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The last five years has seen an explosion in popularity for the singer/songwriter. Artists such as Ben Howard, Ed Sheeran, Gabrielle Aplin as well as ACM Alumni Newton Faulkner and Ebony Day have all become leading exponents of the genre with their powerful live performances and their ability to take audiences on a lyrical journey.

Songwriting is like any craft – the more you practise, the better you become. But without guidance, structure, the tools and knowledge of the UK music industry, how can new artists and singer/songwriters set themselves on the track that leads to success and recognition?

ACM is pleased to announce brand new Certificate of Higher Education (Cert HE) and Degree programmes focusing on the craft and art of songwriting and artist development for 2015.

» Certificate of Higher Education (Cert HE) Contemporary Songwriting and Artist Development
» BMus(Hons) Professional Music Performance Degree (Songwriting and Artist Development route)

Commencing September 2015, these exciting additions to the innovative ACM Music Industry Curriculum seek to empower the the next generation of performance and recording artist, ensuring they find and express the very best of who they are as a songwriter and musician.

”Songs have played a central role in human society since ancient times. They have been messengers, storytellers, history-keepers, law-changers, revolution makers and voices of love for countless generations and, in modern times, the contemporary music industry has been built entirely around one key commercial asset – the song.”
Nic Rowley Head of ACM’s Contemporary Songwriting and Artist Development Programme

Covering a wide range of musical genres, the ACM Contemporary Songwriting and Artist Development programmes provide aspiring artists with a toolbox of skills so that they can solve any musical, lyrical, production and marketing problem that may arise as they develop their individual talent.

All Contemporary Songwriting and Artist Development students will experience an intensive educational experience, combining songwriting, performance skills and an understanding of the music industry in a powerful industry-focused package. Students will also have access to a range of state-of-the-art performance facilities, Industry Link (a team dedicated to bridging the gap between education and industry) and Metropolis Studios (Europe’s leading music studio and mastering complex).

Contemporary Songwriting and Artist Development Cert HE
This one year accelerated higher education programme will give students a clear grasp of the fundamental processes behind the craft of songwrting and will offer them the opportunity to explore creativity, marketing, stagecraft and personal development as an artist. All Cert (HE) students will complete the following modules as part of the Contemporary Songwriting and Artist Development programme:

  • Creative Processes in Songwriting
  • Rhythm, Harmony and Melody
  • Song Analysis and Genre Studies
  • Musicianship
  • Intellectual property and future marketing
  • Song arrangement and orchestration
  • Production methods
  • Stagecraft and presentation

Apply via UCAS for September 2015
UCAS Institution Code: A48
» Cert HE Course Code: W380 // Certificate of Higher Education (Cert HE) Contemporary Songwriting and Artist Development

More about the Professional Music Performance Degree (Contemporary Songwriting and Artist Development route).

BMus(Hons) Professional Music Performance Degree
» Songwriting and Artist Development route
This two year accelerated degree programme provides students with the extended knowledge, application and gateway opportunities to fine tune their craft as an artist and singer/songwriter. All Degree students will complete the following modules in addition to those covered by ACM’s Contemporary Songwriting and Artist Development Cert (HE) programme:

  • Advanced Music Industry & Marketing Promotion
  • Independent Study
  • Advanced Songwriting & Arranging
  • Professional Artist Portfolio
  • Professional Performance
  • Specialised Project / Dissertation

Apply via UCAS for September 2015
UCAS Institution Code: A48
» Cert HE Course Code: W380 // Certificate of Higher Education (Cert HE) Contemporary Songwriting and Artist Development
» Degree Course Code: W381 // BMus(Hons) Professional Music Performance

Interested? Find out more about ACM and our brand new Contemporary Songwriting and Artist Development programmes by contacting the ACM Admissions Team on 01483 500 800 or by completing our online contact form.

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