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A student writing a song at Regent University: Explore our songwriting degree program.

B.M. – Songwriting

Create the Sound of the Future

Unlock your full creative potential. Regent’s Bachelor of Music (B.M.) in Songwriting is created for you as an aspiring singer-songwriter to develop your unique voice, refine your craft, and navigate the evolving landscape of the music industry. With classes in arranging, recording, mixing, post-production, marketing and promotion, this program is for those who want to write, produce, and perform their own music. Become a self-publisher and a leading creative through your own innovative arrangements as you change the culture around you and build a sustainable career for yourself.

On Campus
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GROW YOUR KNOWLEDGE

Gain essential skills in songwriting techniques and music business strategies.

ESTABLISH YOUR CAREER

Enhance your entrepreneurship by producing high-quality pieces and navigating the rapidly changing industry.

Please complete the Request Information form on this page to learn more about this program.

On completing the bachelor’s degree in Songwriting, you can:

  • Advance your musical aptitude and production skills.
  • Learn to self-publish and promote your musical arrangements.
  • Develop as a musical leader and entrepreneur.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

  • Top Liner
  • Performing Songwriter
  • Producer
  • Lyricist or Composer
  • Musical Director
  • Jingle Writer
$53Thousand
Approximate Average Salary of a Composer, 2022 Payscale
Featured Courses
MUSC 101Reading Music 11

Prepares musicians to sightread melodies in the treble and bass clef and learn methodologies on sight reading music on the student’s primary instrument.

MUSC 102Reading Music 21
Continued training in sight reading, with further development in sight singing, sightreading, and aural dictation. Prerequisite: MUSC 101 or instructor permission.
MUSC 103Listening to Music2
Methodologies of learning about music through active listening, stressing the musical understanding by using music as a primary source.
MUSC 125Introduction to Piano1
Introduction and development of rudimentary keyboard skills, including chords, scales, performance of simple songs, equipment, and proper technique.
MUSC 135Introduction to Singing1
An overview of the tenets of long-term vocal health, improvement in singing, appropriate stage presentation and microphone technique.
MUSC 145Introduction to Electric Bass & Drums1
Introduction and development of rudimentary playing on the drum set and electric bass, with historical knowledge of significant players and equipment.
MUSC 155Introduction to Guitar1
Introduction and development of rudimentary playing on the acoustic and electric guitar, with historical knowledge of significant players and equipment.
MUSC 170Survey of Songwriters 13
An introductory study of songwriting methodologies, through the lens of exceptional songwriters.
MUSC 220Building Blocks of Music 13
Basic theoretical concepts of understanding music focusing on the skills needed to read and write music. Includes music theory, instruments, time and key signatures, clefs, notation, ear training, chords, articulations, phrasing, dynamics, and composition.
MUSC 221Building Blocks of Music 23
Continuing theoretical elements of understanding music, focusing on the skills needed to read and write music. Includes diatonic harmony including secondary dominants, instrument transposition, voice leading, improvisation, and chromaticism. Prerequisite: MUSC 220.
MUSC 270Survey of Songwriters 23
An advanced study of songwriting methodologies, through the lens of exceptional songwriters. Prerequisite: MUSI 170.
MUSC 301Historical Elements of Western Music 13
A survey of Western European music traditions and contexts from the Medieval through the Classical Eras.
MUSC 302Historical Elements of Western Music 23
A survey of Western European music traditions and contexts focusing on contemporary and 20th century American music.
MUSC 310The Business of Music3
In-depth study of the business of music, including professional practices, contracting, copyright, streaming and mechanical rights, and publishing.
MUSC 311Songwriting 13
Theory and practice of applied songwriting, from idea generation, songwriting strategies, and refinement to completion.
MUSC 315Arranging Music2
Training in rhythms and melody, motifs, phrases, periods and phrase groups. Includes practice notating music using music notation software. Prerequisite: MUSI 221.
MUSC 320Beginning Conducting3
Theory and practice of conducting small or large ensembles through score reading, beat patterns, body language, cueing, and successful rehearsal techniques. Prerequisite: MUSC 221.
MUSC 348Music Ensemble/Practicum1
Regular ensemble meetings to hone skills in music or production, culminating in public performances. Repeatable for up to 8 credits.
MUSC 381Community Class1
Regular forum for music students, includes regular play and peer feedback, as well as opportunities to situate student work in culture and current events. Repeatable for up to 8 credits.
MUSC 405Music Technology-Digital Audio Recording3
Theory and practice of electronic music composition using Digital Audio Workstations (DAW). Includes MIDI sequencing and editing.
MUSC 406Music Technology-Notation & Transcription3
Theory and practice of digital musical engraving, including the creation of lead sheets, scores, and parts with digital scoring tools.
MUSC 411Songwriting 23
Advanced theory and practice of applied songwriting, from idea generation, songwriting strategies, and refinement to completion. Prerequisite: MUSI 311.
MUSC 431Making the Music Video3
Practical techniques in music video production, with an overview of cost-effective video and audio approaches.
MUSC 441Lyric Writing 23
Advanced lyric writing for original songs. Prerequisite: MUSI 341.
MUSC 496Capstone Project1
Culminating experience for Bachelor of Music majors only.

