You are already enrolled in this certificate program. If you'd like to enroll in an additional certificate program, please return to the certificate program catalog page, choose the program you are interested in, and begin the enrollment process.

You are currently enrolled in another certificate program. If you'd like to enroll in an additional program, please continue with the enrollment process.

If you would like to upgrade your certificate program (For example: from a Professional program to an Advanced Professional program), please discontinue the enrollment process and contact our Berklee Online Registrar's Office at registrar@online.berklee.edu. For any other questions on the enrollment process, please call our service department at 617.747.2146.

Advanced Professional Certificate

Writing and Producing Music

Next semester
starts April 1

Tuition

$13,905

9 Courses (27 Credits) or $1,545 Per Course
Only $12,514.50 when paid all at once

To break in to today’s music industry as a songwriter, you first need to master the writing and arranging skills employed by many hit songwriters. Yet, even if you do so, a record label isn’t likely to knock on your door and ask to record your new songs. You’ll probably need to do it yourself, which is why this program pairs writing and arranging with a music production curriculum that will enable you to record and mix your compositions with professional results. You’ll come away with the multi-faceted skill set necessary to start or advance your career as a contemporary writer/producer.

Course Requirements

9 Courses to Complete this Certificate (6 Required, plus 3 Electives)

6 Required Courses

Music Production Analysis (OMPRD-160)
Stephen Webber
Level 1 Course
by Stephen Webber

Develop the skills you need for listening and identifying elements of effective records like a seasoned producer, and then learn to use these elements in your own music.

Pro Tools 101 (OMPRD-180)
Andy Edelstein
Level 1 Course
by Andy Edelstein

The first stage of Avid’s Pro Tools certification program, you’ll learn the foundational skills needed to understand Pro Tools technology and software, including recording, editing, and mixing on a basic level.

Arranging 1: Rhythm Section (OCWPR-130)
Suzanne Dean
Level 1 Course
by Suzanne Dean

Explore all of the aspects of writing and arranging for the rhythm section and essential techniques for arranging music for a band.

Arranging and Producing Contemporary Music Styles (OCWPR-250)
Dan Moretti
Level 2 Course
by Dan Moretti

Learn how to create your own original grooves by analyzing, writing, sequencing, and recording the styles that have influenced contemporary music in Europe and the US.

Commercial Songwriting Techniques (OSONG-240)
Andrea Stolpe
Level 2 Course
by Andrea Stolpe

Learn to write for commercial success by reproducing the time-tested characteristics of hit songs while maintaining your own unique voice.

Songwriting: Writing Hit Songs (OSONG-310)
Jimmy Kachulis
Level 3 Course
by Jimmy Kachulis

Learn to make the most effective settings for your melodic, harmonic, and lyrical ideas by crafting songs the way hit songwriters do.

Upon Completion of this Certificate Program, You'll Receive:

  • Professional credential from the world leader in music education
  • Credits that may be eligible for transfer toward a Bachelor's degree program
  • A physical certificate from Berklee College of Music
  • A verified, digital certificate that you can share

Questions?

Contact our Academic Advisors by phone at 1-866-BERKLEE (U.S.), 1-617-747-2146 (INT'L), or by email at advisors@online.berklee.edu.