Program Overview

Songwriting Certificate

Overview

The Songwriting Certificate is designed for students interested in developing the ability to write and produce their own music. Study of lyric writing, melody, harmony, music theory, and entrepreneurial strategies provide the foundation to build creative skills.

Program Details

• Program Location: Winchester Main Campus
• Program Type: Certificate

Classes

View Full Curriculum

Application Requirements

Students may not apply for the Songwriting Certificate until they have begun their first semester of study at Shenandoah Conservatory.

To apply, submit the following:

• Videos of TWO original songs. These songs may be self-accompanied or include supporting musicians/singers. A cappella vocal performances are not acceptable.
• Typed lyric sheets for each song.
• A short (200 words) essay describing your interest in songwriting, highlighting influences, and future goals.

Program Benefits

The songwriting certificate expands your opportunities after graduation and strengthens your credentials. Songwriting encourages critical thinking and lifelong learning. By studying popular song traditions in the United States and beyond, you will learn to appreciate diverse artistic traditions. The challenges of songwriting, and the study of its history and development, will help prepare you for a successful career in the arts.

Related Programs

• Contemporary Musicianship & Entrepreneur Development

Conservatory Areas of Study

• Music Industry
• Theatre Design & Production
  • Costume Design
  • Sound Design & Reinforcement
  • Lighting Design
  • Scenic Design
  • Stage Management
  • Technical Production
• Collaborative Piano
  • Master of Music in Collaborative Piano
• Jazz & Commercial Music
• Performing Arts Leadership & Management
  • Performing Arts Leadership & Management (4+1)
• Music Production & Recording Technology
• Musical Theatre
• Conducting
  • Doctor of Musical Arts in Performance (Conducting)
  • Master of Music in Conducting
• Dance
  • Bachelor of Arts in Dance
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance
• Artist Diploma
• Music
• Music Education
  • Bachelor of Music in Music Education
  • Master of Music Education
  • Music Education Workshops
• Pedagogy – Voice
  • Master of Music | Contemporary Commercial Music (CCM)
  • Master of Music in Pedagogy – Voice (Classical)
  • Doctor of Musical Arts in Pedagogy (Voice)
• Music Therapy
  • Bachelor of Music Therapy
  • Master of Music Therapy
  • Master of Arts in Music Therapy & Professional Counseling
  • Music Therapy Equivalency Program
• Church Music
  • Bachelor of Music in Church Music
  • Master of Music in Church Music
  • Undergraduate Certificate in Church Music
  • Graduate Certificate in Church Music
• Acting
• Musical Theatre Accompanying
• Contemporary Musicianship & Entrepreneur Development
• Music Performance
  • Bachelor of Music in Performance
  • Master of Music in Performance
  • Doctor of Musical Arts in Performance
  • Doctor of Musical Arts in Performance (Voice)
• Collaborative Audio Arts
• Songwriting Certificate
• Woodwind Doubling
• Composition
  • Bachelor of Music in Composition
  • Master of Music in Composition
• Conservatory Minors