Summary
The Certificate in Music (E-Learning) is a foundational programme designed for emerging music creators looking to develop essential skills in contemporary songwriting, theory, and production — entirely through live online learning.
Across modules in songwriting, music theory, ear training, and modern production tools, students build a strong musical framework while also exploring key areas like music business and marketing. Instrument labs and production analysis sessions help learners apply these concepts practically, guiding them toward creating more structured, industry-aware works.
With a curriculum delivered fully online through interactive live classes, the CMUS is ideal for beginners eager to start their creative journey or for hobbyists looking to solidify their skills with real-time feedback and professional mentorship.
Course Modules
This module equips you with knowledge and skills essential for songwriters in the 21st century. A range of topics covered includes key roles in songwriting, songwriting workflow, music copyrights, basic music theory, synthesis and digital audio workstation (DAW). These foundational knowledge and skills form the basic ingredients that would prepare you as an inspiring songwriter to create up-to-date works at a professional level, as well as negotiate effectively, efficiently and professionally in a contextually updated manner when dealing, working and collaborating with others in the music industry today.
This module aims to equip students with working knowledge on music theory. Students will be equipped to understand the fundamentals of western music theory like major and minor scales, interval theory and more. Students will also learn basic keyboard skills in this module to equip them with a foundation to play an instrument.
This module is designed to provide students with fundamental skills relevant to songwriting across various musical genres. The course will guide students in crafting engaging melodies, emphasising elements such as melodic contour, rhythm, and dynamics applicable to a broad range of musical expressions. Students also develop proficiency in lyric writing, exploring themes and storytelling techniques for emotionally resonant lyrics. Collaboration is essential in fostering a creative environment to enhance interpersonal skills and teamwork in the songwriting process. By the end of the module, students will possess versatile songwriting skills applicable to various musical contexts and will have honed effective collaboration abilities in a musical setting.
This module is designed to provide students with fundamental skills relevant to songwriting across various musical genres. The course will guide students in crafting engaging melodies, emphasising elements such as melodic contour, rhythm, and dynamics applicable to a broad range of musical expressions. Students also develop proficiency in lyric writing, exploring themes and storytelling techniques for emotionally resonant lyrics. Collaboration is essential in fostering a creative environment to enhance interpersonal skills and teamwork in the songwriting process. By the end of the module, students will possess versatile songwriting skills applicable to various musical contexts and will have honed effective collaboration abilities in a musical setting.
This module aims to develop the quintessential skills of listening to music and analysing it from a technical perspective. This course comprises of 2 segments: 1) from a musician’s perspective, students will learn how to listen to rhythm, time-signature, pitch and the relationship between note intervals, 2) from an engineer’s perspective students will learn how to listen to frequencies and how it affects different instruments (vocals, guitar, bass drums). At the end of the module, students will be able analyse audio materials, identify unique musical ideas and integrate it into their repertoire.
This module aims to prepare students to build a sustainable career within the music industry by providing them with a strong fundamental understanding and overview of the music business. This module will introduce: 1) Various key players in the music industry which includes publishing houses, labels, management companies, publicists, etc. 2) Singapore copyright laws and employment rights for a freelancer. 3) Impart practical skills like creating a feasible online portfolio, building a network, understanding target audiences, social media management and more.
This core module provides students with essential skills for recording instruments, including vocals, bass, guitars, keyboards, synths, and drums (MIDI), tailored for the modern musician. The module focuses on practical techniques for capturing clean, dynamic recordings and managing sessions efficiently. Students will learn to navigate the recording process, ensuring high-quality performances across a variety of instruments. By the end of the module, students will have the hands-on experience necessary to approach contemporary music recording with confidence, whether focusing on performance or production.
This core module provides performance and production students with the foundational skills needed for effective keyboard playing. Building on theoretical concepts learned in the Music Theory Foundation module, it focuses on hands-on keyboard techniques that are essential for both live performance and studio work. Students will develop proficiency in chord progressions, rhythm playing, chord shapes, and song application. The module also explores reharmonization, extended voicings, and dynamics, providing students with a well-rounded approach to keyboard technique. The module culminates in a final recital, where students will showcase their practical skills and musical expression in a performance setting.
The module equips students with the essential skills to analyse music and dissect the elements which make them up. Students will be exposed to various genres of music spanning across eras and participate in in-class discussion as well as individual research and presentation on these genres.
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Duration
DURATION
- Full Time: 7 Months
- Part Time: 14 Months
Course Commencement and Completion Dates
Course Commencement is on a termly basis starting on February, May, August and November of every year. Exact dates will defer from year to year. Course Completion depends on the duration of the course taken by each individual student.
Graduation and Assessment
- Graduation Requirement: Completion of 32 Credits required to be completed to be awarded with graduation
- Assessment Modes: Continuous assessment and end-of-term exam.
Continuous assessments include case studies, class tests, discussions, presentations, group, and individual assignments.
Entry Requirements:
Minimum Age Requirement:
- 15 years old
Minimum Academic Requirement:
- Completed Secondary 4 Education or higher (Singapore); or
- Completed 9 years of Formal Education or higher (Overseas); or
- Completed Certificate in Contemporary Music Fundamentals (CCMF) awarded by The Songwriter Music College; or
- Professional qualifications such as ACCA or its equivalent; or
- Diploma or higher awarded by any local PEI in any discipline; or
- Other qualifications will be assessed on a case by case basis.
Minimum Language Requirement:
- Academic requirement is met via qualification’s conducted in English as the medium of instruction; or
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) 4.0 or its equivalent; or
- Passed Certificate in English I awarded by TSMC
Mature Entry:
Mature candidates without the min. academic requirement:
- Min. 30 years old; and
- Min 8 years of work experience
Fees
Teacher-Student Ratio
1:30
Lesson Hours
- 11.00am – 2.00pm
- 3.00pm – 6.00pm
- 7.00pm – 10.00pm
Talk to us
Make an enquiry and we will respond within 3 working days