Industry Songwriting course

Taught in-person in the evenings at ICMP’s Queen’s Park campus, this songwriting short course emphasises hands-on learning, providing you with immediate practical writing techniques you can use in your songwriting process. You’ll create new music, sharing it with your fellow students and tutors to evolve your repertoire and finesse your art.

If you’ve already written a few songs, have worked in the industry or have a basic understanding of the songwriting process, this course is the perfect way to launch your writing career in music. You’ll gain a deeper self-awareness as a writer, uncovering how to express your creative ideas through lyrics and music.

Your ICMP tutors are all experienced songwriters and music professionals, actively engaged in the UK music industry. With their guidance, you’ll analyse songs that make you feel inspired and influence your path as a songwriter, gaining valuable insights into the craft of songwriting. As you progress this songwriting course, you’ll apply these learnings to your art, building meaningful connections with your audience.

Collaboration is at the heart of this songwriting industry course. At ICMP, you’ll have the opportunity to work with other musicians, translating your writing ideas into cowritings, arrangements and complete performances. With hands-on practice using our state-of-the-art facilities, you’ll network to create a supportive musical community with like-minded peers who you’ll co-write and record new music with.

Across this songwriting evening course, you’ll explore the history, culture and modern context of songwriting, discovering the frameworks and strategies that underpin effective music compositional skills. With ICMP’s industry-standard equipment and software, and inspiring guest speakers, you’ll strengthen your creative songwriting practice and gain a comprehensive understanding of the music business, setting the stage for your future as a professional songwriter.

MODULE DETAILS

Songcraft

Explore the fundamental principles of contemporary songwriting, including structure, rhyme, lyrics, narrative and more. Through practical exercises, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how these components work together, providing you with a strong songwriting process foundation.

The Writer's Toolbox

Learn and apply new tools for song creation, including innovative music techniques, a music production toolset and writing exercises. These tools will help you refine your work as you build a toolbox of strategies to become a well-rounded and versatile songwriter.

Creativity & Collaboration

Discover your creativity and collaboration skills as you discover co-writing techniques and exercises with your peers. With your fellow classmates, you’ll discuss your individual relationship with creativity, exploring a range of opinions on inspiration, creative genius and more.

Songwriting Culture, Industry & Identity

Discover the rich history of songwriting – from classical compositions and the intricacies of copyrights to the Nashville songwriting culture. You’ll explore your artistic identity, analysing the meanings behind your work as you craft songs reflecting your unique voice and creative vision.

Refining Your Work

Develop strategies for refining and completing your songs, including techniques for redrafting, incorporating constructive feedback and preparing your work for recording. This key stage of the songwriting process will help you polish your ideas, ensuring your best songs are complete, impressive and ready for release.

Arrangement & Recording

For your final project, you’ll select two songs to record, either solo or collaborating with another artist. This module will see you develop your skills in arranging, composition and musical direction, as you bring your creative vision to life and prepare your music for professional presentation.

NEW: Try our Music Industry Courses as a free taster workshop, explore them here.