In this final course in the Songwriting and Producing Music degree, you will utilize all of your cumulative knowledge from the program to create a portfolio of your work that you can take into your music career.
Key Learning Outcomes
- Create a professional portfolio that showcases original songwriting, production, and sound design across multiple industry contexts
- Write and produce music for diverse applications, including music libraries, animation, and artist collaborations
- Execute advanced production workflows that meet professional creative and technical delivery standards
- Develop a cohesive artistic and professional identity that carries across genres, formats, and collaborators
Course Description
This is the final course in the Songwriting and Producing Music degree. You will utilize all of your cumulative knowledge from the program to create a portfolio of multiple small projects and one major capstone project.
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Create MIDI-based string mockups and hybrid productions suitable for professional scoring and production contexts
- Produce and refine collaborative projects by coaching talent and integrating live and programmed elements
- Revise and strengthen creative work through structured feedback, self-evaluation, and iteration
- Prepare finished work for professional presentation, including online platforms, portfolios, and industry review
Syllabus
Lesson 1: Writing for Music Libraries: How to Set the Mood
- Welcome to Your Industry: Introduction to the Course
- How to Convey Mood without a Visual
- Timing Is Everything
- Creating Tension and Release
- Assignment 1: Set the Mood!
Lesson 2: Producing Other Artists: Showcasing Your Signature Style While Reinforcing the Artist’s Sound
- Contracted Collaborations and Developing a Collaboration Plan
- DAW Plan of Action
- Start Producing in the DAW
- Assignment 2: Songwriter Production Demo: First Draft
Lesson 3: Finishing Touches: Making Your Production Complete from Top to Bottom
- Who Can You Count On? Finding Dependable Musicians
- Replacing MIDI with Live Players
- Sweetening the Deal (MIDI and Audio Layering)
- Lead Vocal Production
- Assignment 3: Songwriter Production Demo: Final Draft
Lesson 4: Sound Design for Animation
- Set the Pace: SMPTE
- Foley: Making Sound Effects from Scratch
- Ambience and Establishing Space
- Keeping It Real
- Assignment 4: Sound Design for Animation
Lesson 5: Music for Animation
- Set the Pace: Tempo
- Hit the Cues
- Ambience and Establishing Space for Music
- Music and FX: Finding the Right Balance
- Assignment 5: Music for Animation
Lesson 6: Electronic Production and Songwriting 1
- EDM Genre Exploration
- EDM Synthesis and Patch Development
- EDM Groove Development
- EDM Arrangement
- Assignment 6: Begin Your EDM Piece
Lesson 7: Electronic Production and Songwriting 2
- Vocal Top-Lining
- Synthesizer Macro Controls and Automation
- Effects and Plug-In Automation
- Assignment 7: Complete Your EDM Project
Lesson 8: Capstone Project: Developing Your Proposal and Deliverables
- Take Inventory
- “Jack of All Trades” or Specialize?
- Developing Your Proposal
- Assignment 8: Capstone Project Proposal
Lesson 9: Capstone Project: Creating an Online Presence and Highlighting Your Strengths
- Website Focus
- Social Media: What Works and What Doesn’t?
- Networking and Finding Industry Colleagues
- Assignment 9: Submit the First Capstone Deadline and List “Industry Feedback” Colleagues
Lesson 10: Capstone Project: Mix and Master
- Mixing Approaches
- Coaching Talent
- Mastering
- Assignment 10: Submit the Second Capstone Deadline
Lesson 11: Capstone Project: Submitting Your First Draft and Industry Feedback
- Confidence: How to Navigate an Unpredictable Industry
- The Business of Character
- Knowing Your Worth: How to Be a Freelance Entrepreneur
- Assignment 11: Submit First Draft for Colleagues and Industry Feedback Professionals
Lesson 12: Capstone Project: Presenting Your Final Capstone Project, Portfolio, and Website
- Inspiration: Careers as a Producer/Writer
- Inspiration: Careers Writing for Visual Media
- Inspiration: Careers as an Orchestrator/Arranger
- Assignment 12: Submit Capstone Project, Portfolio, and Website
Requirements
Prerequisites and Course-Specific Requirements
Prerequisite Courses, Knowledge, and/or Skills
Software
- Full-featured Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), such as Pro Tools (Studio or Ultimate), Logic Pro, Cubase Pro, Ableton Live (Suite or Standard), Reaper, Reason, or FL Studio (Producer or Signature). Note that GarageBand is not acceptable.
- Finale (full version) or Sibelius (Artist or Ultimate)
- Recommended: Native Instruments Komplete
Hardware
- MIDI controller
- Audio interface
- XLR condenser microphone and cable
- XLR dynamic microphone and cable
- One of the following studio monitoring options (both recommended):
- Studio monitors (pair), as well as necessary cables
- Over-ear studio headphones
Student Deals
After enrolling, be sure to check out our Student Deals page for various offers on software, hardware, and more. Please contact support@online.berklee.edu with any questions.
General Course Requirements
Below are the minimum requirements to access the course environment and participate in Live Classes. Please make sure to also check the Prerequisites and Course-Specific Requirements section above, and ensure your computer meets or exceeds the minimum system requirements for all software needed for your course.
Mac Users
- macOS Monterey 12.0 or later
PC Users
All Users
- Latest version of Google Chrome
- Zoom meeting software
- Webcam
- Speakers or headphones
- External or internal microphone
- Broadband Internet connection
Instructors
Author
Chrissy Tignor is a producer, songwriter, recording engineer and vocalist with a super-synthy pop style fused with EDM and hip-hop influences. She is a full-time faculty member in the Contemporary Writing and Production department at Berklee College of Music, and has worked with the likes of Alex Clare, Gary Go, Bastille, Lauren Hashian, and Notting Hill Music. Her music has been synced on Discovery Channel and TLC, and she currently produces, writes and remixes under the pseudonym Data Child.
Instructor
Renato Milone is a multi-instrumentalist music producer, sound engineer, performer, and educator. Renato started his career in Europe, performing with many renowned artists and covering different styles and gamers as drummers. In early 2000, he won a full scholarship to attend Berklee College of music and later obtained a Diploma in Contemporary Writing and Production, a Bachelor Degree in Composition for Film, TV, and Games, and a Professional Achievement as Best producer 2009. In the states, Renato began in an intense career as a songwriter and jingle writer collaborating with international artists such as Uku Suviste (Eurovision), Luisa Sobral (Eurovision), Mariam John, Joel Waldman (Colombian Songwriter), Mogol (Italian Lyricist) and also working with national musicians such as Melissa Aldana, Matthew Nichol, Andrea Pejrolo, Joe Carrier, Dan Moretti, Michael Beker, Adi Yeshaya and writing, producing and engineering for artists such as Whitney Huston. Renato is now part of the faculty staff at the Contemporary Writing and Production Department of Berklee College of Music and is the Co-Founder of “TheBoomHouseProductions”.
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.
