freddie helped me realise that there is no barrier to entry - that you can write beautiful songs with 2 chords, knowing next to nothing about music. He also explained some music theory concepts which gave me so many more colours to paint with and really elevated my songwriting. And then there’s Freddie’s IKEA songbuilding exercise... the best weapon to silence your inner critic and actually finish songs!! I’m so grateful to Freddie for getting me started. If you get the chance to work with him, jump on it. You won’t find a kinder or more supportive teacher.”
CONTENT
Session 1 - 09.09.2024
Inspiration and Motivation.
Where does inspiration come from, how can we cultivate it and how do we develop motivation?
In this session we’ll look closer at different examples of creative workflows and talk about how to get you started on your songwriting journey.
Session 2 - 23.09.2024
Storytelling in Songwriting.
In this session we’ll take a look at different ways to tell a story as a songwriter. Lyrics are one component, but there are many other ways to outline a narrative in a song. We’ll look at handful and explore how they all relate to and affect each other.
Session 3 - 30.09.2024
Rhythm in Songwriting.
Rhythm is such a crucial part of music and something often overlooked in favor of chords and melodies.
In this workshop we’ll talk about some foundational rhythmical concepts and how we can use them in relation to our own songwriting.
Session 4 - 14.10.2024
Theory Session.
As a preparation for next session, we need to take a moment and work on some basic theoretical concepts, so we can understand and analyze melodies and chords.
We’ll talk about the church modes and how to build chords and their functions.
Session 5 - 28.10.2024
Melodic Motifs and analysis.
Now it’s time to make sense of the concepts we learned in the previous lesson.
We’ll look at some beautiful melodies and the accompanying chords and draw all the inspiration we can from it to use in our own songs.
Session 6 - 11.11.2024
Songwriting Exercises.
In this last session, it’s important for me that you get a good idea on how to keep improving as songwriter and what practices to focus on going forward.
Therefore, I will give you a library of songwriting exercises of all sorts that will help you improve as songwriter. We’ll talk our way through all of them and maybe even try a few.
“The course was a very unique and profound look at the art of songwriting, covering an inspiring and challenging range of focused topics.
Frederik’s knowledge, support and honesty, alongside a really lovely community of musicians, allowed a lot of insights to emerge, and I loved the way it was structured.
It also really made a difference to be guided by someone who has had so much experience inside the music industry long term: I feel that made for a calm and really beautifully held space, to explore what can sometimes feel overwhelming and complicated.
Overall, although a fun and gentle process, I was invited to rethink my approach to writing music in a way that is more serious, focused, intentional, and authentic.
This was a deep dive into looking at our intentions, artistic identity, communication and personal journey, alongside tasks, practical resources and analysis of a lot of music.
It has helped me explore many of the things that were holding me back, and offered a lot of new tools and ideas for approaching writing in fresh ways.
Thankyou Frederik.”
Remember you can always book a free chat with me, if you have any questions or reservations. Let’s have a talk. Book a free chat here: Free Chat
WHO IS TEACHING THIS COURSE?
I have have been a successful professional songwriter and artist throughout most of the 10’s in my own bands The White Album and The Eclectic Moniker and have also toured and played with Poul Krebs, Søs Fenger and Dicte among others. I have many years of teaching experience behind me from intermediate to the highest level in Denmark, where I’ve taught songwriting and music students at the Copenhagen Rhythmic Conservatory, Aalborg Musikkonservatorium, a handful of MGk’s plus Den Rytmiske Højskole and Engelsholm Højskole.
In my twenties while studying electric guitar at Carl Nielsen Academy og Music (2003-2008), I taught guitar, band and theory at different music schools and MGk’s in Denmark.
I have also worked as guitar teacher in Germany, where I’m currently employed as part time music teacher at the Scandinavian School in Berlin.
Since around 2017 I have owned my own studio, that have gone through several relocations, where I’ve worked with other artists as a songwriter, music producer and mixing engineer.
I’m also a life long student of music myself and never seem to get tired of exploring the intricate mysteries and inner workings of music itself and the workflow related to the making of it.
COURSE: Practical Songwriting for Singers
INFO
6 Workshops - Starting September 9th 2024.
The 6 Group Sessions will take place on:
September 9th, September 23rd, September 30th, October 14th, October 28th and November 11th.
Always at 19.30 CET (Berlin) / 18.30 GMT (London).
Zoom link will be the same for all sessions.
Each session is 90 minutes long and will include exploring a songwriting related topic and will also include group work and individual creative writing. You will be set tasks in each session and there will be opportunities to showcase your work and receive feedback.
