Program Overview

Songwriting

Program Overview

Gain a mastery of songwriting skills by bolstering your creativity with a working knowledge of music theory, composition, lyric writing and arrangement techniques. Our Songwriting course will also let you explore key industry concepts like copyright, publishing and promotion. A series of practical exercises forms an integral part of the course. Working knowledge of a musical instrument for self-accompaniment and writing is beneficial but not required. Get exclusive masterclasses from the likes of Scott Simons (America's Got Talent), John Greenham (Billie Eilish), Marko DeSantis (Sugarcult) and Dr. Mathew Knowles (Beyonce).

Key Info

• Duration: 1 Term
• Start Dates: Jul 2025, Oct 2025, Jan 2026, Apr 2026, Jul 2026, Oct 2026, Jan 2027, Apr 2027, Oct 2027, Jan 2028
• Timetable: One 4-hour class each week for 10 weeks. Daytime, evening & weekend slots available.

Fees

• Payment in Full: $2,545
• Registration Fee + Balance: $100 reg fee + balance of $2,445
• Registration Fee + Monthly Payments: $100 reg fee + $895 per month

Accommodation

While we don't offer on-campus housing, we work with trusted partners to help you find safe, comfortable student housing that fits your needs and budget. Whether you're looking for short-term housing or apartment rental, there are plenty of options—many fully furnished and equipped with high-speed internet and secure access.

Courses

Songwriting

At pointblank, the Songwriting course teaches students how contemporary songs are put together and what makes them successful. If you want to sell your songs and make a living from your music, then it's essential that you have an understanding of music theory, composition, and arrangement techniques. We also look at the modern music industry and explore copyright, publishing, and promotion. Practical exercises form an integral part of this course so students are expected to be able to either play an instrument, sing, or have some experience in music production software such as Ableton Live or Logic Pro.

• Songs & Songwriting
• Basic DAW Skills
• Music Theory for Songwriters
• Song Analysis
• Writing Lyrics
• Rhyming Structures
• Topline & Melody
• Writing Songs to a Backing Track
• Harmony
• Chord Progressions
• Structure & Arrangement
• Workflow

Expert Instructors

• Chloe O'Brien (Songwriting)
• Scott Simons (Songwriter)

Career Opportunities

Songwriters have the potential to earn a significant income through royalties, performance rights, and licensing fees. The entertainment industry has never been bigger with multiple platforms on the lookout for content and music every day. Talented songwriters who consistently produce high-quality work can build lucrative careers over time through artists, movies, theatre, TV shows, commercials, video games, and other media.

• Music Producer
• Songwriter
• Vocalist
• Music Arranger
• Musical Director
• Lyricist
• Rapper
• Music Publisher
• Artist/Performer
• A&R Label Manager

FAQ

• Are there any admission requirements?
  • Admission into any college-level program at pointblank requires that the prospective student:
    • Be 18 years of age or older (under age 18 may be accepted only with signed parental consent)
    • Possess a high school diploma or the equivalent
    • Be provided a current pointblank Music School Catalog
    • Sign a School Performance Fact Sheet and an Enrollment Agreement for their program
• What equipment do I need to buy?
  • None at all! Every pointblank student has access to their own fully-equipped workstation in class and during their practical studio work outside of class time. If you decide to purchase equipment for your own home studio, we will be happy to help you arrange student discounts from our leading industry partners including Apple, Ableton, Pioneer, Native Instruments, Serato, Izotope, Waves, and more.
• When are the classes scheduled?
  • For most 10-week courses within in this program, classes meet once per week for 4 hours (with a 15-minute break included) at one of the following session times:
    • 10:00am – 2:00pm (Morning Session)
    • 2:30pm – 6:30pm (Afternoon Session)
    • 7:00pm – 11:00pm (Evening Session)
• Do you provide student housing?
  • Our students have many options for housing accommodations near pointblank Los Angeles. Please visit our Student Accommodation page or Contact an Admissions Advisor for more info.
• I work full time. Can I enroll?
  • Yes. Classes are usually available in the evening and on weekends, and we will be happy to arrange a class schedule that works around your other professional commitments. Please check with an Admissions Advisor to see what scheduling options are available by calling or by completing the Contact Us form.
• I'm an international student. Can I enroll?
  • International students have different options for attending pointblank classes depending on their country of origin. These include the B2 visitor visa, the ESTA visa waiver program, and more. We do not offer F or M student visas at this time.
• Help! My question is not answered here.
  • If you have further questions, please contact an Admissions Advisor or call us directly at . You may also review the pointblank Music School Catalog for complete information about our programs and policies.