songwritingCollaborationTo develop this skill, students areasked to co-write with a minimum offive collaborators. The assessmentcomprises a 4-song CD with anaccompanying 3,000 word ‘evaluativeaccount’ discussing the process ofcollaboration as it relates to thesubmitted songs.Recording Plan and EvaluationStudents are asked to prepare a 5,000 word recording plan thatevidences detailed preparation forthe final Recorded Portfolio module.Tutorial guidance focuses upondevelopment of a range of technicaland planning skills with a view toproviding individual guidance onarrangement, recording andproduction options.Recording PortfolioStudents record a portfolio oforiginal songs, 75% of which willhave been written during the course.The portfolio must be at least 40 andno more than 60 minutes in durationand comprises a CD plus printedlyrics.Teaching methods and resourcesBath Spa’s approach to the teachingof songwriting combines analysis ofexisting repertoire with a focus onsong crafting technique and studentsare encouraged to develop by writingnew songs throughout the course.Lectures, seminars and tutorialscombine to offer a range of expert and peer critique that seeks to enablethe student to examine original andknown works in a range of critical andtechnical contexts.118Students have access to laptopbasedrecording equipment and theprogramme has its own dedicatedfacilities, which include:- 6 dedicated songwriting rooms,each including Apple Macs runningPro Tools, Garageband and LogicStudio- Dedicated performance venue,plus lighting and PA system- Lecture facilities- Selection of instruments andmicrophones- Acoustic piano and electronickeyboardsThe curriculum is supported by aVirtual Learning Environment, socourse materials can be accessedfrom any web link.Recording facilitiesWhile our studio facilities aredesigned to enable the capture ofhigh quality recordings, in keepingwith contemporary songwritingindustry practice it is anticipated thatlearners will become self-sufficient inthe sense that, following completionof the course, they will be able torepeat the core processes of writing,planning and recording withoutincurring recording studio expenses.To enable mastery of the homerecording process, students haveaccess to laptop based ‘notepad’setups and industry-standardplug-ins (Stylus, MachFive, BFD,Trilogy, Waves etc) throughout theirstudies.Student ProfileTimothy Emmerick,MMus SongwritingAfter graduating from University I spent the next two years recording/releasing and supporting a fulllengthalbum. I had some successbut looked around at many of thesongwriting courses in America andfound most of them far less focusedand thorough than this one. I like the range of topics and theapproach to teaching; there was a nice balance of taught lecture and self-instruction, with a focus on personal excellence. The staffare always available to us when weneed them, but we also have thefreedom to explore parts of the craftand business of songwriting that aremost applicable to us individually. I chose Bath Spa because of thequality of the people involved withmy program and the facilities. All of my tutors are also top-levelprofessionals in the field and theirtuition is completely practical. Thestate-of-the-art facilities are perfectto put our tuition into practice.Having this qualification will give mea huge advantage; the course hashelped me focus my craft in a waythat has boosted my confidencetremendously.
songwritingAwardsMaster of Music (MMus) SongwritingAssessment methodsAssessment takes the form ofindividual assignments for eachmodule. Typical assessments includeaudio CD, presentation, essay, andevaluative account. Assessment iscontinuous and there are no writtenexams.Entry requirementsWe offer places on the basis ofthe student’s experience, potentialand commitment as a songwriter.Normally, but not invariably,applicants will have a first degree (orequivalent music industry experience)plus a substantial body of recordedwork, equal to that which wouldbe obtained as part of a relatedundergraduate course. Applicantsshould submit a portfolio of workwith their application comprisinga four-track CD of original songswith lyrics in the English languageaccompanied by printed A4 lyricsheets. Applications are invited fromcandidates with a range of academicdisciplines and from a variety ofnational backgrounds. Where anapplicant does not have a degree,he or she is required to completean APEL (Accreditation of PriorLearning Experience) form.EmployabilityMMus Songwriting is designed toenable students to develop a broadrange of intellectual, practical andtransferable skills. Given the practicalnature of the course, it is envisagedthat graduates may choose to workas a songwriter or in a related fieldsuch as music publishing. Othersmay use the critical skills they haveacquired to work elsewhere in themusic industry, perhaps for a recordlabel or as a music journalist.Upon graduation from theprogramme, it is the aim of coursetutors that students will have acquiredthe core problem-solving, analyticaland critical skills needed to adapt tothe changeable and unpredictablework environment of the twenty-firstcentury.Course locationCorsham Court CampusCourse lengthMMus full-time: three trimesters(one calendar year)MMus part-time: six trimesters(two calendar years)Also available as a distancelearning routeKey features- Taught by published songwriters.- An institution that has pioneeredthe teaching of songwriting.- As the only course of its type in theworld, the MMus Songwriting offersa unique programme of study.- Strong links with music industrybodies and publishers.FeesSee page 22 for full detailsApplicationsApplication forms are available onthe website and for any admissionsenquiries please contact:T: +44 (0)1225 875609E: admissions@bathspa.ac.ukEnquiriesPlease contact course directorAndy West:T: +44(0)1225 876217E: a.west@bathspa.ac.uk119