Bachelor of Music with Specialisation in Songwriting (CRS1200344)

Bachelor of Music with Specialisation in Songwriting (CRS1200344)

Create strong, focused songs that perfectly blend your lyrical ideas with powerful melodies.

Bachelor of Music with Specialisation in Songwriting (CRS1200344)

Master songwriting in the digital domain, refine your recording skills, explore music distribution and marketing strategies, and learn the importance of co-writing and collaboration. And while talent will get you far, to be successful it is vital to be ‘tech savvy' and skilled with industry-standard software – Pro Tools, Logic and Ableton Live for recording and producing; digital score-writing software Sibelius for arranging and notation, and Musition and Auralia for enhancing your understanding of Music Theory and Ear Training. The Bachelor degree also explores channels of music distribution, monetisation and copyright, and on graduation, you will have completed a rich portfolio of your own songs as a showcase of your talent.

Provider

JMC Academy

Study Mode

On Campus

Location

Sydney; Melbourne; Brisbane

Duration

3 Years (or 2 years accelerated)

Qualification

Bachelor

Start Date

February; June; September

Presented by

JMC's Bachelor of Music program, specialising in Songwriting is a comprehensive course that offers aspiring songwriters a unique opportunity to develop their craft and creativity while gaining a strong foundation in songwriting techniques, composition, and music business skills.

From mastering key concepts in form, structure, and melodic development to refining recording skills and exploring music distribution strategies, students embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and artistic exploration.

With a focus on creating strong, focused songs that blend lyrical ideas with powerful melodies, this program prepares students to launch a successful career in songwriting.

Through a combination of theoretical study and practical experience, students learn the essential tools and techniques of songwriting, from developing melodies to crafting lyrics. With weekly one-on-one mentoring sessions and hands-on workshops, students work on a substantial folio of original songs, producing, recording, or performing them to showcase their writing talent. From mastering industry-standard software such as Pro Tools and Logic to exploring music distribution and marketing strategies, students gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the competitive world of songwriting.

Core Units

Foundations (Trimesters 1 & 2)

  • History of Popular Music - PSP201
  • Introduction to Music Technology - PSP202
  • Music Theory 1 - PSP203
  • Ear Training 1 - PSP204
  • Songwriting Major 1 - PSP208
  • Choose Music Collaboration Stream 1
  • Introduction to Music Business - PSP211
  • Composition and Arranging - PSP212
  • Music Theory 2 - PSP213
  • Ear Training 2 - PSP214
  • Songwriting Major 2 - PSP218
  • Choose Music Collaboration Stream 2

Polish and Build (Trimesters 3 & 4)

  • Music and Media - PSP310
  • Choose 1 Elective
  • Music Theory 3 - PSP303
  • Ear Training 3 - PSP304
  • Songwriting Major 3 - PSP308
  • Choose Music Collaboration Stream 3
  • Choose 2 Electives
  • Music Theory 4 - PSP313
  • Ear Training 4 - PSP314
  • Songwriting Major 4 - PSP318
  • Choose Music Collaboration Stream 4

Showcase and Project (Trimesters 5 & 6)

  • Choose 2 Electives
  • Entrepreneurship in Music - PSP401
  • Large Project Performance and Recording Folio 1 - PSP405
  • Choose 2 Electives
  • Large Project Performance and Recording Folio 2 - PSP415

Elective Units

  • Music Cultures - PSP301
  • Music Production Studies - PSP311
  • Lyrical Influences - PSP402
  • History of Western Music - PSP404
  • Composition Techniques - PSP407
  • Internship - COL401
  • Lyrics & Songwriting - PSP302
  • Performing and Creating with Ableton Live - PSP312
  • Arranging & Orchestration - PSP403
  • Tutoring Techniques - PSP406
  • Screen Sound & Music - PSP408
  • International Study Tour - COL400

In only 2 years you can graduate with a bachelor’s degree thanks to JMCs accelerated full-time course. International students may choose to complete the course in 3 years (058463A) rather than the accelerated 2-year option.

Graduates of this program are equipped with the skills and experience needed to pursue a variety of exciting career opportunities in the music industry. Whether you aspire to be a songwriter, composer, or music producer, your training at JMC will prepare you to meet the demands of the industry. From creating music for publishers, record labels, and producers to exploring opportunities in music distribution, monetisation, and copyright, graduates are ready to make their mark in this dynamic and ever-evolving field.

With a portfolio of original songs and a network of contacts and collaborators, graduates are well-positioned to launch a successful career in songwriting.

Undergraduate (Diploma + Bachelor Degree) applicants must show the following:

  • Proof of English proficiency: minimum IELTS 6.0 overall (with no single band score below 5.5) or equivalent.
  • Evidence of successful completion of a senior Secondary School certificate (transcripts and certificate must be translated and certified).
  • Attend an interview in person or online.
  • You must be at least 18 years of age on commencement of studies.
  • Contemporary Music applicants must undertake an audition.
  • Audition videos/online links are accepted for applicants living overseas or interstate.
  • Songwriting applicants may undertake an audition OR submit a folio.
  • The folio can consist of song lyrics, charts, recorded original songs or other relevant items as discussed with the admissions officer.
  • Music Production applicants must submit a folio.
  • Animation, Games and Design applicants are required to prepare a portfolio of sample work/drawings.
  • Acting applicants must undertake an audition.

Requirements for Alternative Admission

For applicants who have not completed senior high school, entry to a Diploma, upon successful completion of which articulation into a Bachelor Degree program is guaranteed, is based on:

  • Evidence of minimum completion of Year 10, or equivalent, with an appropriate VET qualification and/or relevant industry work experience.
  • Written application (with compulsory 200 word statement to assess functional literacy).
  • An interview to identify potential difficulties that may impact on learning.
  • Demonstrated commitment with satisfactory communication skills sufficient to indicate reasonable likelihood of successful completion of Diploma studies.
  • A portfolio of work or performance audition (if applicable).
  • Demonstrated (above average) creative aptitude or expertise pertinent to field of interest.
  • Applicants must also satisfy all other entry requirements for admission.

Founded in 1982 by John Martin Cass, JMC Academy has been a leader in Australia's Creative Industries education for over four decades. From its Sydney beginnings, JMC has pioneered the private education sector with accredited programs in Audio Engineering, Digital Television, and Digital Multimedia.

Offering a wide range of Degrees and Diplomas in disciplines like Music, Film and Television Production, Visual Communication, Animation, and Game Design, JMC Academy prepares graduates to excel in the global Creative Industries. Its campuses provide a stimulating environment for creative exploration and hands-on learning, with small class sizes and personalized attention.

JMC Academy's internship program offers valuable real-world experience with industry partners, while its curriculum stays current through regular reviews and input from experts. Professional development studies are integrated into every course, ensuring students are prepared for successful careers. Global connections offer opportunities for international exchange and study tours, enriching the student experience.

As JMC Academy marks 40 years of excellence, it remains committed to nurturing the next generation of creative talent, empowering them to thrive in the evolving Creative Industries

Provider

JMC Academy

Study Mode

On Campus

Location

Sydney; Melbourne; Brisbane

Duration

3 Years (or 2 years accelerated)

Qualification

Bachelor

Start Date

February; June; September

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