Bachelor of Music Industry (Major in Songwriting)

Box Hill Institute, TAFE VIC

Type of institution: TAFE Institute
Level: Undergraduate
CRICOS: 02411J

The Bachelor of Music Industry program is the most flexible and innovative music program in Australia. The program is designed to support emerging music professionals across all areas of the industry to work collaboratively, think innovatively, and create their own pathway into industry.  Students choose one of the six pillars of the music industry as their major. These are: business, composition, music production, performance, song writing, and audio production.  Students then tailor the remaining 50%% of their course by choosing from a pool of over sixty subjects. Students can add either two minors, a minor and electives, or just electives to their major study area.  In addition to the majors and electives, all students undertake common core subjects in the first two years of the program.  This common core focuses on understanding the music industry, looking at the music industry from different perspectives, innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship, and looking at how to prepare themselves for the future of the music industry.   The combination of the common-core, majors and minor/elective units prepares the student to undertake their industry-mentored capstone project providing them with the perfect transition to the music industry.  Areas of elective and minor study include:  film and media compositionperformancemusic businessbusiness innovationadvanced performancesongwritingcollaborative songwritingsound productionprofessional soundgame audiobeat cyphermusic productioninnovation in music creationcreating content for the music industrywork placementMajor in Songwriting  Year 1  In the 1st semester of songwriting major students focus on the foundational concepts of melody, harmony, form and lyrics and participate in songwriting and performance workshops where their ideas are presented. Students will also explore the foundation elements of what a music producer does, how they do it, and why, through a series of workshops discussing the evolution of the music industry and the role of the music producer within it. Students will use foundational tools and techniques for DAW (computer) based music production focusing on the Ableton Live software package. Students will engage in activities including developing original demos, creating beat tapes, and engaging with professional music producers.  In the 2nd semester students will extend their songwriting skills by exploring novel variations to functional songwriting techniques. Development of critical thinking and exploration of the songwriter’s distinctive artistic identity will be introduced into songwriting workflow. Students will also be guided through the process of producing a full-scale original track by engaging in activities such as analysing the production values of their favorite tracks; experimenting with a range of software-based production techniques; workshopping the development of your original track; and learning how to mix your track and make it ready for online distribution.  Year 2  In semester 1 students will further explores the songwriter as an artist through in-depth study of and response to existing repertoire. Stylistic approaches to lyrical, melodic and harmonic content will be further analysed in popular music and students will be challenged to add greater technical and aesthetic depth to their own compositions.  In semester 2 students will be introduced to songwriting to a brief for areas such as theatre, film, advertisements and community projects. Students will develop skills to interpret the external requirements of such projects. They will learn how to identify themes and respond critically to create artistically appropriate content that serves and engages across various platforms and mediums. Students will develop familiarity with the functional songwriting techniques of various styles and genres and apply them appropriately.  Year 3  In semester 1 students will gain a deeper understanding of the songwriting craft through the exploration of literature such as poetry, spoken word, short stories, existing lyrics and other texts. Students will identify various literary techniques and tropes and employ them in their own work. They will further develop their own artistic voice and processes by making connections with the wider world of art and culture.  In semester 2 students will examine art, culture, society, and aesthetic principles and apply these contexts to inform their songwriting. By developing a broader cultural and artistic perspective, students will learn to solve complex songwriting problems and have the opportunity to present their findings and ideas both theoretically and practically. Students will be required to present both a folio of work and complementary aesthetic exploration to demonstrate how these broader cultural and artistic perspectives have informed their song writing practice.  Students from other Major disciplines can join the songwriting cohort from 2nd year as part of their minor studies.  Real-life industry experiences and facilities include: access to our studio facilities includinglicensed 200+ on-campus music venueindustry standard writing and production suites access to our internationally renowned Artist in Residence programs on campus record label Tremorverse Record perform in a 200+ capacity live venue produce your own creative portfolio choose from a range of electives to broaden your expertise collaborate with audio, composition and music business students in our world-class facilities be empowered to apply practical and theoretical aspects of music to real creative projects access to our Analogue Synth Collection study with like-minded creatives and expand your industry network learn from industry professionals music business training  None

