Program Overview
The ACM Creative Artist program immerses students in songwriting, performance, and production, equipping them with a versatile skill set for success in the competitive music industry. Through a blend of industry-relevant modules and hands-on experiences, the program prepares students for diverse careers as songwriters, performers, producers, and entrepreneurs, emphasizing adaptability, business acumen, and the synergy between songwriting and production.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The ACM Creative Artist degree provides a 360-degree experience of the skills and knowledge needed to be a professional songwriter or performing/recording artist writing original material. The program aims to develop multifaceted skill sets that enhance students' employability in the competitive music industry. It equips students with technical proficiency in songwriting and performance, as well as adaptability and versatility to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape. Hands-on experiences and industry-relevant projects provide expertise in performance, composition, production, marketing, and entrepreneurship, preparing students for diverse career opportunities, including solo careers, bands, sync licensing, and digital media. The curriculum is described as cutting-edge and jam-packed with extracurricular events and masterclasses, aligning with current creative employment opportunities. The program offers four specialisms: Commercial Songwriting, Singer-Songwriter, Songwriter-Producer, and Creative Entrepreneur/Songwriter.
Outline:
The Creative Artist pathway includes a mix of hyper-specific skills units, core academic modules, and project modules throughout the course. Students tailor their learning as they progress. Skills units are industry-driven and cutting-edge. The modules are spread across Levels 4, 5, 6, and 7.
Level 4 Modules & Skills Units:
- Preparing for Collaborative Work (CIF-405): Prepares students for interdisciplinary collaborative projects and engagement with professional networks.
- The impact and influence of music: from creator to consumer (MIF-404): Explores the impact of music on physical and mental health.
- Music, society, and Culture: Perspectives and Debates (MIF-404): Examines the role of music across cultures and societies, emphasizing self-regulation and understanding cultural sensitivities in music creation.
- Engaging in Collaborative Work (CIF-406): Collaborative project applying various skills.
- Introduction to Songwriting (SKU-CAC-01): Covers core aspects of songwriting, including structure, lyrical and melodic devices, and harmonic construction.
- Theory, Aural Skills & Critical Listening (SKU-COM-01): Introduces music theory fundamentals and critical listening skills.
- DAW Composition & Arrangement (SKU-COM-02): Introduces music production fundamentals and composition/arrangement using DAWs.
- Co-Writing, Collaboration & Constructive Feedback (SKU-CAC-02): Explores co-writing and constructive feedback.
- Sound Recording Techniques (SKU-PRO-02): Introduces large-format mixing consoles, microphones, and recording techniques.
- Music & the Creative Industries (CIF-401): Examines the application of music-related skills in other industry sectors.
- Music, Media and Technology (CIF-402): Examines the role of music across various media platforms.
Level 5 Modules & Skills Units:
- Specialist Collaborative Work (CIF-501): Interdisciplinary collaborative project within chosen specialism.
- Specialist Route Skills (CIF-503A/503S): Develops professional-standard work in chosen specialism, using relevant academic research.
- Professional Collaborative Work (CIF-502): Professional project delivery in chosen specialism.
- Professional Route Skills (CIF-504A/504S): Creates a portfolio of professional work demonstrating transferable skills.
- Musical Directing and Studio Craft (SKU-PRO-06): Focuses on communication and collaboration in studio environments.
- Vocal Health & Development (SKU-CAS-03): Covers vocal health and techniques for rehearsals, touring, and recording.
- Applied Lyrical & Topline Development (SKU-CAC-03): Advanced lyrical and melodic devices in songwriting.
- Second Instrument (SKU-MUS-06): Experience with a second instrument for performance and songwriting.
- Creative Mixing (SKU-PRO-12): Explores creative mixing approaches.
- Be Your Own Boss (SKU-BUS-11): Explores self-employment, legal, financial, and mental health aspects.
- Writing to Brief (SKU-CAC-05): Writing songs for various genres and styles based on briefs.
- Stagecraft, Musicianship & Performance (SKU-CAS-05): Develops performing artist persona and live performance skills.
- Copyright, Royalties, Publishing and Income Streams (SKU-BUS-13): In-depth exploration of copyright, royalties, publishing, and income streams.
Level 6 Modules & Skills Units:
- Leadership and CPD (CIF-603): Develops leadership skills.
