Our Commercial Songwriting pathway will give you a 360 degree experience of the skills and knowledge required to be a professional songwriter or performing / recording artist writing original material.
Whether you’re embarking on a career as a singer/songwriter, a band member, or professionally writing for other artists, sync and digital media, ACM is the place to hone and develop the skills and knowledge required.
ACM is inclusive and representative of all genres within commercial music, from Pop, Rock, Indie / Alternative, Nu Soul, Jazz, Metal, Folk, Hip-Hop, and many more! Each student receives a 1-2-1 with a personal tutor to gauge where they are on their journey and how we can help them achieve their goals, through song craft development, performance technique, production and music business skills..
Our versatile yet cutting edge skills units have been designed with the contemporary artist & commercial songwriter in mind. Here is a selection of just some of the many topics covered.
Song craft
Lyrical & Top-Line Melody Development
Second Instrument Skills e.g. Keys, Guitar
Music in Digital Media & Sync
Song Arrangement & Writing to Brief
Stagecraft
DIY Artistry
Recording techniques & Studio Practice
Industry Navigation as a Professional Songwriter / Artist and so much more!
Every songwriter will be able to access group tutorials and extra curricular workshops with our specialist tutors who have worked with some of the world’s most successful artists and songwriters. You will also get to experience extra -curricular activities such as:
Songwriting Camps
The Academy of Contemporary Music Choir
Vocal Workshops with Industry Professionals
Entrepreneurial & Artist Development through mentors and many more!
The moment you choose ACM, you become part of our creative community even if you haven’t started studying yet. There will be hangout sessions where you can join and find out more about the course as well as workshop days. Before your first term begins we have a Skills Camp Day to discover and discuss your career ambitions, as well as what you’re hoping to gain from studying at ACM.
There will also be the opportunity to meet our industry expert tutors to gauge your level of experience and help you to choose the specific ‘Skill Unit’s’ that will help you achieve your goals.
Throughout your journey at ACM, you’ll be able to choose specific Skills Units to take to enrich your knowledge as a songwriter, alongside the opportunity to explore a specialism you wish to pursue within the music industry.
In 1999 ACM pioneered the World’s first accelerated degree delivering two 45-week terms that allowed a traditional three-year degree to be delivered across two-years. Over the subsequent 20 years this model has been adopted as the gold standard delivery for two-year degrees, with the government recognising the model developed by ACM in legislation in 2017.
The accelerated model provides a quicker route to industry by condensing a three-year degree into two years through the addition of an extra third term during the Summer. This means that students study a year and a half’s worth of a degree in a one year time timeframe. This model means that students do not study more intensively during any given weeks of the course, the extra learning takes place during weeks that students would normally be on an extended Summer holiday at a traditional University.
The accelerated nature of the course does still allow for time off, with seven weeks of the year taken as holiday between terms. This system mirrors the type of holiday periods students are familiar with through their study at School and College. Due to ACM’s industry connections, partnerships and vocational project briefs, students get numerous opportunities to work whilst on programme, even gaining academic credits for their work. This means it is possible to study and build a meaningful CV during your accelerated course, with opportunities to learn and earn whilst on programme.
Our foundation year combines academic skills with real life creative projects to give you the experience you need to begin your career within the creative industries.
If you’re passionate about creativity, but don’t have the right qualifications for our full degree, then our foundation year is for you.
For budding producers, musicians, creative artists and songwriters. Whatever your age and background, our aim is to support your learning journey.
Our foundation programme has been carefully designed and crafted to build your confidence, creative skills within your discipline and develop your essential academic skills to prepare you for succeeding at Degree level.
We use a variety of teaching methods to support your learning that may include:
Lectures and seminars both online and in person
Discipline specific skills units
Online activities
Access to masterclasses and workshops
Independent study
Portfolio building
Collaborative projects
Throughout the foundation programme, you can expect to engage in a variety of academic and skills based modules in line with your chosen discipline such as:
Portfolio Development
Creative Project Management
Academic Practice & Effective Communication
Introduction to Songwriting & Song Structure
Introduction to Production & Digital Software
Introduction to Instrumental Development
Introduction to Stagecraft, Collaboration & Performance
Degree
2 Year accelerated delivery
3 Year accelerated delivery including Foundation Year
3 Year traditional delivery Integrated Masters
3 Year accelerated delivery including postgraduate year
All candidates will be required to attend an audition / interview. View audition guide
All candidates will be required to attend an audition / interview.
