Advanced Skills for the Producer-Songwriter

In this course, students smudge the boundaries between writer and producer, creating a non-linear and fully integrated approach to writing and producing. In the past, the role of writer and producer have been played by different people. But, as access to information and technology becomes ubiquitous, a whole new breed of technical creatives are playing both roles, creating work that is fully integrated. Examples of this are James Blake, Bon Iver, Max Martin, Ryan Tedder, Paul Epworth, Disclosure, Bjork, Missy Elliot, Danger Mouse, Linda Perry, Bruno Mars, Greg Wells, Frank Ocean, and many others. Building on the 100 and 200 level technology courses in the Songwriting Department’s core curriculum, this course provides the self-producing songwriter the tools to compete in the current marketplace, equip them with advanced strategies and techniques to produce professional level content, enhance and expand their songwriting skills/workflow, increase their employability, and provide them the independence to work however they want/need too. The course is DAW-neutral and students can choose their creative tools. Over 16 weeks students compose and produce four new songs which require them to self-assess, collaborate, write, and produce lush vocal arrangements, work with another artist to create a custom work for them from composition to final master, and work for hire which requires writing with specific and targeted instruction. By the end of the course, students will have experienced and walked through several real world situations they will likely encounter in the professional field, and participated in both the compositional and production aspects of each project.