Studying Songwriting at Berklee

As a songwriting major at Berklee, you'll have the chance to cultivate your unique artistic voice across all facets of songwriting, while exploring its connections with other disciplines. This program offers a comprehensive approach to nurturing your passion, refining your craft, and guiding your career journey, helping you develop creatively and achieve your professional goals.

As a student, you can choose to specialize in one or more areas of songwriting, including songwriter-performer, songwriter-producer, songwriter-topliner, musical theater songwriter, and/or songwriter for sync. The program offers a core set of courses that provide the foundational knowledge necessary for any songwriter, while a range of electives allows you to explore different genres, styles, and career paths. Your coursework will culminate in a portfolio of original songs and recordings, along with one-on-one mentoring from faculty to help you plan your path after graduation.

Throughout your time in the program, you will have opportunities to collaborate with classmates, participate in recording sessions, attend seminars, participate in song camps and clubs, and engage in a variety of other activities that build community and promote networking. You will also have the chance to showcase your work at department performances and open mics, as well as participate in ensembles and campus-wide concerts.

Watch this video about the Songwriting Department, and check out the answers to frequently asked questions about studying songwriting at Berklee below.

Can I study an instrument while studying songwriting at Berklee?

As a songwriting major, you will have at least four semesters of private instruction on your principal instrument while taking songwriting courses, as well as at least one semester of piano and one semester of either guitar, bass, or piano.

Can I learn any style or genre of music at Berklee?

The core songwriting courses are genre-neutral. After you’ve taken these foundational courses, you can choose to focus on courses specializing in your genres of interest, such as R&B, pop, hip-hop, rock, or electronic music.

Can I take private lessons in songwriting?

All songwriting majors will take the Directed Study in Songwriting (SW-398) course, in which you will work one-on-one with a songwriting faculty member to rewrite and develop your songs.

What kind of recording technology will I learn to use?

As a songwriting major, you will take a minimum of two technology-focused courses in which you’ll learn to write and produce in the digital audio workstation (DAW) of your choice; you can choose Logic, Pro Tools, or Ableton Live. Several technology-focused electives for specialized interests, such as electronic performance or recording a band, are also available at Berklee.

Can I get a scholarship?

Many types of scholarships are available from Berklee and other sources. Visit the Paying for Your Education section of this website to learn more about different ways to help fund your Berklee education.

How can I get a better sense of what studying songwriting at Berklee is like?

Many students interested in studying songwriting at Berklee find it helpful to get a taste of the program by attending Berklee’s one-week Summer Songwriting Workshop.