2 Year Degree
All candidates should hold at least 2 A-Levels (or an equivalent Level 3 qualification), possessing a minimum of 104 UCAS points.
We normally require Grade C/4 GCSE (or an equivalent qualification) in English. Candidates should be capable of using the English language fluently, and able to structure arguments and present evidence to a standard appropriate to study at Level ‘4’. Where the application materials appear insufficient to form a clear judgement on the candidate’s fluency, additional documentary evidence (e.g. recent essays) will be called for. Applicants for whom English is a second language are required to have achieved IELTS level 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each component) or equivalent qualification.
We welcome applications from those who might have completed alternative qualifications, and/or have prior experience. All applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
* New UCAS 2017 tariff system.
Foundation Level 0
All candidates should hold at least a Grade C/4 in English GCSE.
Candidates should be capable of using the English language fluently, and able to structure arguments and present evidence to a standard appropriate to study at Level ‘0’. Where the application materials appear insufficient to form a clear judgement on the candidate’s fluency, additional documentary evidence (e.g. recent essays) will be called for. Applicants for whom English is a second language are required to have achieved IELTS level 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each component) or equivalent qualification.
We welcome applications from those who might have completed alternative qualifications, and/or have prior experience. All applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Masters Level
All applicants will undertake an audition that will assess their suitability for the programme based on their subject and academic ability.
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Details regarding the English Language requirements for Middlesex University programmes can be viewed here.
Our Creative Artistry and Songwriting pathway is offered through our Creative Industries Futures course, available as a BA / BSC (Hons) Degree, with optional Foundation Year or as an integrated MCCI Masters Degree.
Choose a specialism below to see the modules and skills units studied.
Subject
Music
Pathway
Creative Artistry and Songwriting
Specialism
Modules & Skills Units
Modules and Skills Units studied as part of this course (indicative list) include: Skills units are reviewed on a cyclical basis. To ensure we are delivering the most up to date industry experience these are subject to change.
This skills unit is an introduction to the core aspects of songwriting, covering topics such as structure, lyrical & melodic devices & harmonic construction. Students will explore what factors and attributes contribute towards effective commercial songwriting.
Level - 4
Engaging in Collaborative WorkCIF-406
This module enables students to work collaboratively on a shared project brief. Students will carry out a collaborative creative project in which they will apply their Level 4 personal, interpersonal and soft skills; their technical and sector specific professional skills; their creative, critical thinking and problem-solving skills and their project management, research, networking and presentation skills. Students will regularly and routinely meet to develop, manage, problem-solve, reflect on and evaluate the project progress and success at meeting the project brief with support from staff with professional industry project experience.
Level - 4
Music, society, and Culture: Perspectives and DebatesCIF-404
Music is ubiquitous and global, existing everywhere and anywhere across the world, every minute of the day.
Music is also deeply personal and has unique meaning across countries and local communities.
The creation of new music is often a blend of beat, bar, melodies and harmonies, with influence from other artists and genres, from rap to k-pop. As a musician or music practitioner it is incredibly important to understand where sounds come from, how you can use them and where it will land with the audience that you are trying to build. There will be those who like what you do and others who criticise. The easiest way to become a target for criticisms is if you are perceived to have not taken care to understand music within societies and across cultures, being aware of issues and challenges that have shaped and continue to shape your industry.
For example, as a creator you may love the syncopation or phraseology of another language, but it may not always be appropriate to lift, stitch and sample words from other cultures in an unsympathetic way.
At one level this is known as ‘censorship’, which we often associate with regulation, government or policy. However, this module also places an emphasis on self-regulation and self-censorship by having a deeper understanding of how music works across cultures and societies.
Words matter, words can start wars or friendships.
