Lyrics in Conversation: Using Music to Embrace the Writing Process

ABSTRACT

A study by the Gayle Morris Sweetland Center for Writing at the University of Michigan revealed that undergraduate students in introductory writing courses view themselves primarily as either academic or creative writers. Both genres are fundamentally important pieces of a general education curriculum for students’ growth as writers, yet both contain stumbling blocks that students struggle to overcome: following a writing process (specifically revision and editing steps) and crafting a thoughtful, expressive style. This article discusses a classroom activity used to reinforce the revision component of the writing process, while also giving students the opportunity to embrace elements of self-expression. This activity has roots in the shared relationship between language and music, making it a dynamic exercise that continually reflects the changing social and cultural worldviews of our undergraduate students.