Designed for

Year 12 VTAC applicants must have:have successfully completed VCE (or equivalent) with a study score of at least 20 in English (additional consideration will be given for achievement in VCE music & subjects related to composition)be able to demonstrate aptitude in compositionDirect entry applicants (Non-Year 12) must:be at least 19 years of age by 1 January in the year you commenceprovide evidence of relevant academic or music industry experience and be able to demonstrate the capability to successfully complete the courseAll applicants must complete an Interview, Musicianship Theory Test and present a Portfolio.Interview:You will be asked a series of questions relating to your suitability for the course. You are expected to demonstrate a clear understanding of career goals and an aptitude for the course of study, including any relevant industry experience.Musicianship Theory Test:As part of your audition you will be required to complete a music theory test.Portfolio:The portfolio can contain any combination of the following: recorded pieces, demo tracks, recommendations, testimonials, statement of results, compositions and any other supporting evidence you believe is relevant to the application.See below for further information for applicants with:recent secondary educationVocational Education and Training (VET) Studywork and life experiencehigher education studyApplicants with recent secondary educationApplicants with recent secondary education are those whose admission is based primarily on completion of Year 12 undertaken at school, TAFE or other VET or higher education provider (this includes both Australian or overseas equivalent) that was completed (or will be) in the current year or within the previous two years.You can apply to study with us through VTAC and must also:have successfully completed VCE (or equivalent) with a study score of at least 20 in English (additional consideration will be given for achievement in VCE Audio Production / music subjects)be able to demonstrate aptitude in audio productionhave successfully completed the Interview, Musicianship Theory Test and presented a PortfolioApplicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) StudyApplicants who have completed a VET course of study in Audio Production or similar at a public TAFE or other VET provider either recently or some time ago are welcome to apply. Applicants seeking to enrol at Box Hill Institute after completing VET study at another education provider or applicants changing to a different course at Box Hill Institute can apply for recognition of prior learning (RPL). All applications for RPL are assessed on an individual basis and are granted for subjects where the content and learning outcomes has been demonstrated through your completion of subjects in your prior course.You can apply to study with us through direct entry and must also:have successfully completed VCE (or equivalent) with a study score of at least 20 in English (additional consideration will be given for achievement in VCE Audio Production / music subjects)be able to demonstrate aptitude in audio productionhave successfully completed the Interview, Musicianship Theory Test and presented a PortfolioApplicants with work and life experienceApplicants with work and life experience have left secondary education more than two years ago (i.e. applicants who are not classified as recent secondary education applicants) and have not undertaken VET or higher education study since then.Experience could include a combination of factors sufficient to demonstrate readiness for higher education. This includes mature-age entry, professional experience, community involvement or work experience. Applicants may have undertaken non-formal programs that have helped them to prepare for tertiary education or are relevant to Audio Production.You can apply to study with us through direct entry and must also:have successfully completed VCE (or equivalent) with a study score of at least 20 in English (additional consideration will be given for achievement in VCE Audio Production/music subjects)be able to demonstrate aptitude in audio productionhave successfully completed the Interview, Musicianship Theory Test and presented a PortfolioApplicants with Higher Education studyApplicants who have completed some of a higher education course, either at non-university higher education providers or university some time ago or recently, are welcome to apply. Applicants seeking to transfer to Box Hill Institute from another education provider or applicants changing to a different course at Box Hill Institute can apply for recognition of prior learning (RPL). All applications for RPL are assessed on an individual basis and are granted for subjects where the content and learning outcomes has been demonstrated through your completion of subjects in your prior course.You can apply to study with us through direct entry and must also:have successfully completed VCE (or equivalent) with a study score of at least 20 in English (additional consideration will be given for achievement in VCE Audio Production / music subjects)be able to demonstrate aptitude in Audio Productionhave successfully completed the Interview, Musicianship Theory Test and presented a PortfolioPRE-TRAINING REVIEW - to assist prospective students to determine whether a course is suitable and appropriate for the individual needs, Box Hill Institute will assess all students’ language, literacy and numeracy and digital literacy by asking you to undertake a self-assessment review prior to the enrolment. A course advisor will discuss the outcomes of the review and make recommendations about whether the course is suitable for you, and identify additional support where required.

Structure

6 common core units8 major units12 electivesExit points:Associate degree in Music Industry is an exit point after two years of full time study.Diploma in Music Industry is an exit point after 1 year of full time study.

Subjects

  • studio technology 1
  • studio technology 2
  • recording studio production techniques
  • recording mixing and mastering bands
  • sound system design and operation 1
  • sound system design and operation 2
  • producing bands
  • professional mixing and mastering
  • advanced post-production
  • professional media mixing
  • music copyright and commercialisation
  • marketing, promotion and live events
  • introduction to content creation
  • professional content and writing
  • artist management
  • social media strategy
  • design thinking
  • integrated business: leading, managing and collaborating in the music industry
  • effective design
  • producing creative content
  • business and finance for the music industry
  • global music business strategy
  • technology strategy and creative innovation
  • grants and funding
  • visual story telling and narrative
  • developing a content driven marketing plan
  • music for the moving image 1
  • music for the moving image 2
  • music, sound design and the moving image
  • advanced media scoring
  • create and implement audio in games
  • interactive music and sfx for games
  • beat cypher 1
  • beat cypher 2
  • collaborative performance 1
  • collaborative performance 2
  • work integrated learning
  • introduction to music production
  • music production techniques
  • song production
  • creative collaborations
  • advanced production techniques
  • advanced performance technology
  • artistic direction
  • self-releasing music
  • innovation in music creation
  • immersive and interactive audio
  • introduction to the music industry
  • perspectives on the music industry
  • creativity and entrepreneurship
  • future of music
  • major project a
  • major project b
  • musicianship foundations 1
  • musicianship foundations 2
  • advanced musicianship and stagecraft
  • developing the artistic voice
  • music elements and performance
  • music fundamentals and performance
  • performance concepts
  • artistry and expression
  • refine aesthetic concepts in performance
  • lead collaborations in performance
  • the craft of songwriting 1
  • the craft of songwriting 2
  • songwriting techniques and perspectives
  • songwriting to a brief
  • songwriting collaborations: writing room 1
  • the song writer and the live musician 1
  • songwriting through literature
  • songwriting: culture, society and aesthetic principles
  • songwriting collaborations: writing room 2
  • the song writer and the live musician 2

Standard entry requirements

.

Recognition

This course is accredited by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) and the qualification is aligned with the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) level 7 and Box Hill Institute Graduate Attributes. Successful completion will enable you to apply for entry to honours, postgraduate diploma and master’s courses at your chosen university

Study pathways

Songwriter Composer for film, TV and gamesSound DesignerWriter and ArrangerProducer/Programmer/Designer of music and multimedia software packagesMusic Artist, Performer and many moreIndustries may include:recording industrymusic publishinglive performancemusic retailadvertisingradiofilmvideo and televisionmusic therapymusic educationmusic media

Study information

CampusFeesEntryMid year intakeAttendance
Nelson International: $21,020 No

Related courses

Browse more courses
Is the information on this page correct? Request update
Enquire about this course
You must agree before submitting.

Become a member

Already a member? LoginForgot password?

Join the conversation