Therefore, in this core module we aim to inform you, whilst also allowing you a safe space to discuss and debate yourselves about your own views and forms of artistic and academic expression. There is often no right or wrong, it is just important that you can discuss and explain your creative outputs in an evidence based and critical manner. This is a skill that is valued in the professional sphere too, giving you the ability to know who you are as a creative practitioner and explain your influence and values to your industry networks and audiences.
Level - 4
The impact and influence of music: from creator to consumerCIF-403
This module enables students to understand the impact of music, musical applications and activities on physical and mental health.
Students will consider and contrast the potential and actual impact of music on well-being in different contexts. The module requires students to consider and analyse the components of musical applications and activities to support or challenge current research on this topic and to connect the theory with the practice.
Level - 4
Preparing for Collaborative WorkCIF-405
This module enables students to prepare and organise themselves and their work to engage in an interdisciplinary collaborative creative project with other students with some guidance and support. Students will also prepare to engage with relevant professional networks and any professional contributors by researching working contexts, philosophies, and work. Students will identify their strengths and development needs and examine team profiles and characteristics for participating in an effective collaborative project through a series of practical workshops.
Level - 4
Music, Media and TechnologyCIF-402
This module enables students to examine the role of music across a range of media.
Students will consider and compare the purpose, structure, and method of how music is used across different platforms and for different audiences.
The module requires students to review creative industries theory and practice of creating, sourcing and using music in media in a variety of formats and technologies and to connect the theory with the practice.
Level - 4
Music & the Creative IndustriesCIF-401
This module enables students to understand how music-related skills, practices and theories are being applied in other industry sectors to problem-solve, connect and innovate.
It examines the principles and terminology used in these professional contexts and requires students to research and investigate the potential futures of music, musicianship, and music applications.
You will consider your place as a musician or music practitioner within the creative industries landscape, mapping out your path and how to maximise opportunities to make money and grow your profile and career.
Level - 4
Sound Recording TechniquesSKU-PRO-02
This Skills Unit, introduces the students to Large Format Mixing Consoles, a wide range of microphones and associated techniques and how to record and process a range of instruments commonly found in Contemporary Music.
Level - 4
DAW Composition & ArrangementSKU-PRO-01
This unit introduces students to composition and arrangement techniques within a digital audio workstation (DAW), giving the tools to design, record, and develop their work to a professional standard.
Running alongside the core module “Engaging in Collaborative Work”, students can use this skills unit to explore the fundamentals of songwriting with others, and the importance of co-writing within the music industry. Students will also gain experience in giving and receiving constructive feedback.
Level - 4
Research SkillsSKU-MUS-08
This unit serves as the prepatory unit for the critical review project in level 6. Students will explore a range of topics and guided research, critically evaluating the academic work of others.
Level - 5
Professional Route SkillsCIF-504A/504S
This module enables students to create a portfolio of professional, specialist work demonstrating transferable skills to meet sector expectations. Students will apply sector specific creative and technical skills in different industry contexts. ARTS-RELATED SPECIALIST ROUTE (A) Students will be able to use relevant academic research and sources to critically review and place their practice in a humanities, phenomenology or cultural framework. SCIENCE-RELATED SPECIALIST ROUTE (S) Students will be able to use relevant academic research and sources to critically review and place their practice in a scientific methodological and technical framework.
Level - 5
Professional Collaborative WorkCIF-502
This module aims to enable students to explore, examine, and review the function of a professional project. Students will work in a professional context to deliver a project in their specialism. Students will be responsible for identifying the requirements of a professional project brief. They will plan, deliver and review a professional project to current industry standards with their peers. Students will register themselves or/and their work as appropriate with a professional association and actively manage their professional networks, professional ethics and professional communications.
Level - 5
Specialist Route SkillsCIF-503A/503S
This module enables students to use tools, techniques, and procedures to work toward producing work of a professional standard in their chosen specialist route. These sources will be used to critically reflect and analyse their work and the work of other practitioners in the appropriate frameworks. ARTS-RELATED SPECIALIST ROUTE (A) Students will be able to use relevant academic research and sources to critically review and place their practice in a humanities, phenomenology or cultural framework. SCIENCE-RELATED SPECIALIST ROUTE (S) Students will be able to use relevant academic research and sources to critically review and place their practice in a scientific methodological and technical framework.
