The Songwriting and Production specialization merges the art of songwriting with the power of modern recording, exploring the artistic possibilities of technology-aided creation.
Through a collaborative, hands-on approach to music-making, this integrated program combines creative expression with technical expertise to help you develop a cohesive artistic voice. Guided by seasoned faculty, you'll strengthen your creative problem-solving skills while gaining the practical experience needed to navigate today's evolving music industry.
Throughout the program, you'll expand your artistic range, refine your unique voice, and build an industry-ready portfolio—preparing you to write, produce, collaborate, and perform at the highest level.
Our Focus
Intentional Creative Decisions
Today's technology gives us unlimited tracks, unlimited edits, and the ability to change almost anything at any point in the creative process. While these tools are incredibly powerful, they can also encourage artists to postpone the most important decisions. But successful artists don’t get lost in endless choices, they make intentional creative decisions from the beginning.
Our curriculum is designed to develop your artistic judgment, helping you make stronger choices in songwriting, production, arrangement, and artistic identity from the very beginning.
Rather than simply teaching software or technique, we help you develop the artistic instincts and critical thinking needed to make stronger decisions on the front end, resulting in more authentic, and compelling music.
Our Approach
Artistic POV / Feedback & Collaboration
Artistic Point of View
Success today is about more than making great music. The most compelling artists create a complete artistic world, where music, visuals, and strategy work together to communicate a clear identity.
Our program encourages students to develop a “Unique Cohesive Sound” (UCS), an artistic vision that is unmistakably your own. By aligning your creative decisions across every aspect of your work, you'll learn how to build a lasting connection with your audience and stand apart in an increasingly competitive musical landscape.
Feedback & Collaboration
Great music is rarely made in isolation. Developing as an artist requires thoughtful feedback, trusted collaborators, and a community that challenges you to grow.
Throughout the program, you'll receive ongoing mentorship from distinguished faculty who are active in the industry, while collaborating with a cohort of writers, producers, and artists from around the world. Their diverse musical backgrounds and creative perspectives become an essential part of your own development, both inside and outside the classroom.
Our Network
Industry in the Classroom
Learning extends beyond the faculty. Throughout the year, you'll engage with accomplished artists, producers, songwriters, engineers, managers, and other music industry professionals through guest lectures, workshops, in class projects and Berklee NYC events.
These experiences provide valuable insight into today's music industry while helping you build meaningful professional connections.
Who We Are Looking For
We seek a varied group of motivated, creative and focused candidates with solid academic and professional backgrounds who can contribute a diversity of experience, insight, and skills that will benefit and elevate the program.
Ideal candidates want to:
- gain deep experience in the elements of modern songwriting and production;
- integrate collaborative skills into their existing creative toolkit;
- develop their creative voices and artistic point of view; and
- build creative and professional discipline through a year of intensive, hands-on, project-based work.
Ideal candidates should demonstrate:
- current creative activity;
- excellent songwriting and production potential;
- prior academic success;
- an embrace of current practices and trends in music and technology; and
- motivation and focus towards advancing their artistry and career.
Culminating Experience
Students will ideate, develop, and complete a culminating experience or thesis project that is uniquely theirs.
Graduate Internship
You have the option of spending a fourth semester completing an internship course.
Paying for your Degree
All applicants are eligible for aid and merit-based scholarships. You can also earn money working as a graduate assistant.
