Independent Songwriting & Performance (IPS)

About the Program

The Independent Songwriting & Performance program is designed to help talented performers and songwriters develop and refine their skills while laying the foundation for a successful entry into the music industry.

This eight-month program focuses on lyrical and melodic composition, performance and vocal skills, music theory and practice, and studio preparation. You’ll also receive essential technical and business training to help establish your presence in the marketplace.

Learning is hands-on, delivered through a combination of private instruction and traditional classroom lessons, all led by experienced professionals currently working in the music industry.

In your final semester, you’ll receive mentorship to complete and showcase a recording project, which will be evaluated by a panel of faculty members. This final evaluation is designed to support your transition into the music industry with practical feedback and guidance.

Credential Awarded

Ontario College Certificate

Duration

2 Semesters (8 Months)

Starts

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 Performance and Songwriting program, you will build a strong foundation of creative, technical and professional skills essential for success in today’s music industry. Key areas of focus include:

Songwriting: Learn to craft compelling lyrics and melodies, structure songs effectively and express your artistic voice across a range of musical styles
Ear training: Develop critical listening skills to recognize pitch, rhythm, harmony and tone
Vocal and performance techniques: Strengthen your vocal abilities and stage presence through personalized coaching and live performance opportunities
Music theory and practice: Gain a solid understanding of the building blocks of music to support composition, arrangement and performance
Studio preparation: Learn the fundamentals of recording sessions, microphone techniques and collaborating with producers and sound engineers
Business and industry knowledge: Acquire foundational skills in music marketing, self-promotion and copyright to help you manage and grow your music career

Your Career

When you graduate from this program, these are the types of career options you can explore:

Performance
Production
Music distribution

Program of Study

Course List
Course Code	Course Name	Weekly Hours
Semester 1
Classes Weeks 1 - 14
COM101	Communicating Across Contexts	3
or COM111	Communicating Across Contexts (Enriched)
IMP122	Business I	3
IPS115	Performance I	2
IPS121	Major Instrument I	1
IPS123	Studio Prep I	2
IPS124	Music Publishing	2
IPS151	Master Class I	2
Classes Weeks 1-7
IPS101	Songwriting I	2
IPS102	Lyric Writing I	2
IPS132	Music Theory I	4
IPS212	Ear Training I	2
Classes Weeks 8-14
IMP310	Live Sound	2
IPS201	Songwriting II	2
IPS202	Lyric Writing II	2
IPS203	Vocal Skills I	1
Semester 2
Classes Weeks 1 - 14
IPS145	Performance II	1
IPS221	Major Instrument II	1
IPS251	Master Class II	1
IPS323	Studio Prep II	8
IPS400	Major Project Mentoring	8
IPS413	Musical Collaboration	1
plus: General Education Course (1)		3
Classes Weeks 1-7
IPS303	Vocal Skills II	1
IPS311	Touring I	2
IPS411	Touring II	2
Classes Weeks 8-14
IPS412	Ear Training II	2
IPS432	Music Theory II	2

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:

Outline the steps necessary to function effectively, efficiently, and professionally in a recording studio to maximize time and resources in the production of music.
Participate in the production of a three-song Demo CD for distribution through traditional and emerging internet markets.
Explain how to use both traditional and social media for personal career promotion.
Explain the legal, regulatory, and publishing framework for commercial exploitation of original works of music and lyrics.
Outline the processes and procedures for registering, owning, and operating a small music business.
Identify the components of effective funding applications and grant requests for public and private organizations.
Discuss the steps necessary in planning, organizing, and executing a performance tour.
Write music or lyrics alone or in collaboration with other artists.
Incorporate performance components of successful artists to improve personal live performances and interviews.
Use private and group instruction to improve performance in an instrument of choice.
Use group instruction to improve vocal performances.
Assess potential opportunities for pursuing a professional career in the music industry.
Select elements of commercially successful songs that can be incorporated into song writing and performances.

Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or a mature applicant
English: Grade 12 C or U, or equivalent course
Music performance video

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

Additional Information

Your music performance should include the following.

One or two videos performing an original composition and a second song of your choice
The second song may be an original, a cover or a co-written piece
The recording(s) must be a video of a live performance, not a lip-synced video
Ideally, you will be accompanying yourself on the keyboard or a stringed instrument of your choice
If performing to a pre-recorded backing track, indicate the source of that track and provide appropriate credits

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).