Level - 5
Specialist Collaborative WorkCIF-501
This module enables students to contribute through their chosen specialism to an interdisciplinary collaborative creative industries project. Students should engage with the appropriate professional networks for their specialist or interdisciplinary field.
Level - 5
Copyright, Royalties, Publishing and Income StreamsSKU-BUS-13
This Unit builds on the introductory look at these topics that students recieved at L4. Through an in-depth exploration of copyright, royalties, publishing and income streams students will learn how to protect their work and make money from it.
Level - 5
Applied Lyrical & Topline DevelopmentSKU-CAC-03
This level 5 skills unit follows “Introduction to Songwriting”. Students will gain further skills and knowledge on advanced lyrical & melodic devices within their songwriting, such as: use of imagery, imaginative narratives, metaphorical & rhythmic devices and musical prosody.
Level - 5
Writing to BriefSKU-CAC-05
This skills unit will take students through various professional briefs delivered to commercial songwriters within the music industry. Students will gain skills and knowledge in writing to a range of different genres & styles.
Level - 5
Musical Directing and Studio CraftSKU-PRO-06
Every Producer working in a studio environment at some stage will work with other Artists. This Skills Unit, links Production students to Musicians with a focus on communication & collaboration. Getting the best performance from an Artist, while also managing the technical responsibilities in the studio is a skillset that prepares the students for the Industry.
Level - 5
Creative MixingSKU-PRO-12
Building on skills and knowledge gained in the Mixing Fundamentals Skills Unit, this course explores the creativity that emerges from breaking the rules and pushing recording and mixing equipment beyond their sensible limits. Here, you can explore creative approaches and processes as applied to mixing and begin to develop a unique sound as a producer.
This skills unit aims to provide an opportunity for students to integrate their instrumental, vocal and stagecraft skills into a coherent whole, consistent with professional levels of live performance. Students will explore their stagecraft and musicianship in depth, as a way of enhancing creativity and musical expression.
Level - 6
Independent PortfolioCIF-604A/604S
This module enables students to create a portfolio and digital presence that includes course output, work experience, freelance work or volunteering targeted to professional opportunities or further study. ARTS-RELATED SPECIALIST ROUTE (A) Students will be able to use relevant academic research and sources to critically review and place their practice in a humanities, phenomenology or cultural framework. SCIENCE-RELATED SPECIALIST ROUTE (S) Students will be able to use relevant academic research and sources to critically review and place their practice in a scientific methodological and technical framework.
Level - 6
Leading Professional Collaborative ProjectCIF-602
This module aims to enable students to build their leadership and professional skills through an interdisciplinary collaborative professional project. Students will design the requirements of the professional project brief, manage the project and communications and evidence project outputs.
Level - 6
Critical ReviewCIF-601A/601S
This module includes a research or practical project that critically reviews one or more current issues, constraints or practices that impacts the music and wider creative Industries, the application of music to other industry sectors or broader cultural or workforce issues relating to music and the creative cultural industries. ARTS-RELATED SPECIALIST ROUTE (A) Students will be able to use relevant academic research and sources to critically review and place their practice in a humanities, phenomenology or cultural framework. SCIENCE-RELATED SPECIALIST ROUTE (S) Students will be able to use relevant academic research and sources to critically review and place their practice in a scientific methodological and technical framework.
Level - 6
Leadership and CPDCIF-603
This module enables students to engage with continuing professional development and to review and develop their leadership skills in different contexts. Students will examine different models of leadership and review and develop their range of leadership tools, techniques and expertise in this area.
Level - 6
Performance and TechnologySKU-PRO-13
Through case studies and hands-on demonstrations, this Skills Unit explores cutting edge technologies, their application within music performance and technology’s ability to enhance the music production process.
