Vanderwoude, Matthew W. C. J.2017-07-272017-07-272016-12-152017-07-27http://hdl.handle.net/10315/33485The suite of thematically distinct compositions in this thesis explore and articulate delicate social and personal issues. Specifically, the music targets a constituency of at risk youth who are embroiled in issues arising from physical and mental abuse, depression, and maladies rooted in family dysfunction. The aim of this project is to reach out to this group through music and communicate life-affirming messages of personal empowerment and agency. The pop song conventions of the compositions draw from the energy of alt-rock exemplars, Marianas Trench, Goo Goo Dolls, and Hedley, and also from the distinctive electronic dance music (EDM) textures found on current radio playlists. Musical transcriptions from a selection of contemporary artists are discussed in tandem with my compositional method (i.e., lyrics, writing techniques, studio production techniques).enAuthor owns copyright, except where explicitly noted. Please contact the author directly with licensing requests.Electronic Thesis or Dissertation2017-07-27MusicCompositionSongwritingRockPopEDMAt-riskDepressionAbuse