Songwriting and Production Fundamentals Certificate Program

interlochen online songwriting and production fundamentals certificate

Next session begins Jan. 12

Tuition Rate: $799

Rates increase Jan. 1

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Learn how to write effective songs and turn them into polished productions. From refining your songwriting technique, to recording and mixing your multitrack, this online certificate program will teach you how to become a multi-talented modern musician: a songwriter, producer, and mixing engineer. 

Taught by a world-class faculty of songwriters, engineers, and producers, the Songwriting and Production Fundamentals certificate program offers a unique opportunity to deepen your craft, earn a valuable credential, and receive credit from Interlochen. This program is designed for both adults and teens and consists of three four-week courses that must be taken in sequential order.

Songwriting Techniques 1

✔Organize your lyrical ideas in written form and place them in songs in a way that connects with listeners
✔Create compelling melodies with an understanding of the roles that song sections like chorus, verse, and bridge play in expressing your ideas
✔Experiment with chord progressions to fit the intent of your songs
✔Draw on your own personal taste to create songs

Recording and Producing Music for Beginners

✔Use the basic features of a DAW, such as inputs/outputs, inspector, edit window, zones, mixer, region, toolbar, tempo, and ruler bar
✔Set up to record with a microphone with proper mic levels
✔Demonstrate signal flow and the proper connections
✔Record tracks using functions such as solo, mute, record enable, monitor, and fader
✔Quantize and perform other editing on tracks
✔Use audio and MIDI loops
✔Mix tracks using panning, EQ, and reverb
✔Create a multi-track recording and mix

Mixing 101

✔Gain proficiency in session organization and basic mixing techniques in Pro Tools
✔Apply EQ and compression to enhance the clarity, punch, and dynamics of your mixes, tailored to different musical genres and contexts
✔Implement time-based effects such as reverb, delay, and modulation, adding depth, space, and texture to your mix
✔Apply automation, group bussing, and final rendering, enabling you to produce a high-quality mix
Courses

Tuition

$ 897   $799

Ages

Teens: Grades 6-12

Adult Learners: Ages 18+

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Expert guidance
Receive direct, personalized feedback from a professional artist.
Collaborate
Work with your instructor and peers through messaging or optional real-time weekly classes.
Learn on your own schedule
Explore meaningful instruction in about five hours a week per course.
Real growth
Develop skills and projects that are important to your artistic and professional growth.
For all students:

✔ A respected credential from Interlochen Online
✔ Physical and shareable digital certificate upon completion
✔ A portfolio of completed, polished projects
✔ A strengthened résumé, college application, or LinkedIn profile

For middle school and high school students:

✔ An official transcript awarding high school credit
✔ Accreditation by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS)

No, course sections are designed for their respective age groups, either for adults (students 18 and older) or young people (students under 18).

Yes, there are eight sessions of courses per year. View the academic calendar for more session dates.

Meet the Faculty

Our faculty of seasoned songwriters and producers bring a wealth of expertise and passion to guide aspiring artists on the journey of creativity and self-discovery. With our faculty’s mentorship, students unlock their potential and refine their craft in a dynamic environment, resulting in polished songs and productions.

Shane Adams

Shane Adams

Instructor of Singer-Songwriter

Chris Wainwright headshot 400x600

Chris Wainwright

Instructor of Music Production & Engineering

Questions? Speak with an Advisor.

Email: online@interlochen.org 

Phone: 231.276.5990 

You can also schedule an appointment.

Mix Your Next Track with Confidence

Get access to Beyond Levels: Four Steps to a Great Mix, an exclusive guide developed by Interlochen Online faculty.

2022-23 Music Production