Independent Songwriting & Performance (IPS)
About the Program
In this eight-month certificate program, your studies will focus on lyric and songwriting, studio preparation, performance, vocal skills, music theory and practice. The program offers basic training in technical and business skills essential to establishing your presence in the marketplace. You will experience hands-on learning through private and traditional classroom lessons led by working professionals in the industries.
In your last semester, you will receive mentoring to complete and showcase a recording project that will be evaluated by the panel of faculty members. The evaluation will assist with your entrance into the music industry.
Credential Awarded
Ontario College Certificate
Duration
2 Semesters (8 Months)
Starts
January, 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 this program you will develop the following skills:
- Songwriting
- Ear training
- Vocal and performance
- Basic business knowledge
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 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.
Recommended upgrading for applicants who do not meet academic subject requirements.
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).
Pathways
As a leader in academic pathways, we offer a range of options that will allow you to take your credential further in another Seneca program or a program at a partner institution.
To learn more about your eligibility, visit the Academic Pathways web page.