During the course, you’ll have the option of booking in 1hr one-to-one sessions with me for 60€ (normally 80€). You can book as many sessions as you like in the duration of the course.
Unlimited written email feedback on songs or ideas during the course.
You also have free access to check-ins with me and the group via text and voice memos.
The workshops will be recorded and you will have indefinite access to this material as well.
Price: 315€ for the whole course (or 3 installments of 105€ paid at the beginning of Sept, Oct and Nov).
Send me an e-mail on frederikvedersoe@gmail.com if you want to pay in installments.
“Working with Freddie got me over the fear of starting. I’ve always wanted to write songs, and have always felt like I didn’t know enough to be able to. Freddie helped me realise that there is no barrier to entry - that you can write beautiful songs with 2 chords, knowing next to nothing about music. He also explained some music theory concepts which gave me so many more colours to paint with and really elevated my songwriting. And then there’s Freddie’s IKEA songbuilding exercise... the best weapon to silence your inner critic and actually finish songs!! I’m so grateful to Freddie for getting me started. If you get the chance to work with him, jump on it. You won’t find a kinder or more supportive teacher.”
NB! I’m working closely together with Emilia Martensson from Beyond Vocals. This course can also be bought as an add-on course if you’re part of the Beyond Vocals membership this fall. For details on pricing and one-to-one’s, please get in touch with me or Emilia on beyondvocalsuk@gmail.com
CONTENT
Session 1 - 09.09.2024
Inspiration and Motivation.
Where does inspiration come from, how can we cultivate it and how do we develop motivation?
In this session we’ll look closer at different examples of creative workflows and talk about how to get you started on your songwriting journey.
Session 2 - 23.09.2024
Storytelling in Songwriting.
In this session we’ll take a look at different ways to tell a story as a songwriter. Lyrics are one component, but there are many other ways to outline a narrative in a song. We’ll look at handful and explore how they all relate to and affect each other.
Session 3 - 30.09.2024
Rhythm in Songwriting.
Rhythm is such a crucial part of music and something often overlooked in favor of chords and melodies.
In this workshop we’ll talk about some foundational rhythmical concepts and how we can use them in relation to our own songwriting.
Session 4 - 14.10.2024
Theory Session.
As a preparation for next session, we need to take a moment and work on some basic theoretical concepts, so we can understand and analyze melodies and chords.
We’ll talk about the church modes and how to build chords and their functions.
Session 5 - 28.10.2024
Melodic Motifs and analysis.
Now it’s time to make sense of the concepts we learned in the previous lesson.
We’ll look at some beautiful melodies and the accompanying chords and draw all the inspiration we can from it to use in our own songs.
Session 6 - 11.11.2024
Songwriting Exercises.
In this last session, it’s important for me that you get a good idea on how to keep improving as songwriter and what practices to focus on going forward.
Therefore, I will give you a library of songwriting exercises of all sorts that will help you improve as songwriter. We’ll talk our way through all of them and maybe even try a few.
“The course was a very unique and profound look at the art of songwriting, covering an inspiring and challenging range of focused topics.
Frederik’s knowledge, support and honesty, alongside a really lovely community of musicians, allowed a lot of insights to emerge, and I loved the way it was structured.
It also really made a difference to be guided by someone who has had so much experience inside the music industry long term: I feel that made for a calm and really beautifully held space, to explore what can sometimes feel overwhelming and complicated.
Overall, although a fun and gentle process, I was invited to rethink my approach to writing music in a way that is more serious, focused, intentional, and authentic.
This was a deep dive into looking at our intentions, artistic identity, communication and personal journey, alongside tasks, practical resources and analysis of a lot of music.
It has helped me explore many of the things that were holding me back, and offered a lot of new tools and ideas for approaching writing in fresh ways.
Thankyou Frederik”
Remember you can always book a free chat with me, if you have any questions or reservations. Let’s have a talk. Book a free chat here: Free Chat
WHO IS TEACHING THIS COURSE?
I have have been a successful professional songwriter and artist throughout most of the 10’s in my own bands The White Album and The Eclectic Moniker and have also toured and played with Poul Krebs, Søs Fenger and Dicte among others. I have many years of teaching experience behind me from intermediate to the highest level in Denmark, where I’ve taught songwriting and music students at the Copenhagen Rhythmic Conservatory, Aalborg Musikkonservatorium, a handful of MGk’s plus Den Rytmiske Højskole and Engelsholm Højskole.
In my twenties while studying electric guitar at Carl Nielsen Academy og Music (2003-2008), I taught guitar, band and theory at different music schools and MGk’s in Denmark.
I have also worked as guitar teacher in Germany, where I’m currently employed as part time music teacher at the Scandinavian School in Berlin.
