This easy to use song formula sheet is perfect for individuals or classrooms. Use this as a springboard for your creativity!

This formula uses a simple ABCB rhyme scheme to ensure a quick, easy, and successful first dive into lyric writing.

Feel free to print and use these yourself or with any class/students.

Student can produce background tracks using any technology or instruments avaliable to them.  However, you’re also welcome to utilize out background tracks:

Write Your First Verse – Lesson Plan

Objective:
Students will learn the basics of writing a verse for a song by choosing a topic, writing four lines of lyrics, and experimenting with an ABCB rhyme scheme.

Materials Needed:
1. Handouts for students with instructions
2. Background tracks for singing (can be pre-recorded or played live)
3. Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) access (optional)
4. Instruments for live performance (optional)
5. Whiteboard and markers

Lesson Activities:

Introduction
Begin with a brief discussion on songwriting. Explain that a song typically has different parts like verses and choruses. Today, they will focus on writing their first verse.
Introduce the concept of rhyme schemes, specifically the ABCB rhyme scheme.

Live Demonstration
The teacher will ask for the students to suggest topics about which they will collectively write a song. After choosing a topic, the teacher will lead a quick songwriting session. Ask the students to describe the topic and simply put these descriptions into sentences. Emphasize the process of choosing words that rhyme for the second and fourth lines (ABCB rhyme scheme).
Encourage full class participation by asking students for suggestions and ideas during the demonstration. Sing the completed verse over a background track, demonstrating how to match lyrics with the music.

Student Activity
Distribute the handouts to students. Students will choose their topics and write four lines of lyrics, ensuring the second and fourth lines rhyme. Students can work individually or in groups.

Performance Practice
Students will practice singing their verses over provided background tracks, into a DAW, or with live instruments. Encourage students to experiment with different melodies and rhythms as they sing.

Sharing
Volunteers can share their verses with the class. Encourage positive engagement. Feedback is not really important right now, just engagement with the process. If students are timid, ask if anyone will allow you to simply read their lyrics.

Reflection
Discuss what students found challenging or enjoyable about writing their first verse.
Encourage students to continue writing and experimenting with their songwriting skills beyond the classroom.

National Core Arts Standards Alignment:
Creating (MU.1.5a): Students will generate musical ideas for various purposes and contexts.
Performing (MU.2.5a): Students will demonstrate the ability to read and perform music.
Responding (MU.1.5a): Students will perceive and analyze music.
Connecting (MU.0.5a): Students will synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make music.

Additional Tips and Tricks:
1. Practice this activity ahead of time so that you are comfortable singing to the track. Don’t worry about how good it is, just get comfortable. Greatness comes in revision and that’s not the point of this activity.

2. Have extra copies and allow students to do the activity several times if they are fast. This is designed to be quick and easy.

3. Any rhyme works. Slant rhymes are fine, it does not have to be perfect.

4. If students are interested in writing more than just one verse or experimenting, let them do it! It’s also okay if they want to break the formula and choose a different rhyme scheme. Just make sure they are aware of what they are doing so that they can use these tools intentionally.

5. Have fun! If you are not having fun you are doing it wrong.