Professional Music Release

Professional Music Release is an inquiry-based short course, presenting students with the challenge of working to a range of high-level briefs derived from industry practices in order to develop a professional music release, supported by recording sessions and industries guidance.  Students will work to a selection of set challenges related to songwriting, professional recording studio practice, or music business / entrepreneurial practice and will require students to work (in a suitable and relevant discipline) within tight, professional delivery timescales. 

As the module will be available across several MA programmes there will be clear opportunities for inter disciplinary working.

• Professional environment
• Work-based and inquiry-based learning
• Delivery within professional timescales
• Interdisciplinary practice

This SCQF Level 11 (Masters Level) module will give participants an opportunity to:

• Explore and apply professional songwriting techniques
• Produce a professional portfolio of songs
• Record one track to a professional standard
• Plan and execute a professional level music release
• Collaborate with other creatives
• Experience time-limited creativity
• Critically reflect on professional creative practice

Upon successful completion of this module, participants will have the skills and knowledge to develop their songwriting or production practice further.  Students will also be awarded 20 credits. 

Prerequisites and course expectations

Applicants to study this module will be asked to submit a portfolio of two songs, simply recorded and presented as a link to Soundcloud or other similar online location, and a personal statement (max. 500 words) outlining why they are interested in the course.  Where applicants do not hold an undergraduate degree, they should be able to demonstrate professional experience, either in music or in a relevant professional field or area of practice.  Portfolios and personal statements should be sent to Jo.Collinson-Scott@uws.ac.uk or rebecca.wallace@uws.ac.uk at the same time you submit your application. 

As a Masters level course, this module requires a significant time commitment, and due to the face-to-face aspects of teaching, students must be able to commit to attending on these dates. 

Planned schedule

• Monday 29th, Tuesday 30th and Wed 31st January 2024, 10am to 6pm (Intensive Songwriting) - with Becci Wallace/Jo Mango
• Monday 5th, 12th and 19th February 2024, 10am to 1pm (Music Industry Tutorials) - with Jayne Stynes
• Monday 26th, Tuesday 27th and Wednesday 28th February 2024 (Recording)
• Friday 1st March and Tuesday 5th March 2024 (Recording and Mixing) - with Paul McGeechan/Lauren Gilmour