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Micro-Certificate in Songmaking

The Micro-Certificate in Songmaking gives musicians of popular genres intensive training in the essential skills they need to write, record, produce, and promote their music, all while being mentored by notable industry professionals. Students complete the full complement of courses in order to attain the micro-certificate, or can elect to take only the courses that interest them.

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Guitarist George Bajer-Koulack performs in concert.
  • icon house

    Faculty

    • Desautels Faculty of Music

  • icon award

    Credential

    • Micro-certificate in Songmaking

  • icon graduate

    Expected duration

    • 1 year

  • icon pathway

    Program options

    • Standalone
    • Embedded in an undergraduate degree

Study with us

Learn from the best – Students learn from notable musicians of popular genres and industry professionals. Our instructors are experts in their fields, and have extensive connections in the music industry, helping to guide musicians towards the appropriate resources they need for success.

Develop creativity

Students learn the fundamentals of songwriting through collaborative songwriting sessions, prompts, and an introduction to a wide range of approaches to the craft.

Master the tools of the trade

Students build competency in using the music industry’s standard software for recording and producing demo-quality music, including Ableton Live, Cubase, Logic, Reaper, and others.

Navigate the industry

Students gain insight into music industry basics, such as entrepreneurship, project management, online marketing, event promotion, licensing and copyright, grant writing, accounting, agreements and contracts, and team building.

Build networks

Students meet and work with fellow aspiring members of the Manitoba music scene, and form professional relationships with established musicians and industry experts.

Professor Mel Braun plays piano in concert with guitarist Micah Braun.
Performer Jasmine Henry sings into a microphone in concert.
close-up of a person's hands adjusting the slider levels on a soundboard.
The Desautels Faculty of Music Recording Studio digital equipment.
A guitarist performs in concert.

Program details

The Micro-Certificate in Songmaking allows students to gain knowledge of the music industry in a variety of popular music genres.

Expected duration: 1 year

The Micro-Certificate in Songmaking is designed to be accessible to working professionals, with classes offered evenings and weekends. The program provides the essential tools needed to pursue a successful career in music, and courses are scheduled to accommodate completion within a year. Students also have the option to take the courses over 4 years.

Course title and codeClass lengthTerm
MUSC 0100: SongwritingWeekly 3 hour classFall term
MUSC 0102: Songwriting Lab 1Weekly 1.5 hour classFall term
MUSC 0104: Music Production 1Weekly 3-hour classFall term
MUSC 0106: Business of MusicWeekly 3-hour classWinter term
MUSC 0108: Music Production 2Weekly 3-hour classWinter term
MUSC 0110: Songwriting Lab 2Weekly 1.5-hour classWinter term

All courses run for six weeks.

Admission requirements

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.  In addition, all applicants must meet the English language proficiency requirements.

Students for the program will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

International students not residing in Canada should consult with Immigration regarding study permit criteria prior to applying.

How to apply

Domestic student application fee: $100
International student application fee: $120

Applications for micro credentials at the University of Manitoba are completed online. To begin your application, select the "Start or continue your application" button.

The online application includes several parts, and you may be required to submit proof of age, proof of English Language proficiency and other documents.

Canadian, US and international applicants
Term Annual application deadlines
Fall (September) September 1

Applicants must submit their online application with supporting documentation and application fee by the deadline date indicated.

Start or continue your application

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Contact us

Admission and application inquiries

Mailing address
Undergraduate Admissions
424 UMSU University Centre
University of Manitoba
65 Chancellors Circle
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada

Office location
Room 424 UMSU University Centre
65 Chancellors Circle
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)

Submit a question
Phone: 204-474-8808
Toll-free: 1-800-224-7713 ext 8808

Program inquiries

Desautels Faculty of Music
Room T319 
150 Dafoe Road West
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2

music@umanitoba.ca
204-474-9310