Songwriting and Music Production (Microprogram)

Social media, streaming platforms and affordable home studio equipment have made self-production and distribution more accessible to musicians of all levels. Wondering how to produce music at a professional level? Gain the essential techniques for songwriting, production and recording needed to pursue a professional career in music.

The microprogram in Songwriting and Music Production provides musicians with intensive training to write, record and produce their own music. Over two terms, you will solidify professional competencies in songwriting courses, beat-making, arrangement, editing, mixing, mastering and digital distribution. Our program takes a hands-on approach, allowing you to create original works and graduate with a polished portfolio suitable for release.

Courses are designed with flexibility for working professionals in mind, featuring evening classes and part-time availability to accommodate daytime commitments.

Professional competencies in songwriting, beat-making, arrangement, editing, mixing and digital distribution, in addition to a polished portfolio of tracks.

Who is this program for?

Creators interested in learning songwriting and music production who are not yet ready to commit to a full bachelor’s degree, as well as artists with some prior experience. Working professionals and students with other daytime commitments.

The microprogram in Songwriting and Music Production takes place over the course of one academic year, from September to April. Courses are offered in the evening.

Students may opt to complete the microprogram part-time over two years, with MPRD 201/202 in the first year, and MUSI 263/363 in the second year.

The microprogram is composed of four courses for a total of 12 credits:

• MUSI 263 Songwriting I
• MUSI 363 Songwriting II
• MPRD 201 Music Production Fundamentals I
• MPRD 202 Music Production Fundamentals II

Since this microprogram takes a practice-oriented approach, you will be ready to apply your skills in professional contexts upon successful completion. Fast-track your career for technical roles or begin working as an independent creator in a variety of roles, including:

• Artist development
• Content creation
• Distribution and digital release strategies
• Lyric writing, songwriting and arrangement 
• Mixing and sound engineering
• Production
• Sound engineering
• Sync licensing and music publishing 

For those interested in pursuing a career as an independent artist, your completed portfolio will be ready for distribution and will allow you to apply for arts grants.

You will also be prepared to further your education in a Bachelor of Fine Arts program or graduate studies if you already have a bachelor's degree.

This microprogram welcomes candidates from diverse educational backgrounds who are interested in songwriting and music production.

• Only Canadian citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply.
• Registered undergraduate students at Concordia are not allowed to enrol in this microprogram. 
• No previous degree or diploma required for acceptance.

In addition to the university application, admissions to the microprogram also requires:

• Information about you and your musical background
• Online music literacy placement test
• Creative portfolio:
  • Musical tracks, songs, or pieces you have composed or produced. If you compose using traditional notation, you may also include music scores. For original songs, you may upload lyrics or lead sheets. For electronic tracks, you may include screenshots of your DAW sessions.
  • Videos of you performing or showcasing your music. This could include solo performances, band performances, laptop or synth setups, DJ sets, or similar.

Advanced technical training is not required. We're looking to see your creative potential through recorded songs or tracks, basic musical literacy and familiarity with digital audio tools.

1. You’ll need a Concordia Netname to start an application. Create a Netname account.
2. Once you have a Netname, complete an application. Select “Undergraduate Microprogram” from the list to get started.
3. Include your supporting documents:
   • Curriculum vitae (cv);
   • Letter of intent explaining your motivations and experience
   • Proof of your status in Canada or your Quebec permanent code if you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident that has previously studied in Quebec.
4. Have a valid credit card to pay the application fee of $40 CAD.
   Please note that we accept the following credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, JCB, Diners Club and UATP.
5. Complete the additional music requirements in Slideroom.

You may upload documents to your application even after submitting it. However, we cannot complete the assessment of your application until we receive all required documents.

For questions about the microprogram in Songwriting and Music Production, please contact Dr. Georges Dimitrov at georges.dimitrov@concordia.ca.