Songwriting Courses, UAL Level 3 Diploma

Program Overview

ACM's Level 3 Songwriting program provides focused learning for aspiring songwriters, taught by industry professionals. The two-year course covers songwriting techniques, music production, and performance, with opportunities to showcase compositions in various settings. Students can earn up to 168 UCAS points, enabling direct progression to Higher Education degree programs or a career in songwriting.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

ACM’s Level 3 course in Songwriting is designed to give students a focused learning experience, providing the skills and knowledge necessary for continuing study at a Higher Education level or building a career as a songwriter. The course emphasizes the creativity needed to become a professional songwriter, including lessons on the tools used by modern songwriters, taught by industry professionals with years of experience. Students have access to lectures, tutorials, workshops, and masterclasses led by world-class music industry professionals who also teach on the Higher Education programs. The course includes numerous solo and ensemble performance opportunities to showcase compositions, utilizing the Roger Taylor Demo Theatre and Electric Theatre auditoriums.

Outline:

The program is a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music Performance & Production, lasting two years (full-time or blended learning). It's structured into units, differing slightly between Year 1 (Level 3) and Year 2 (Level 3 Extended).

Year 1 (Level 3):

• Unit 1 – Principles of Music:
Introduction to music performance, production, technology, and collaborative activity.
• Unit 2 – Creating Music:
Development of listening and compositional skills, communication using music and terminology.
• Unit 3 – Understanding the Music Industry:
Overview of roles, responsibilities, employment, and progression opportunities in the music industry; health and safety in performance and production.
• Unit 4 – Cultural Awareness:
Investigation of historical and contemporary contexts influencing music performance and production.
• Unit 5 – Music Production in Context:
Critical analysis and application of knowledge to music production and design.
• Unit 6 – Music Performance in Context:
Critical analysis and application of knowledge to music performance and design.
• Unit 7 – Preparation for Specialist Study:
Critical analysis and application of knowledge to personal practice.
• Unit 8 – Collaborative Project:
Collaborative project utilizing skills and knowledge from previous units; self-directed learning and long-term goal clarification.
• Songwriting Studies:
Development of compositional techniques, skills, and individual sound.
• Creativity Lab:
Introduction to music performance, production, technology, and collaborative activity through practical workshops.
• Music Theory and Ear Training:
Development of music theory and ear training skills for application in coursework and musical practice.
• Collaborative Workshop:
Cross-pathway collaboration on student-led projects.

Year 2 (Level 3 Extended):

• Unit 9 – Advanced Music Performance and Production Skills:
Development of artistic, professional, and vocational skills for progression.
• Unit 10 – Specialism Study:
Exploration of critical and contextual perspectives through a personal research project.
• Unit 11 – Progression Preparation:
Preparation for Higher Education or employment through research, dialogue, and evaluation.
• Unit 12 – Extended Project Proposal:
Rationale for discipline choice and final project; articulation of skills and knowledge acquired.
• Unit 13 – Extended Project:
Independent project demonstrating skills and knowledge; preparation for Higher Education or employment.
• Songwriting Studies:
(Same as Year 1)
• Industry Insight:
First-hand insight into the music industry from professional tutors.
• Marketing and Promotion:
Implementation of marketing and promotional activities for connecting with audiences.

Teaching:

The course is taught by industry professionals with years of experience. Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, workshops, and masterclasses. The program emphasizes practical application through solo and ensemble performance opportunities and collaborative projects.

Careers:

The program aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for either further study at a Higher Education level or to build a career as a songwriter.

Other:

The program offers up to 168 UCAS points (equivalent to three A-Levels at A ). Students can progress directly onto a two-year degree program after completing this diploma. The program includes opportunities for cross-pathway collaboration between students.