Concordia expands access to music creation with new Microprogram in Songwriting and Music Production

Concordia’s School of Performance is launching a new Microprogram in Songwriting and Music Production, expanding opportunities for emerging artists and working professionals to develop creative and technical skills in contemporary music-making.

The 12-credit program, set to begin in September 2026, is designed for students who are not yet ready to commit to a full Bachelor, as well as for musicians seeking to strengthen their practice in songwriting and production. Built from four existing courses—Songwriting I and II (MUSI 263/363) and Music Production Fundamentals I and II (MPRD 201/202)—the microprogram brings together songwriting and music production in a single, coherent program focused on modern music creation.

“This program responds directly to how people are making music today,” says associate music professor Georges Dimitrov.

“Artists are increasingly working independently, often outside traditional studio systems, and they need structured, creative training that reflects that reality.”

Unlike CEGEP-level or vocational audio engineering programs, the microprogram emphasizes artistic development and songwriting practice, building on Concordia’s strengths in creative music education. 

The program is designed to be flexible, offering evening courses that can be completed over one academic year or on a part-time basis over two years, making it accessible to working professionals and students with daytime commitments. Credits earned through the Microprogram may be applied toward existing Fine Arts programs, including the Minor in Music, Major in Music, and Specialization in Music Composition and Production.

Responding to growing demand 

“We’re seeing a significant rise in students who are already creating music before they arrive,” Dimitrov notes. “What they’re looking for is not just equipment knowledge, but creative direction, structure and feedback from an artistic community.”

He further explains that production-focused courses introduced in 2025–26 exceeded initial capacity projections, requiring additional sections. This shift is reflected in admissions patterns, with a majority of new students now entering through songwriting and production-oriented submissions. 

The Microprogram follows the same portfolio-based admissions approach as the Specialization in Music Composition and Production, focusing on creative potential, basic musical literacy, and familiarity with digital audio tools rather than advanced technical training.

“With demand for self-produced music continuing to grow, we are excited to expand our offerings with this microprogram as a timely and natural extension of recent curricular renewal efforts,” concludes Dimitrov.

Discover the microprogram in Songwriting and Music Production.