Since around 2017 I have owned my own studio, that have gone through several relocations, where I’ve worked with other artists as a songwriter, music producer and mixing engineer.
I’m also a life long student of music myself and never seem to get tired of exploring the intricate mysteries and inner workings of music itself and the workflow related to the making of it.
Free Open Workshop - Songwriting Tools
Sunday Sessions
Free Open Workshop: Songwriting Tools
When: Sunday 01.09.2024 at 18.30 CET (Berlin) / 17.30 GMT (London).
In this free one-hour online workshop I will go through some of the tools I use in my own songwriting as well as other valuable tools used by other songwriters.
Whenever we get stuck, get bored or feel the need to procrastinate, using some of these tools, could potentially help you overcome and get some meaningful work done. Also, practicing and using these tools will speed up your process, helping you write more songs and probably also help you enjoy your songwriting much more.
Some of the tools and concepts we’ll go over in this workshop will be:
Finding inspiration
Working on lyrics
Contrast
Writing for your own voice
Writing with the computer
I hope you’ll join me for this free workshop. Let’s hang out and nerd a bit of songwriting together!
Songwriting for Singers
INFO
6 Workshops (Bi-Monthly) - Starting April 22nd 2024.
Each session is 90 minutes long and will include exploring a songwriting related topic and will also include group work and individual creative writing. You will be set tasks in each session and there will be opportunities to showcase your work and receive feedback.
During the course you have access to 6 x 30 mins one-to-one sessions with me, where we can work individually on your own material or expand on the content of the program.
You also have access to regular check-ins with me via text and voice memos once a week.
The workshops will be recorded and you will have access to this material as well.
PRICING
Original Price: 360€ (120€ pr month)
Earlybird: 285€ (95€ pr month) until March 15th.
During the course you’ll have the option of booking in extra sessions for 30€ pr hr (normally 60€).
CONTENT
Session 1 - 22.04.2024
How to overcome writer’s block using Prompts and Speedwriting.
I think every songwriter knows the feeling of being stuck or maybe you even have trouble getting started in the first place?
In this session we will explore some tools to get you going and actually start to have some fun writing songs!
Session 2 - 06.05.2024
Chord Patterns - Genre, Analysis and Chord Prompts.
Some singers struggle with chords and the theory behind them. Which chord goes together with what and how much do I have to know about this before I can start creating?
We’ll take the fear and loathing out of chords altogether and explore how we can use certain types of chords to give us the feel we’re after. I will show you a bunch of progressions from my own favourite songs and show you how you can begin analyzing your own reference material.
Session 3 - 20.05.2024
Real World Problems - Q and A and sharing obstacles and progress.
At this point in the course, we take a little breather from theory and songwriting exercises and have a talk about the ups and downs of our own careers and lives as singers and songwriters.
This is a forum where everybody will have the option of sharing and I will also share my own story of being under immense pressure from major record labels and managers, and explain how I finally learned to enjoy the process of creation and all the bumps I had on the way there.
Session 4 - 03.06.2024
Lyric Writing Tactics.
Lyrics. Sometimes they come easy, but mostly we sit and sweat for hours, days, months or even years in some cases, trying to make them as good as they can possibly be.
We will explore a bunch of different lyric writing exercises and approaches and talk about ways to improve as storytellers.
Session 5 - 17.06.2024
Using Contrast in Songwriting.
This is one of my favourite subjects to talk about when it comes to songwriting. It’s the foundation of what we do as songwriters after we have the initial idea. It’s the key to getting unstuck when you don’t know what to write next and the definition of a good C part.
I will show you a bunch of examples on how the masters use contrast in some of the greatest songs ever recorded and we’ll dive in to some exercises, where we explore this concept in more detail.
Session 6 - 01.07.2024
Songwriting Workflow Strategies.
In this last session, it’s important for me that you get a good idea on how to keep improving as songwriter and what practices to focus on going forward.
We will do some more personal exercises related to workflow and your individual artistic identity. We will make sure that you’ll show up for yourself and take action on your musical dreams and ambitions weather you get struck by divine inspiration or not.
Book your seat here
Songwriting for Singers 3
I am collaborating with renowned Swedish/Slovenian singer Emilia Martensson from Beyond Vocals on designing this brand-new course which aims to move singers forward with their songwriting skills whilst strengthening their creative direction and understanding of their artistic identity.
All sessions are FREE
Songwriting for Singers 2
I am collaborating with renowned Swedish/Slovenian singer Emilia Martensson from Beyond Vocals on designing this brand-new course which aims to move singers forward with their songwriting skills whilst strengthening their creative direction and understanding of their artistic identity.
All sessions are FREE