Step 1: Apply to Regent University

Submit your application using the Regent University Online Application.

Note: If you are unable to complete our application due to a disability, please contact our Admissions Office at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu and an admissions representative will provide reasonable accommodations to assist you in completing the application.

Step 2: Submit Your Unofficial Transcripts

Submit your unofficial high school or college transcripts to regent.edu/items.

Upon submitting your application, you will receive an email requesting authorization for Regent University to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution. International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES, AACRAO or NAFSA approved agency.

Step 3: Submit Your Government-Issued ID

To ensure academic integrity, Regent University requires a copy of a government-issued ID. Please submit a scanned copy or photograph of it to regent.edu/items.

Step 4: Submit Your FAFSA

Complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov Regent's school code is 030913.


Please feel free to contact the Office of Admissions at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu should you have any further questions about the application process.

Note: All items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University and cannot be returned.

DegreeTuition Block Rate Per SemesterCredit Hours Per SemesterTuition Rate Per Year
Students taking on-campus classes
(fall & spring semesters)
$9,97512 - 18$19,950
DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Students taking on-campus classes
(fall & spring semesters)
$665Under 12$7,980
Students taking on-campus classes
(fall & spring semesters)
$665Over 18$11,970
Students taking on-campus classes
(summer semester)
$665N/A$1,995+

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)$850 (Fall & Spring)
$700 (Summer)

Housing Fees » | Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Part-Time Students (3-11 Credit Hours Per Semester)$4506$2,700
Full-Time Students (12+ Credit Hours Per Semester)$39512$4,740

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (Online Students)$700

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

DegreeTuition Block Rate Per SemesterCredit Hours Per SemesterTuition Rate Per Year
Students taking on-campus classes
(fall & spring semesters)
$9,49312 - 18$18,986
DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Students taking on-campus classes
(fall & spring semesters)
$630Under 12$7,560
Students taking on-campus classes
(fall & spring semesters)
$630Over 18$11,340
Students taking on-campus classes
(summer semester)
$630N/A$1,890+

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)$850 (Fall & Spring)
$700 (Summer)

Housing Fees » | Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Part-Time Students (3-11 Credit Hours Per Semester)$4506$2,700
Full-Time Students (12+ Credit Hours Per Semester)$39512$4,740

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (Online Students)$700

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

Hear From Students & Alumni

“When it comes to higher education, it’s about giving students every opportunity to succeed and making sure they have the tools to walk out God’s calling. I've been given so much opportunity and a fantastic education at Regent; if that doesn't set me up to help someone else, what will? ”

Stephanie Iaquinto, Ph. D., 1996 Communications

“It is more of an amazing example of what God has for us when we allow Him to take the reins and trust that what He has in store is far better than what we can imagine for ourselves.”

Loni Albertson, MFA, 2007 Custom Animation Production Supervisor for Marketing, Illumination Entertainment

“I easily passed the ITF+ and CompTIA A+ exams. My scores well exceeded the passing minimum, thanks to what I learned at Regent even before completing my degree!”

Jason Elliott, B.S. in Cybersecurity - Business Leadership & Management, 2022

“My Regent learning experience helped inform my perspective on clients, products, the work environment and competitors, which heavily influences the work that I do.”

Shé Langley, M.A., 2011 Digital Media

“If I hadn’t gone to Regent, I’m not sure I would be ready for all of this responsibility right now. ”

Brittany Finch, B.A. in Religious Studies, 2008 Business Owner