Program Overview

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Unleash your Creative Artist with an ACM degree

Overview

The Creative Artist pathway will give you a 360-degree experience of the skills and knowledge required to be a professional songwriter or performing/recording artist writing original material.

Details

At ACM, we pride ourselves not only on providing comprehensive training in creative arts but also on fostering the development of multifaceted skill sets that enhance our students' employability in the competitive music industry.

Our curriculum is designed to equip students with not only the technical proficiency needed for success as songwriters or performing artists but also the adaptability and versatility required to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Through hands-on experiences and industry-relevant projects, our students gain expertise in areas such as performance, composition, production, marketing, and entrepreneurship, preparing them for a diverse range of career opportunities.

Whether pursuing a solo career, joining a band, or exploring avenues in sync licensing and digital media, ACM empowers students to navigate the complexities of the music industry with confidence and creativity.

Specialisms

We offer four specialisms as part of the Creative Artist pathway:

• Commercial Songwriting
• Singer-Songwriter
• Songwriter-Producer
• Creative Entrepreneur / Songwriter

Modules & Skills Units

Here at ACM, we provide a mix of hyper-specific skills units tailored to your needs, core academic modules, and project modules which run throughout your course.

Level 4

• Preparing for Collaborative Work
• The impact and influence of music: from creator to consumer
• Music, society, and Culture: Perspectives and Debates
• Engaging in Collaborative Work
• Introduction to Songwriting
• Theory, Aural Skills & Critical Listening
• DAW Composition & Arrangement
• Co-Writing, Collaboration & Constructive Feedback
• Sound Recording Techniques
• Music & the Creative Industries
• Music, Media and Technology

Level 5

• Specialist Collaborative Work
• Specialist Route Skills
• Professional Collaborative Work
• Professional Route Skills
• Musical Directing and Studio Craft
• Vocal Health & Development
• Applied Lyrical & Topline Development
• Second Instrument
• Creative Mixing
• Be Your Own Boss
• Writing to Brief
• Stagecraft, Musicianship & Performance
• Copyright, Royalties, Publishing and Income Streams

Level 6

• Leadership and CPD
• Critical Review
• Leading Professional Collaborative Project
• Independent Portfolio
• Advanced Songwriting (Advanced Briefs and Global Songwriting)
• Music Business & DIY Artistry
• Composition to Film, TV & Media
• Advanced Stagecraft, Musicianship & Performance
• Critical Reflection & Creative Identity
• The Future of Commercial Songwriting
• Professional Specialism (The Performing Songwriter)
• Professional Specialism (The Producer/Writer)
• Mix with the Experts
• Immersive Audio
• Digital Skills
• Business Strategy and Planning

Level 7

• Professional Practice Frameworks
• Applied Research (Focus and Impact on Creative Industries Futures)
• Ideas into Action
• Making Connections and Building a Community

Course Details

Award

BA / BSc (Hons) Creative Industries Futures MCCI Creative Industries Futures

Awarding Body

Middlesex University

Modes of Study

• Full time
• Accelerated
• Blended
• Integrated

Campus Delivery

• Birmingham
• Guildford
• London
• Remote

Duration

• Degree: 2 Year accelerated delivery, 3 Year accelerated delivery including Foundation Year, 3 Year traditional delivery
• Integrated Masters: 3 Year accelerated delivery including postgraduate year

FHEQ Credits

• Degree: 360
• Integrated Masters: 540

UCAS Institution Code

Institution A48

Entry Requirements

• All candidates will be required to attend an audition / interview.
• 2 Year Degree: All candidates should hold at least 2 A-Levels (or an equivalent Level 3 qualification), possessing a minimum of 104 UCAS points.
• Foundation Level 0: All candidates should hold at least a Grade C/4 in English GCSE.

Faculty & Visiting Professionals

ACM blends expert tutoring, professional mentorship, and 100 industry-developed modules, ensuring students gain relevant skills and insights for success in the fast-evolving professional world.

Why study our Creative Artist course?

We equip creative artists with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed as songwriters, performers, producers, and business-savvy entrepreneurs in the dynamic DIT music artist landscape, fostering a new generation of versatile and resilient artist-entrepreneurs.

Dual Focus on Songwriting and Business

Acknowledging that creativity and business are not mutually exclusive, this pathway places equal importance on honing the craft of songwriting and developing strong business skills.

Entrepreneurial Mindset

Recognising the changing landscape of the music industry, an entrepreneurial mindset is crucial for artists to navigate their careers successfully.

Integrated Songwriting and Production

Understanding that the production aspect is integral to a songwriter's toolkit, the curriculum integrates music production skills.

Holistic Skill Development

Combining songwriting and music production creates a holistic learning experience.

Songwriting as the Foundation

The core focus on songwriting is justified by its pivotal role in a singer-songwriter's career.

Production Proficiency

In today's music landscape, many singer-songwriters are expected to be proficient in music production to create and release their own music.

Performance Skills

While songwriting is the cornerstone, the ability to deliver songs effectively is equally crucial.

DIY Music Landscape

The contemporary music industry increasingly values independent artists who can manage various aspects of their careers.

Business Acumen

The music industry has evolved into a multifaceted landscape where artists are often their own managers, promoters, and marketers.

Industry Demand

The demand for multi-talented songwriters-producers is on the rise.

Creative Synergy

Songwriting and production are intrinsically connected.

Adaptability

The modern music industry is dynamic, with songwriters increasingly expected to take on production roles, and producers expected to contribute creatively to songwriting.

Faculty & Visiting Professionals

ACM blends expert tutoring, professional mentorship, and 100 industry-developed modules, ensuring students gain relevant skills and insights for success in the fast-evolving professional world.

Student success

Listen to the stories of our past and present students to learn about their journeys.

Ready for ACM or want to learn more?

Complete the form below to register your interest and begin your journey with us.

About you

• Information about you and your contact details.
• First Name
• Surname
• Gender pronouns
• Date of Birth
• Your Email Address
• Your Mobile Phone Number

Course selection

• Which course are you interested in studying? If you don't have a preference yet, choose 'I'm unsure' from any section.
• Choose your preferred ACM Campus
• Choose a preferred Study Level
• Preferred Year of Entry
• Preferred Subject Area

Admissions assessment

• A few questions we need to ask to process your application.
• Are you a UK citizen?
• Eligibility to study
• Do you have any criminal convictions or ongoing investigations?
• Do you have any additional needs or disabilities that we can support you with?
• Learning / Health information
• Are you or have you ever been subject to an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP)?

Data fair processing notice

• I consent to ACM storing and processing the information above in accordance with my application to this study programme and to contact me in the future using the contact details I have provided.