education 
SONGWRITING DIPLOMA -Artist Development Diploma
Apply Now!Songwriting / Diploma - Artist Development
Programme Overview
The BIMM Songwriting Diploma is equivalent to 2 ‘A’ levels. It is designed for songwriters with solid ability, but who may need help in becoming fully rounded musicians. This course is all about ‘getting out there’, being seen and heard and gaining the confidence of a professional song writer. A fundamental understanding of the music industry is developed alongside performance and technical skills.
BIMM are delighted to announce that the 'PRS for Music Springboard Scholarship' is available for the Artist Development Diploma in Modern Music. For information view our Fees and Scholarships section.
FEE UPDATE: There are no longer any tuition fees for diploma courses at BIMM Brighton for students aged under 19.
Module Structure
Composition
Writing your own material with basic music theory to help in your understanding of the process. Breaking down the ‘raw materials’ that come together to make a great song, in order to develop the tools for their own creativity.
Singing
Vocal technique and styles development will be studied in this unit. Focus is on the importance of vocal arranging and singing.
Performance Preparation
Planning for key performances at local and national level. Rehearsal technique, promotion, marketing, leadership, venues and promoters, tour management, stage management and budgeting are all studied.
Music Theory and Keyboard Skills
A comprehensive look at music theory and the practical application of theoretical concepts, essential for writing, arranging and understanding the science behind the song. Keyboard skills are a central part of this unit.
Pre - Production
This lecture encourages the preparation of songs to the standard of a professional band/artist. Parts, arrangement, tone and performance will all be analysed, with the emphasis on simplicity being taken to a very high standard. Attention to detail is paramount.
Live Performance Workshop (LPW)
Making the songs studied in Pre - Production work in a live setting. Learning to communicate ideas with other musicians, with the focus on a tight, well arranged and professional performance.
Aural Perception and Ear Training
Sharpening your ear. How to learn from listening to professional recordings. Understanding and appreciating what makes music great. How to break down a record into its fundamental parts.
Musical Arranging
An in-depth study of song structure, forms, instrumentation layers, dynamics and production, to show the importance of having clear, impacting arrangements that engage the listener.
Music Industry
Students will be taken through all aspects of the music industry, including record and publishing deals, management, music synchronisation, legal issues, copyright, music teaching, live music and business planning.
Music in Context
A history of classic artists placed in their social, historical and political context. Artists studied include Elvis Presley, Nina Simone, Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, Bob Marley, Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield, David Bowie, Sex Pistols, Led Zeppelin, Public Enemy, Nirvana and Radiohead.
Fees & Entry Requirements
Minimum entry requirement for this course is 4 GCSEs at C or above (including English. Musicians will also be expected to have experience with performance and basic instrumental skills required.
This qualification is equivalent to 2 A levels.
BIMM Artist Development Diploma in Modern Music
- Mode of Attendance
- Full-time
- Length of Course
- 1 year
- Awarding Institution
- Edexcel
- Teaching Institution
- The Brighton Institute of Modern Music
- Language of Study
- English
- Final Award
- Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Music
- FHEQ Level
- 120 / 2 ‘A’ levels
- Reference Points
- Partner college (CSC) partnership procedures
Awarding body (Edexcel) procedures for centres - Admissions Criteria
- All applicants must have 4 GCSEs at C or above including
English. Guitar, Bass, Drums & Vocals applicants also require
and Grade 4-6 equivalent playing skills.
Mature applicants (19+) who do not have the required GCSE’s
(or equivalent) yet are strong players can be considered for
APEL (Accreditation of Prior and Experiential Learning). - Date of Course Specification:
- September 2011 (2011/12)
What makes this Course distinctive?
This is a qualification specific to BIMM and equivalent to two ‘A’ levels. It has a very practical and
vocational feel, and is the product of many years’ professional experience and research of a great number
of people. It is designed to:
- Provide you with a thorough grounding to ensure that you develop rounded skills and can be employed in a wide range of situations;
- Develop your own musical style;
- Focus your career goals;
- Prepare you for a unique and enjoyable career in music or to progress within Higher Education.
Successful completion of the BIMM programme will also gain you a nationally-recognised BTEC
qualification.
Full course specifications PDFs:
BIMM Artist Development Diploma: Song Writing
BIMM Artist Development Diploma: Guitar
BIMM Artist Development Diploma: Bass
BIMM Artist Development Diploma: Drums
BIMM Artist Development Diploma: Vocals
