For one of the Berklee in L.A. electives this week, Michael Farquharson, a faculty member in the Contemporary Writing and Production department, gave a special topics lecture entitled “Michael Jackson: Perfection as a Songwriter and Producer.” Using two of Jackson’s songs as examples, he broke the approach to effective songwriting and producing into categories. “What makes a record amazing?” Farquharson asked, then outlining the five key aspects he feels must be perfected for a truly great piece: composition, performance, recording, mixing, and post-production/mastering.
