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 The Craft of Songwriting Certificate

Credential Description

This non-credit course guides you through the craft of songwriting.  With hands-on projects and expert instruction, you’ll gain knowledge to write your own song, including the music theory behind the music, the process of creating a song, the technical aspects to recording your work and how to market your work in today’s music industry.  Whether you’re looking to enhance your career or explore a new field, this course will equip you with the practical knowledge you need to succeed.

What You’ll Learn

In this course, you’ll gain hands-on experience to master the following key skills:

  • Understanding music theory: pitches, rhythm, scales, intervals, triads, seventh chords and chromatic chords.
  • Creating and developing the song: inspiration, elements, writing and editing in tandem,
  • Recording your new composition: use MIDI interfaces, arrange within your recording, and mix and master your final work.
  • Marketing your song in today’s music industry to earn money

What You’ll Earn

Upon successful completion, you’ll earn a digital badge that can be shared on your LinkedIn profile, digital resume, or portfolio. Your badge will include details of the competencies you’ve mastered, giving employers a visual verification of your newly acquired skills.

Throughout the course, you’ll benefit from four expert instructors; Dr. Lynnsey Lambrcht, Barry Cloyd, Dr. Mark De Zwann, and Carl Anderson.

Dr. Lynnsey Lambrecht is an Assistant Professor of music theory and composition at Bradley University. Lambrecht graduated from Michigan State University with a Doctor of Musical Arts in composition and a Master of Music in theory. 

Barry Cloyd is a Midwestern based, touring singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist, performing over 200 shows per year, who has spent a lifetime creating a performance style that weaves the genres of Blues, Folk, Celtic, Original and Roots music into a unique blend all his own. 

Dr. Mark De Zwaan is a seasoned audio engineer and musician with over 20-years experience in music technology. He has engineered sessions for a wide array of popular music, jazz, and classical artists, and his knowledge of analog and digital audio is augmented by vast expertise in computer science programming. 

Carl Anderson directs the Music Business and Music and Entertainment Industry programs at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois and holds a degree in Business Finance from Bradley. Mr. Anderson spent 28 years in private industry in the music products industry managing one of the largest music retailers in the country.

  • $360, $180 for K-12 educators
  • 8 hours
  • Online
  • Register anytime!
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Career Pathways

The Craft of Songwriting Certificate offers a comprehensive foundation for aspiring songwriters, covering music theory, songwriting process, recording techniques, and music industry marketing.

  • Performing Songwriter
  • Staff Songwriter
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