Level - 6
MasteringSKU-PRO-15
Mastering is the final stage of any audio production, This Skills Unit, gives students the opportunity to advance their mastering skills, using both software & hardware. As Digital Distribution continually evolves, keeping up to date with the latest formats and specifications is important. From vinyl, CD and digital mastering, the students will learn the skills to finalise their own music within Industry standerds.
Level - 6
Mix with the ExpertsSKU-PRO-19
Leading mixers from a variety of genres will share their knowledge and experience in this skills unit through masterclasses, workshops and mix deconstructions.
Level - 6
Immersive AudioSKU-PRO-20
The world of Immersive audio is ever changing and evolving, This Skills Units aim, is for students to be able to explore areas such as the use of Dolby Atmos and the way that sound can be produced and mixed to work in immersive environments.
Level - 6
The Future of Commercial SongwritingSKU-CAC-10
This skills unit takes a deeper look at the future of the commercial songwriting industry. Students will explore their career opportunities and develop deeper understanding of the professional route and role of a commercial songwriter in the years ahead.
Level - 6
Professional Practice FrameworksCIF-701
This module enables students to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the professional sector specific expertise required for a creative industries profession. Students apply these creative and technical skills in a wide range of interdisciplinary contexts. Students will create or synthesise tools, techniques, and procedures to produce work that solves complex problems and disrupts in order to meet interdisciplinary objectives.
Level - 7
Applied Research (Focus and Impact on Creative Industries Futures)CIF-702A/702S
This module enables students to evidence academic expertise in an applied research context. Students will engage and reflect on the developmental process and develop learning strategies for applied research. They will work on a project collaborating with local communities, industry or academic networks as appropriate. This module runs across two terms, the first term focuses on the specific focus of the applied research and the second with the delivery and impact measurement for the research. ARTS-RELATED SPECIALIST ROUTE Students will be able to use relevant academic research and sources to critically review and place their practice in a humanities, phenomenology or cultural framework. SCIENCE-RELATED SPECIALIST ROUTE Students will be able to use relevant academic research and sources to critically review and place their practice in a scientific methodological and technical framework.
Level - 7
Ideas into ActionCIF-703
Within this module students will investigate the project management processes needed to develop a project from concept to release. Students will explore projects from the perspectives of different collaborators in the research. They will identify potential collaborators for the different stages of developing and implementing their ideas and will develop skills and techniques to effectively pitch at a high level to a variety of audiences.
Level - 7
Making Connections and Building a CommunityCIF-704
This module enables students to Identify, inform, and establish a network of peers and relevant industry and community contacts to develop opportunities and advocacy in key organisations in the local community, research organisations, charities and the creative industries as well as connect with communities of investors. Students will engage core stakeholders in activities and communications to enable effective development of opportunities and increased advocacy using professional development tools such as action learning, critical reflective practice, clinical supervision, or other appropriate methods. Students will design, coordinate, and evaluate internal and external communications in a portfolio of evidence that tracks responses, activities, ethical considerations, influence, and impact.
Level - 7
Specialist Entry PortfolioCIF-001
This module aims to support students to develop a portfolio demonstrating their readiness for the MIF undergraduate programme.
Level - Foundation
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Did You Know?
Did you know outside of learning discipline-specific skills, students most want to practice, connect and collaborate and perform.
Did you know just ahead of you in London we are preparing our new flagship campus, and it will have more studios, more production rooms and more space to create and collaborate than in any other comparable institution anywhere in London?
Read more
Did you know you can do a three-year degree in just two years? … Ask about ACM’s two-year accelerated undergraduate programme.
Did you know ACM and Metropolis run a dedicated Artist Development programme?
Did you know ACM has three record labels all managed by Metropolis and supported by ACM students where they learn by doing? … You can apply to work on the labels whilst you study at ACM
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Did you know as soon as you become an ACM student, you can submit your music to an independent A&R panel to be selected to have your work recorded, mixed and mastered at Metropolis?
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Did you know that at ACM you can apply to do a Masters in just 3 years as an option for all our creative industries courses?Read more
Did you know an integrated masters is a course that includes a degree and masters in a single course?Read more