Media, Music & Sound Production

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Contemporary Songwriting

Campus Milton Road Campus

Qualification SCQF Level 6

Study mode Evening

Start date Oct 2025

Course overview
Entry requirements
Study options

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Course overview

In this songwriting course, you’ll learn how contemporary songs are put together and what makes them successful. If you want to write songs and make a living from your music, then it's essential that you have at least a basic understanding of music theory, composition, lyric-writing and arrangement techniques. In addition to the craft of songwriting, you will explore some basic commercial aspects such as copyright, how to self-release and distribute your music and how to approach labels and publishers. Practical exercises form an integral part of this course and students are expected to have a basic grasp of an instrument/voice or have some experience in music production software such as Logic Pro or Ableton Live.

What you will learn

Working between musical and studio settings, you will learn:

Songs and songwriters (analysis and deconstruction)
Lyric writing (from generating ideas to hooks and rhyme)
Hooks and riffs
Chord progressions, Top-line and Melody
Basic arranging including structure and instrumentation
Music theory for songwriting and production
Finishing songs
Fundamental commercial and professional practices and how to grow your career

Entry requirements

No formal entrance requirements

Study Options

Campus	Study mode	Start date
Milton Road Campus	Evening	21/10/25

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