Why Study Songwriting?
Are you looking to establish yourself as a successful songwriter within the music industry? BIMM University Berlin is where you want to be. After all, George Ezra, Georgia Train, Ed Drewett and many successful songwriters have walked through our doors and out into the music industry.
Whether you choose to study our Songwriting diploma course or undergraduate degree, we’ll make sure that you graduate with the relevant tools and skills that the industry needs.
This is your time to champion the world of music.
Are you curious to hear what it’s like studying our BA (Hons) Songwriting degree? Let’s hear what BA2 Songwriting student Saga Wahlström has to say about the course.
Key facts
Available at BIMM University Berlin Berlin
Unrivalled industry internships and real-world opportunities
A well-balanced blend of theory, analysis, practical and technical skills
The chance to perform at festivals
What to expect
Whichever Songwriting course you choose, you can expect to develop a deeper knowledge of your art and the industry that surrounds it. And, because we’ve closely consulted with industry professionals, you can expect a course that’s highly relevant and able to nurture the skills and behaviours needed for success in the industry.
You’ll spend time on stage throughout your course, establishing your identity as a performer and discovering what it takes to connect with an audience. In the classroom, you’ll focus on your technique and processes to help you find your niche as a songwriter.
You’ll learn songwriting-specific topics as well as ones that provide a broader overview of the industry.
You’ll learn core topics within your first year, such as:
- The Creative Industries and You 1: Finding Your Path
- Songwriting Techniques
- Songwriting Skills for Ensemble
- Collaboration and Performance
Choose your path with optional modules
At BIMM University Berlin, we don’t believe that ‘one size fits all’. That’s why our Songwriting undergraduate course puts you in control. First, you’ll learn the necessary employability skills and find where you’ll fit within the industry. Then, you can customise your studies through our range of optional modules.
Our optional modules are designed to help you become the multifaceted professional the industry is looking for. You’ll expand your knowledge in other areas as well as refine your course to focus on a specific path. Ultimately, our courses help you reach your personal and professional goals.
Expand your skill set with optional modules, such as:
- Complimentary Instrument Skills for Songwriters
- Youth, Music and Social Change
- Electroacoustic Composition
- Diversity in the Creative Industries
- Songwriting Portfolio
Studying Songwriting can take you places you never initially thought. With our optional modules, you can build your own path to success and launch into a dream career.
Potential songwriting career paths:
- Artist
- Commercial Songwriter
- Songwriting Producer
- Film Composer
- Production Music Writer
- Video Game Composer
Exclusive networking opportunities
You’ll also have access to exclusive networking opportunities and the chance to collaborate with like-minded fellow songwriters and musicians throughout your course. And, you’ll expand your professional circle through BIMM Connect, our own exclusive social media platform. Network and collaborate with fellow students, alumni, bands, songwriting collaborators, press agents, managers and event promoters to get the most out of your time here.
We’re immensely proud that so many BIMM students have become successful songwriters in the music industry – and turned their passion into their career. Head to our BIMM University Berlin Alumni page to find more Success Stories.
Just a handful of Ed’s writing credits include One Direction’s biggest US hit “Best Song Ever”, Ollie Murs' “Dear Darlin”, plus a string of successes for The Wanted: “All Time Low” and “Glad You Came” - both UK No.1’s.
BIMM Brighton graduate Ed brings a modern authenticity, passion and originality to the singer-songwriter scene, and with a clutch of EPs and singles behind him has established himself as an up-and-coming artist with serious prospects for the future.
Izzy's rapid ascent began when she won the ILUVLIVE Open Mic in February 2013 — impressing a crowd of fans and professionals, including Emeli Sande and Naughty Boy. ILUVLIVE were so impressed that their label released her debut EP, which hit #3 on the iTunes Soul and RnB Chart.
At BIMM University Berlin, you’ll only learn from the best. Our lecturers know what it’s like to work within the industry – and some of them have impressive songwriting achievements under their belts.
They can provide you with insider knowledge as to how the industry works that you won’t find anywhere else. It’s their goal to work with you and make your dream songwriting career happen.
Andreas is a Berlin-based singer, songwriter, producer and vocal coach who has worked with labels and publishers across his career, including Warner/Chappell Music, Universal Music and Mental Madness Records. He studied an Master of Arts in singing, songwriting/composing and producing at Popakademie Baden-Württemberg in Mannheim, Germany.
Ciarán, founding member of Cyclefly, gained acclaim in the late nineties. He has toured with Linkin Park, Tool, and Iggy Pop, and worked in top studios with industry leaders. As a producer, he has collaborated with artists like Bush and Chester Bennington. Ciarán has been a BIMM tutor since 2018.
Louise is an independent artist, songwriter and educator from Dublin, Ireland and based in Berlin. She has been writing and performing for over 15 years, has released two studio albums with her indie- pop band Heathers and signed deals with Universal Music Publishing, Warner Music Germany, Sony Music USA and Canada, amongst others. She has toured extensively across the US, Canada, Europe and Asia and performed in numerous festivals internationally including Eurosonic, CMJ New York, SXSW Austin, Canadian Music Week & Electric Picnic Festival, Ireland.
BIMM University Berlin’s regular Masterclasses put you in the room with songwriters at the top of their game.
The likes of Ivor Novello Award-winner Simon Aldred (Cherry Ghost), Gabrielle Aplin, Guy Chambers and BIMM alumni Ed Drewett have given our students professional advice, career tips that you won’t find in any textbook and unmatched wisdom that will help you navigate the music industry.
The best way to learn your trade is by doing it for real. And our specialist Careers and Industry Teams are here to help you learn by doing. Armed with invaluable contacts and industry connections, they’ll find you the opportunities that money can’t buy – and help bring your portfolio to that next level.
You’ll also get regular performance opportunities throughout the course. Whether it’s playing at our end-of-term gigs, local music nights arranged and promoted by our Event Management and Music Business students, or at some of the world’s biggest festivals, we’ve got the connections so you can do what you love.
Check out our resources below to discover more about studying Songwriting and life at BIMM University Berlin. We have inspiring student stories, advice from Songwriting graduates – and the key differences between our Songwriting and Vocals courses.
Be open, willing to push your comfort zone, and stick it out when it’s tough.
We’re always asked: “How can we choose between Songwriting and Vocals?” And, it’s a conundrum we completely understand.
The songwriting course at BIMM Manchester has ticked all the boxes, and the learning hours give me time to work on my own music and craft outside of university.
Any questions?
For any questions regarding our Songwriting courses or if you’d like more information on how to apply to BIMM University Berlin, please contact our Admissions Team on +49 (0)30 311 99 186 or email admissions@bimm-institute.de.
