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Songwriting and Production Fundamentals Certificate Program


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 

interlochen online songwriting and production fundamentals certificate

Taught by a world-class faculty of songwriters, engineers, and producers, the Songwriting and Production Fundamentals certificate program consists of three four-week courses designed for adults and teens. The program can be completed at a pace that works for you and offers a unique opportunity to delve deeper into your craft while showcasing your achievements with a credential from Interlochen—an impressive addition to your résumé, college application, or LinkedIn profile.  

For students under 18, the Songwriting and Production Fundamentals certificate program is also an engaging way to earn high school credit. It’s ideal for students looking to challenge themselves beyond their school curriculum or to supplement their homeschool studies.

The following three courses make up the certificate program, and must be taken in sequential order:

songwriting iconSongwriting Basics 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

production iconRecording 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

prodcution iconMixing 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

Learn and save: Students who enroll in the certificate program will receive a discounted rate by registering for all three online songwriting and production classes as a package. 

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learn iconCertificate programs comprise three four-week courses, providing deeper training in an artistic discipline or area of study. Students who enroll in a certificate program will receive a discounted rate by registering for all three courses as a package.

Each Interlochen Online course is designed to be inspiring and flexible with weekly learning units that combine video segments and guided instruction that you can complete on your own schedule. Combined with that learning is an optional weekly hour-long video class meeting, where you can learn from you instructor and interact with fellow students in real-time. You will also interact regularly with your instructor and peers through messaging inside the learning environment, including receiving personalized feedback on your work from your instructor.

connect icon

Upon completion of the program, you will receive a physical certificate and a shareable digital certificate. Certificates for students under 18 are accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS); high school-age students will also receive an official transcript to share with their current school for consideration for high school credit.

Songwriting and Production Fundamentals Certificate Program

Tuition

$897  $799

Ages

Teens: Grades 6-12

Adult Learners: 18+

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.

Access Free Resources from Interlochen Online

Experience Interlochen Online with free guides that teach you practical skills in the arts.

An image of the cover and first few pages of the Recording and Producing Music for Beginners guide