- Critical Review (CIF-601A/601S): Critical review of current issues impacting the music industry.
- Leading Professional Collaborative Project (CIF-602): Leadership and professional skills through a collaborative project.
- Independent Portfolio (CIF-604A/604S): Creation of a professional portfolio and digital presence.
- Advanced Songwriting (Advanced Briefs and Global Songwriting) (SKU-CAC-07): Focuses on advanced songwriting techniques and global markets.
- Music Business & DIY Artistry (SKU-CAS-07): Fundamentals of music business for commercial and performing songwriters.
- Composition to Film, TV & Media (SKU-CAC-08): Compositional techniques for various media.
- Advanced Stagecraft, Musicianship & Performance (SKU-CAS-06): Integrates instrumental, vocal, and stagecraft skills.
- Critical Reflection & Creative Identity (SKU-CAS-09): Analysis and evaluation of creative intentions and A&R processes.
- The Future of Commercial Songwriting (SKU-CAC-10): Explores career opportunities and the future of commercial songwriting.
- Professional Specialism (The Performing Songwriter) (SKU-CAS-11): Focuses on the professional roles of performing songwriters.
- Professional Specialism (The Producer/Writer) (SKU-CAC-11): Focuses on the professional roles of producer/songwriters.
- Mix with the Experts (SKU-PRO-19): Masterclasses and workshops with leading mixers.
- Immersive Audio (SKU-PRO-20): Explores immersive audio technologies.
- Digital Skills (SKU-BUS-23): Covers digital skills for the creative industry.
- Business Strategy and Planning (SKU-BUS-25): Strategic tools for business development.
Level 7 Modules:
- Professional Practice Frameworks (CIF-701): Demonstrates comprehensive understanding of professional sector-specific expertise.
- Applied Research (Focus and Impact on Creative Industries Futures) (CIF-702A/702S): Applied research project focusing on creative industries.
- Ideas into Action (CIF-703): Project management from concept to release.
- Making Connections and Building a Community (CIF-704): Networking and building industry connections.
Teaching:
ACM uses a blend of expert tutoring, professional mentorship, and 100 industry-developed modules. The program includes personalized 1-to-1 tutorials and practical experiences. Teaching methods may include lectures, seminars (online and in-person), skills units, online activities, masterclasses, workshops, independent study, portfolio building, and collaborative projects.
Careers:
The program prepares students for various careers as songwriters, performers, producers, and business-savvy entrepreneurs in the DIY music artist landscape. Potential career paths include solo careers, joining bands, sync licensing, digital media, and various roles within the music industry utilizing the developed business acumen.
Other:
The program offers a two-year accelerated delivery option and a three-year option including a foundation year. A three-year traditional delivery option is also available. An integrated Masters program is offered as a three-year accelerated delivery including a postgraduate year. The program is available on-campus in Birmingham, Guildford, and London, as well as remotely. The program emphasizes songwriting as the foundation, production proficiency, performance skills, navigating the DIY music landscape, and developing business acumen. The program highlights the synergy between songwriting and production, and the importance of adaptability in the dynamic music industry. The faculty includes industry professionals with extensive experience in songwriting, production, performance, and music business.
Entry Requirements:
All candidates will be required to attend an audition/interview. For the 2-year degree, applicants should hold at least 2 A-Levels (or an equivalent Level 3 qualification) with a minimum of 104 UCAS points. A Grade C/4 GCSE (or equivalent) in English is normally required. Fluency in English is essential, with the ability to structure arguments and present evidence to a Level 4 standard. Additional documentary evidence may be requested if application materials are insufficient. International students whose first language is not English must achieve IELTS level 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each component) or an equivalent qualification. Applications from those with alternative qualifications or prior experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis. For the Foundation year (Level 0), applicants need at least a Grade C/4 in English GCSE. Fluency in English is required, with the ability to structure arguments and present evidence to a Level 0 standard. Additional evidence may be requested. International students whose first language is not English must achieve IELTS level 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each component) or an equivalent qualification. Applications from those with alternative qualifications or prior experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Masters level applicants will undergo an audition assessing suitability based on subject and academic ability.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
For applicants whose first language is not English, IELTS level 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each component) or an equivalent qualification is required for both the 2-year degree and the Foundation year.
