World-renowned songwriter and Academy alum Justin Tranter is now teaching songwriting at The Academy! Throughout their first class, Justin discussed the fundamentals of songwriting while transcending music theory. After graduating from Berklee and playing in one of NYC’s most popular rock bands in the 2000’s, Justin discovered the most important element of songwriting: the heart.

Students were eager to ask questions about the process for writing with Lady Gaga (who once opened for Justin’s band), Justin Bieber, and Julia Michaels. When asked about Bieber’s hit “Sorry”, he gave the students an inside scoop into the celebrity storytelling of pop music. When the students shared their favorite artists, Justin explored why they are so influential. Justin encouraged the students to learn their favorite song, figure out why they speak to them, and what they could add to the track.

With their new assignment in mind, students with different instruments began forming songwriting groups. One of Justin’s biggest lessons was stepping away from your ego and learning to collaborate with people who complement your weaknesses. For the final half hour, the students explored song structure, melody, adding excitement to a chorus, and Justin’s wicked stage-dive stories from Lollapalooza. The class will continue throughout the school year.