certificate in songwriting & music production
The Certificate in Songwriting and Music Production program (4 quarters, 12 months, 60 credits) at CCM is designed for music-makers looking to hone their songwriting, lyric writing, and production skills while developing their unique artistic voice. CCM faculty members act as mentors to help students along their journey of artistic self-discovery, giving guidance and production tips throughout the writing and recording process. CSMP students have access to our world-class recording studio where they can bring their music to life. As a member of CCM’s Original Ensemble, students gain experience working with a live band to bring their music from the page to the stage. Making Music For Hire introduces students to the tools and techniques necessary to create music for TV, film, advertising, video games, and other artists. By the end of the CSMP program, students complete their own professional-level extended play (EP) recording, a valuable asset they can use to promote themselves in the modern music industry.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW: The Certificate in Songwriting and Music Production program (4 quarters, 12 months, 60 credits) is designed to equip students with a substantial amount of the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary to express themselves through modern popular music.
PROGRAM PURPOSES: The purposes of the Certificate in Songwriting and Music Production program are:
- to establish an intermediate to advanced level of songwriting ability;
- to establish an intermediate to advanced level of music production ability;
- to establish an intermediate to advanced level of lyric writing ability;
- to gain experience writing and producing music for, and in collaboration with, other musicians;
- to gain experience writing and producing music set to video;
- to develop intermediate music arranging skills for live band;
- to provide at least one opportunity for students to publicly showcase their work;
- to guide students along their journey to artistic self-discovery;
- to develop an understanding of music technology and intermediate to advanced skills in a digital audio workstation (DAW);
- to develop studio recording abilities through multiple session experiences;
- to develop fluency in music theory, including notational skills and an understanding of advanced harmonic structures;
- to develop strong aural skills, including the ability to transcribe melodies and harmonic progressions;
- to instill a nuanced understanding of rhythm and accuracy of rhythmic interpretation;
- to establish basic proficiency at the keyboard;
- to establish skills for effective self-promotion;
- to develop a basic understanding of music publishing;
- to equip students with a strong foundation for self-expression through popular music, as evidenced by a small-to medium-sized portfolio of recorded work, including at least a three-song extended play (EP) recording.