Certified Songwriting Professional (CSP)

Self-expression, being creative, and changing the world via your work. A dream job is to be a songwriter or singer-songwriter. How do you get there, though? What are the requirements to begin going? How is a song composed? How do you make music recordings? How can music be promoted and monetized?

This certification serves as your introduction to songwriting, taking you through the techniques and ideas you must comprehend to move the music from your head to paper and into people’s ears and souls.

Certification Program Objectives:

  • Learn about the duties of a songwriter.
  • Recognize the elements of a song and how to combine them.
  • Study song structure.
  • Possess the information necessary to write music on your own.
  • Familiarize yourself with the tools needed to record music.
  • Learn how to market your music and generate income from it.

Certification Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s Degree

And/or

  • 2 – 5 years of relevant work experience

Certifying Examination:

  • To be certified as CSP, student should take up a 1.5 hours online exam conducted by AIPC.
  • The qualifying exam would consist of 50 multiple choice questions, testing core certification modules.
  • Professionals with relevant experience and other qualifying criteria may be exempted from the examination.

Certification Modules:

Module 1: The Art of Songwriting
Module 2: Music Technology
Module 3: Melody, Harmony, Rythym, and Lyrics
Module 4: Copyright and Collaboration
Module 5: Song Structure and Arrangement
Module 6: Performance and Presentation

Who Should Do This Certification:

This certification is ideal for a diverse range of individuals who are passionate about songwriting and wish to pursue a career in the music industry. It is suitable for:

  • Aspiring Songwriters: Individuals with a passion for writing songs and expressing themselves through music, regardless of their level of experience.
  • Musicians and Singers: Instrumentalists and vocalists who want to develop their songwriting skills to create original music for performance or recording.
  • Music Producers: Producers interested in expanding their skill set to include songwriting, enabling them to collaborate more effectively with artists and contribute creatively to music projects.
  • Singer-Songwriters: Artists who both sing and write their own songs, seeking to refine their songwriting techniques and elevate their songwriting prowess to a professional level.
  • Music Educators: Teachers and instructors who want to enhance their curriculum with songwriting instruction, empowering students to explore their creativity and develop their musical talents.
  • Music Industry Professionals: Individuals working in various sectors of the music industry, such as A&R, artist management, publishing, and music licensing, who seek to gain a deeper understanding of the songwriting process.
  • Lyricists and Poets: Writers with a talent for crafting compelling lyrics or poetry who wish to translate their skills into songwriting and collaborate with composers and musicians.
  • Audio Engineers and Sound Designers: Professionals involved in recording, mixing, and mastering music who want to understand the creative aspects of songwriting to better support artists and enhance their production skills.
  • Performing Artists: Solo performers or bands looking to diversify their repertoire by incorporating original songs into their live performances and recordings.
  • Music Enthusiasts: Anyone with a love for music and a desire to learn more about the art and craft of songwriting, whether for personal enrichment or with aspirations of pursuing songwriting as a hobby or career.

Whether you’re a seasoned musician looking to refine your songwriting skills or a newcomer eager to explore the world of songwriting, this certification provides comprehensive training and guidance to help you unlock your creative potential and succeed in the dynamic and competitive field of music composition.