Songwriting - CertHE

Institute of Contemporary Music Performance

Whichever way you look at it, without songs, there is no music industry. This concept is central to our belief at ICMP, so you’ll always see us treating the role of the songwriter with the significance it so rightly deserves. A homage to the fundamentals of the art and craft of songwriting, the CertHE Songwriting is a practical one-year industry-aligned course. With guidance from some of the music industry’s top songwriting tutors, you’ll develop your songwriting identity, while learning vital industry skills as you produce and perform your own original creative work.  At ICMP, we support and guide our songwriters using the principles of focused teaching – ensuring that theory and knowledge underpin constant hands-on practice and experience. Across your year of learning, you’ll cover six essential modules, each introducing you to a real-world aspect of songwriting and production. You'll have practical opportunities to plan live or online gigs, explore music technology in industry-standard studios, make music videos, and master a range of vocal techniques and instruments. You’ll examine the art and craft of modern songwriting, and each week will write at least two songs to brief that cover a variety of styles, genres, topics and approaches. Throughout the programme, you’ll collaborate with your fellow songwriting students to nurture your material, engaging in ‘A&R-style’ feedback and analytical discussion in small groups with your songwriting tutors and peers as you regularly appraise each other’s works-in-progress. Your expert ICMP tutors – all highly experienced industry professionals – will organise regular A&R-style workshops to help you evolve your writing style. They’ll encourage you to explore your musical passions in an inclusive and diverse learning environment while you refine your creative portfolio week on week. You’ll delve into all aspects of the music business – specifically from the perspective of a songwriter – as you study the intricacies of music publishing, recorded music, live music and more. A comprehensive course focused on the specific needs of songwriters and artists, the CertHE Songwriting also offers direct pathways to ICMP bachelor’s degrees in songwriting, creative musicianship, creative music production and music production for film, TV and games. Upon completion of the course, you'll have the enviable technical skills and creative know-how to bring your songs to life, as you either move on to further innovative music study at ICMP or take your exciting first steps into a remarkable portfolio career in songwriting.