Virtual Open Day
Songwriting
Welcome to the BA (Hons) Songwriting course. Use the navigation below to discover what we have on offer.
How will I learn?
EXPERT SONGWRITING TUTORS
With tutors including The Prodigy’s Kieron Pepper and Evvol’s Jane Arnison, our songwriting team is ready and willing to teach you their craft. You’ll have direct access to their experience and diverse range of influences, and it won’t be long before you find your own signature style.
How will I learn?
TOOLS OF THE TRADE
Modern songwriting is as much about the mixing as the music, so at BIMM, we teach you the technology and recording skills you need to produce your own sound. Learn how to create professional quality, industry-standard music.
How will I learn?
EXPLORING ALL AVENUES
Forging a career as a songwriter means understanding commerciality, and knowing how to make money from your talent. Throughout the course, we’ll help you appreciate the different areas available to you, including writing for others, and producing music for film, television and online channels.
I really like the openness of the Berlin music scene and the mix of backgrounds from people from all over the world at BIMMJane Arnison, Songwriting Tutor
What is a day like?
Workshop:
SONGWRITING
A typical morning in class might see you exploring the dynamic relationship between melody and harmony, via an analysis of concepts such as harmonic progression, melodic contour, lyric creation, rhythmic lyric structure and song form.
10:00 am
Connect:
MASTERCLASS
Settle in for an informative session with Ian Dench – principal songwriter for the band EMF, who scored a global hit with ‘Unbelievable’ in 1990. Find out what it’s like to be a commercial songwriter for artists including Beyonce, Shakira, The Prodigy, and Florence and the Machine.
12:00 pm
Lesson:
MUSICIANSHIP
Begin the afternoon developing your ear training skills by considering key theoretical concepts, such as interval and chord identification, harmony, rhythm and pulse, transcription and chord/scale relationships.
3:00 pm
Lifestyle:
VINYL DESTINATION
Do some late night browsing for songwriting influences at Spacehall – possibly Berlin’s best-stocked record store and one of the city’s best spots to find rare hidden gems.
9:00 pm
Where will I study
PROFESSIONAL FACILITIES
From high-spec recording studios to fully equipped production suites, the facilities at BIMM Berlin provide songwriters with the same tools and technologies as used by top professionals. With musicians and vocalists sharing the college’s communal spaces with you, BIMM is a great place to meet future collaborators too.
What is Berlin Like?
Where To Live?
The college is set in Berlin’s Friedrichshain district, home to plenty of good-quality, affordable student accommodation. And with the area well-served by inexpensive and reliable public transport, you can take your pick of numerous other superb districts within a short commute.
Read more +What is the City like?
Berlin is a dynamic, modern and brilliantly affordable city, where rents are low, travel is cheap and even Europe’s finest nightlife doesn’t put too much of a dent in your budget. Comfortable living expenses here can be as low as €600 per month.
What is the music scene like?
There’s a reason BIMM came to Berlin. It is simply the epicentre of the European music industry, boasting rich history and heritage, a thriving, supportive musical community, and buzzing nightlife that few cities on earth can match.
FAQs
What equipment do I need to bring?
If you’re an instrumentalist, you’ll need to bring your guitar, bass or drum sticks with you. As with any college, you’ll also need the usual notebooks and pens. All the other kit (amplifiers, drum kits etc.), will be provided for you. If you require any special equipment for learning support needs, you can discuss this with us prior to your induction.
How many hours will I be studying, and what is the lesson timetable?
You can expect around 14 hours of teaching time per week, with lessons taking place Monday to Friday, between 9am and 6pm. However, your timetable won’t be finalised until just before your induction at the end of September. In addition to lesson time, there will be extra-curricular activities too – including tutorials, gigs, industry sessions and Masterclasses. Details will be given on induction.
How much of the course is performance based vs theoretical/academic?
Detailed information can be found in the Modules section of the course page here
I don’t understand music theory very well – is this a problem?
We do test for theory understanding at audition/assessment, but we’re only looking for a basic level of understanding – so don’t worry if it’s not your strong suit. Music theory is a mandatory module for the instrumental/songwriting course anyway, so it’s something you’ll learn along the way.
Where is the college, and can I come and see it?
We’re located at Warschauer Str, 70 A, 10243, Berlin. If you’d like to come and see us, we offer tours as part of our scheduled Open Days, or we can organise a tour with you on another suitable date. Please email berlin@bimm-institute.de to book or enquire.
Are there any scholarships or bursaries available?
Scholarships and bursaries are announced each year in August. To apply for one, you need to have already applied for your course. For updated details on scholarships and bursaries, keep an eye on the BIMM Berlin website or our Facebook page.
Are there internships or work experience opportunities available while studying?
Work placements and internships will be available in your second and third year of study. The nature of these placements will depend on what’s available at the time via our industry connections, but students have previously enjoyed internships with the likes of EMI, Metropolis, Glastonbury Festival, The Great Escape, Atlantic Records, Riverman Management.
FAQs
-
Q.What equipment do I need to bring?
If you’re an instrumentalist, you’ll need to bring your guitar, bass or drum sticks with you. As with any college, you’ll also need the usual notebooks and pens. All the other kit (amplifiers, drum kits etc.), will be provided for you. If you require any special equipment for learning support needs, you can discuss this with us prior to your induction.
-
Q.How many hours will I be studying, and what is the lesson timetable?
You can expect around 14 hours of teaching time per week, with lessons taking place Monday to Friday, between 9am and 6pm. However, your timetable won’t be finalised until just before your induction at the end of September. In addition to lesson time, there will be extra-curricular activities too – including tutorials, gigs, industry sessions and Masterclasses. Details will be given on induction.
-
Q.How much of the course is performance based vs theoretical/academic?
Detailed information can be found in the Modules section of the course page here
-
Q.I don’t understand music theory very well – is this a problem?
We do test for theory understanding at audition/assessment, but we’re only looking for a basic level of understanding – so don’t worry if it’s not your strong suit. Music theory is a mandatory module for the instrumental/songwriting course anyway, so it’s something you’ll learn along the way.
-
Q.Where is the college, and can I come and see it?
We’re located at Warschauer Str, 70 A, 10243, Berlin. If you’d like to come and see us, we offer tours as part of our scheduled Open Days, or we can organise a tour with you on another suitable date. Please email berlin@bimm-institute.de to book or enquire.
-
Q.Are there any scholarships or bursaries available?
Scholarships and bursaries are announced each year in August. To apply for one, you need to have already applied for your course. For updated details on scholarships and bursaries, keep an eye on the BIMM Berlin website or our Facebook page.
-
Q.Are there internships or work experience opportunities available while studying?
Work placements and internships will be available in your second and third year of study. The nature of these placements will depend on what’s available at the time via our industry connections, but students have previously enjoyed internships with the likes of EMI, Metropolis, Glastonbury Festival, The Great Escape, Atlantic Records, Riverman Management.
The Courses
Click on a course below for more on tutors, structure and modules.
berlin
BA (Hons) Songwriting
At BIMM Berlin, we have a strong focus on writing technique, analysis and personal stylistic development, and you’ll be encouraged...
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