Independent Music Production (IMP)

About the Program

The Independent Music Production program offers a unique educational experience for creative musicians. Over the course of this eight-month program, you’ll develop the technical, musical and business skills needed to succeed as a truly independent artist.

Taught by some of Canada’s top music professionals, the hands-on curriculum is designed to empower you to take on multiple roles in today’s dynamic music industry—including writing, performing, producing, marketing and promoting your own work. You’ll gain practical experience in home-based recording, music production and distribution, as well as songwriting and arrangement.

In addition to musical training, the program also equips you with essential business and entrepreneurial skills to help you navigate the industry, build your brand and bring your creative vision to market with confidence.

Credential Awarded

Ontario College Certificate

Duration

2 Semesters (8 Months)

Starts

January, May, September

Program and Course Delivery

This program is offered in Seneca's hybrid delivery format. Some coursework is online and some must be completed in person. Students will need to come on campus to complete in-person learning requirements.

Skills

Throughout the Independent Music Production program, you will develop a comprehensive set of creative, technical and professional skills that are essential for thriving as an independent artist in today’s music industry. These include:

Recording: Learn the fundamentals of capturing high-quality sound in a home or studio setting with industry-standard tools, including microphone techniques, signal flow and session planning
Music production: Build the skills to arrange, mix and produce original tracks from start to finish
Written and verbal communication: Articulate your ideas clearly, whether you’re writing compelling lyrics, communicating with collaborators or presenting yourself in the industry
Business management: Gain foundational knowledge in music business operations, including marketing, self-promotion, budgeting, copyright, royalties and artist branding

These skills will prepare you to take control of your artistic journey—from creation and production to promotion and distribution—allowing you to confidently pursue a career in independent music.

Your Career

Graduates of the program can explore the following career options:

Independent musician
Songwriter
Business manager
Record producer
Promoter of other artists

Program of Study

Course List
Course Code	Course Name	Weekly Hours
Semester 1
Weeks 1-7
IMP101	Audio and Studio I	4
IMP102	Sound and Recording I	5
IMP111	Songwriting I	3
IMP121	Industry Overview	3
IMP122	Business I	3
IMP212	Artist Development	3
IMP403	Photography	2
Weeks 8-14
IMP112	Music Theory / History	3
IMP201	Audio and Studio II	4
IMP202	Sound and Recording II	5
IMP203	Introduction to MIDI	3
IMP211	Songwriting II	3
IMP222	Business II	3
Semester 2
Weeks 1-7
IMP301	Production Mastering I	2
IMP302	Sound and Recording III	5
IMP304	Mentoring I	3
IMP311	Artist Development II	3
IMP322	Small Business I	2
IMP323	Copyrights Contracts Legal	2
IMP413	Musical Collaborations	2
IMP422	Small Business II	3
Weeks 8-14
IMP310	Live Sound	2
IMP321	Marketing Promo.	3
IMP324	Merchandising Duplication and Distribution	3
IMP401	Production Mastering II	2
IMP411	Artist Development III	3
IMP500	Major Project	5

Program Learning Outcomes

This Seneca program has been validated by the Credential Validation Service as an Ontario College Credential as required by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities.

As a graduate, you will be prepared to reliably demonstrate the ability to:

Build and effectively operate a home-based recording studio to produce professional quality recordings.
Produce a professional three song Demo CD and discuss the distribution process through traditional and emerging Internet markets.
Identify some of the key components of sales, marketing and merchandising plans appropriate for their music projects.
Recognize how to copyright and protect their original artistic work including music and lyrics.
Apply basic knowledge of the process and procedures of registering, owning and operating a successful small music business.
Identify the components of effective funding applications and grant requests for public and private organizations in including FACTOR and other Arts Councils.
Develop and implement a plan for a small or medium sized venue performance.
Write a song working alone or in collaboration with other artists.
Identify all and produce some components of a basic promotional package.
Function adequately in interview and performance situations.

Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or a mature applicant
English: Grade 12 C or U, or equivalent course
Music demo – one original song or cover

Canadian citizens and permanent residents may meet English requirements for this program through successful Seneca pre-admission testing.

Additional Information

Your music demo will consist of one song submitted as an audio recording in MP3 format. Your song can either be an original composition or a cover of another artist’s piece.

Along with the recording, the following credits must be provided:

Composition: Who wrote the song? Did you write the lyrics while someone else composed the music, or did you do it all yourself?
Performance: Who plays the instruments and sings? For example, who plays guitar, who sings, who plays drums, etc.
Production: Who produced the recording? Who engineered it, made the beats, mixed it, etc.

Your demo can be recorded on your phone or in a studio — your music will not be judged based on its production quality. We are listening for your creativity, songwriting, vocal and performance skills.

International Student Information

International admissions requirements vary by program and in addition to English requirements, programs may require credits in mathematics, biology, and chemistry at a level equivalent to Ontario’s curriculum, or a postsecondary degree or diploma, equivalent to an Ontario university or college. Program-specific pre-requisite courses and credentials are listed with the admission requirements on each program page. To review the academic requirements please visit: Academic Requirements - Seneca, Toronto, Canada (senecapolytechnic.ca).