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Subject · 41 verified programs

Songwriting: degrees, diplomas and programs

Programs focused on writing songs, combining melody, lyric, structure and production awareness across popular and acoustic styles.

Also called: Songwriting and Artist Development, Commercial Songwriting, Lyric and Song Writing, Singer-Songwriter, Liedermachen, Cantautorato, Auteur-compositeur.

14 BM / BMus · 11 BA / BA (Hons) · 4 Certificate · 3 BS / BSc · 2 Other master’s award · 2 Other bachelor’s award · 2 MA · 2 MM / MMus · 1 Other diploma · 3 documented pathway, 28 dedicated degree, 7 official concentration, 3 named major

41 programs

How results are ordered: alphabetically by institution, or by most recently checked when you choose that sort. There is no price ranking, because tuition in different currencies, fee categories and bases (per year, per credit, whole program) is not comparable. A program appears under a subject only through a verified link (dedicated degree, major, concentration or documented pathway). A value we could not verify is shown as “not published”, never as “no”. Items marked Sponsored are paid placements; they never change verification or order. Online programs are not counted as physically located in a state or city, and an institution’s location does not tell you whether it enrols students from your country.

About songwriting study

Songwriting is the craft of creating songs, where words and music are developed together. Degree study looks at how verses, choruses and bridges are shaped, how lyrics scan and communicate, and how melody and harmony support a story or feeling. Students write regularly, share drafts and receive feedback in workshops, which makes the subject more collaborative than many other music fields.

Programs often add skills that help songs reach an audience: basic production and demo recording, arranging for bands, performance of one's own material and co-writing. Many also study the history of popular song, from folk and blues to pop, rock, hip-hop and country, as well as the business side, such as publishing and rights.

Songwriting differs from composition in that the song form, lyric and vocal delivery are central, and from music production in that the writing itself is the primary product. Instrumental ability is usually expected, often on guitar, piano or voice, and many songwriters also perform. Programs vary in genre emphasis and in how much they stress commercial versus artistic goals.

What study typically involves

  • Song structure, melody and harmony in popular idioms
  • Lyric writing, prosody and storytelling
  • Co-writing and workshop critique
  • Demo recording and basic production
  • Arranging for bands and vocal groups
  • Performance of original material
  • History and analysis of songs and songwriting traditions
  • Publishing, copyright and the music industry

Award titles. Songwriting study is recognized through awards such as the BA, BMus or BM in songwriting or contemporary music at undergraduate level, and the MA, MMus or MM at master's level, along with some certificates and diplomas. Doctoral options are limited and may be practice-based PhDs. Names and structure vary by country, and awards are not treated as equivalent here.

A program is listed under Songwriting only when it is a dedicated songwriting degree, a named songwriting major, an official concentration or a documented pathway. A single songwriting class does not count. Programs in broader popular music appear under their own subject.

Auditions and admissions guidance

Requirements differ for every program and instrument. Always check the official admissions page; this directory cannot guarantee acceptance.

Songwriting applicants are usually asked to submit original songs, often as recordings with lyrics, and may be asked to perform some live. Panels commonly look for evidence of craft, originality and potential, rather than polish of production. Some programs request a set number of songs, a lyric sheet and a short statement about the applicant's influences and goals.

Interviews are common, and programs may also test basic musicianship or ask for instrumental or vocal ability. Some include a short writing task, such as setting a given lyric or writing to a prompt on the day. Postgraduate applicants are generally expected to show a developed portfolio and may be asked about collaborative experience.

Formats differ widely from composition or performance routes, and by institution and country. Review the official admissions page for what to submit. Nothing here guarantees admission.

See also the guide to preparing for auditions.

Funding and costs

Funding may include scholarships awarded on submitted material, tuition waivers, and assistantships in a few institutions. External sources include songwriting competitions, arts council grants, publisher or label development schemes and foundation awards, some limited to certain regions.

Availability varies by institution and country, and many students receive partial support or none. Check directly with each program and funding body.

Costs beyond tuition. Possible costs include a guitar or keyboard, a laptop and recording interface, recording software, studio time for demos, fees for session musicians or co-writers, and registration with performing rights or publishing services.