Music of Taylor Swift - MUS526

Music of Taylor Swift - MUS526

Learning Recommendations: Appropriate for all students; no prior music analysis experience is required. Interest in songwriting, pop culture, music, or storytelling recommended.

General Description: This course explores the music, influence, and cultural impact of Taylor Swift through a deep analysis of her songwriting, genre shifts, public persona, and industry navigation. Students will critically examine each “Era” of Swift’s career from a musical, lyrical, and historical lens, analyzing instrumentation, production, harmony, and lyrical devices, alongside broader cultural and commercial dynamics.

Content: 

• Explore the evolution of Taylor Swift’s artistic identity and genre across a dynamic career
• Examine the construction of persona, fame, and media narratives
• Analyze storytelling techniques, lyrical themes, and emotional expression in songwriting
• Investigate cultural influence, fan communities, and media representation

Homework: Weekly Music Analyses; additional project work may require listening or research outside of class.

Course Fees / Materials: No course fee or required materials.