Certificate in Songwriting and Music Production
The Certificate in Songwriting and Music Production program (4 quarters, 12 months, 60 credits) at CCM is designed for music-makers looking to hone their songwriting, lyric writing, and production skills while developing their unique artistic voice. CCM faculty members act as mentors to help students along their journey of artistic self-discovery, giving guidance and production tips throughout the writing and recording process. CSMP students have access to our world-class recording studio where they can bring their music to life. As a member of CCM’s Original Ensemble, students gain experience working with a live band to bring their music from the page to the stage. Making Music For Hire introduces students to the tools and techniques necessary to create music for TV, film, advertising, video games, and other artists. By the end of the CSMP program, students complete their own professional-level extended play (EP) recording, a valuable asset they can use to promote themselves.
4 Quarters / 12 months We accept students into the Associate of Science in Music Performance
program in the following instrumental emphases:
Voice
Guitar
Drums
Bass
Keyboards
How do i apply?
It’s so easy! See our HOW TO APPLY page for step-by-step guidance through the application process. If you need assistance, contact us directly at (626) 577-1751 or admissions@ccmla.edu for help.
What are the housing options at CCM?
We do not offer on-campus housing, so detailed information is available at our HOUSING RESOURCES PAGE to enable students to find their own housing in the Pasadena area. For those who still require assistance locating housing, we offer a HOUSING PLACEMENT SERVICE for a one-time fee of $250. Please visit the HOUSING RESOURCES PAGE or contact us at (626) 577-1751 or admissions@ccmla.edu for assistance.
Financial Support
Federal Students Aid
We are happy to provide federal financial aid for students enrolling in the 12-month Certificate in Songwriting & Music Production program. Students can complete a Free Application for Financial Student Aid (FAFSA) form to receive the funds needed to support their studies based on their need. Please note: you can still apply for our Talent-Based Scholarship and/or Economic Tuition Reduction if applying for a FAFSA.
In order to be eligible, you must:
- Be a U.S. Citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Have completed a high school education
- Have a valid Social Security Number
- Be registered with Selective Service (males only between the ages of 18-25 years old)
- Be enrolled in the Certificate in Songwriting & Music Production program
To see how much aid you may qualify for, you must first: - Complete and submit your FAFSA form through studentaid.gov. Search for California College of Music (school code: 04293000) when prompted.
- Stay in contact with our Admissions Department (admissions@ccmla.edu) for updates regarding your application and award amount.
For further assistance completing your FAFSA form, please refer to this FAFSA resource page.
APPLICATION DEADLINES:
NEW Fall 2021 Applicants
FAFSA: September 3, 2021
NEW Spring 2022 Applicants
FAFSA: March 4, 2022
For continuing students, you will need to re-submit a FAFSA form every year. Check with admissions@ccmla.edu to ensure your FAFSA is up to date.
Talent-Based Scholarship
A Talent-based Scholarship at California College of Music is an institutional award which all students can apply for!
Students who receive this scholarship may be awarded up to 10-30% reduced from their tuition.
In order to be considered you must first apply to a full-time program and then fill out and meet the requirements within the Talent-based Scholarship Application
Student conditions and obligations in order to maintain scholarship
Student must pay tuition and fees in full according to the payment schedule in the Enrollment Agreement.
Student must maintain full-time status (a course load of at least 12 units) at all times. A student who must extend his/her program beyond the initial program length as stated in the Enrollment Agreement, whether by choice or due to failed courses, may not reapply for a scholarship or redistribute any remaining scholarship to the new quarter.
Student must attend at least 85% of scheduled classes in every course.
Student must make continuous academic progress each quarter and complete his/her program on time.
Students receiving scholarships must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 for their scholarship award to be disbursed in each new quarter.
IMPORTANT: The maximum amount of institutional awards (Talent-based Scholarship & Economic Tuition Reduction) combined cannot exceed 30% of the programs tuition. Only new applicants may apply for scholarships; previously or currently enrolled students are not eligible. Scholarships are non-transferable and have no redeemable cash value. All scholarship application information (including auditions, personal statements, and letters of recommendation) is considered final once submitted. California College of Music is not responsible for damage or loss of any submission.
Economic Tuition Reduction
An Economic Tuition Reduction (ETR) at California College of Music is an institutional award reserved for domestic students who can demonstrate significant economic hardship. Students can reduce their tuition by $750-4,500 (depending on program length and need).
In order to be considered you must first apply to a program, fill out the Economic Tuition Reduction Application, and then submit your most recent Tax Return. If you are approved for an ETR award you are also eligible to request a 0% interest monthly payment plan.
IMPORTANT: The maximum amount of institutional awards (Talent-based Scholarship & Economic Tuition Reduction) combined cannot exceed 30% of the programs tuition. Only new applicants may apply for ETR; previously or currently enrolled students are not eligible. ETR awards are non-transferable and have no redeemable cash value. All ETR application information is considered final once submitted. California College of Music is not responsible for damage or loss of any submission.
Veteran`s Benefits
VETERAN’S BENEFITS
California College of Music is approved to accept veteran education benefits. Eligible veterans, active duty service persons, reservists, or otherwise eligible members (such as spouses and dependents) may student in the following programs:
- Certificate in Performance
- Associate of Science degree program in Performance
- Certificate in Songwriting & Music Production
During your military service, you have developed skills and disciplines that directly transfer to music study. The strong work ethic and attention to detail cultivated during your service are valuable assets when learning music. We take pride in having veteran students and believe music can be a positive outlet after serving our country
NOTE: CCM does not approve veterans for educational benefits. The School Certifying Official (SCO) only certifies student enrollment based on veterans’ Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and will serve as a direct liaison between CCM and the Department of Veterans Affairs regarding underpayment, overpayment, or non-payment of VA educational benefits.
VETERAN’S BENEFITS PROCEDURES
Step 1: Apply for VA Education Benefits
Check with the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) for an excellent step by step road map that will help you determine your benefit eligibility, compare programs, calculate your benefit, collect your paperwork, and apply for VA benefits online. The Department of Veterans Affairs can take at least 45 days to approve your benefits if you are a new applicant. For questions regarding eligibility or remaining benefits, contact VA at 888.442.4551 or visit https://benefits.va.gov/gibill/.
Step 2: Apply and Enroll at CCM
Follow and complete our easy 4-step process located on our website at HOW TO APPLY. Within the online application, be sure to indicate under Financial Support Options that you would like to use VA educational benefits. Additionally, all veterans are required to obtain and submit transcripts from all previously attended school(s) for consideration of transfer of credit.
Once accepted into CCM, you must submit your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or a Statement of Benefits to our SCO in order to attend the mandatory Student Orientation, take placement exams, and register for courses. A submission of your COE, while payment to the institution is pending from the VA, will guarantee the school will not:
Prevent your enrollment into the institution
Assess late penalty fees
Require you to secure alternative or additional funding, or
Deny you access to any resources available to other students who have satisfied their tuition & fees to the institution.
All questions regarding the application process and enrollment into the College as a veteran student should be directed to the SCO of CCM. Call 626.577.1751 or email admissions@ccmla.edu.
Step 3: Request Your Benefits Each Quarter
Certification of enrollment is not automatic. To have your certification submitted to the VA, you must meet with your academic advisor by the end of every quarter. You will review current grades, satisfactory academic progress, and upcoming quarter requirements. Upon completion, you will receive final grades and be eligible to register for courses.
Private loan Disclosure
The College is not currently affiliated with ANY lenders that provide private education loans, therefore we cannot provide any preferred lender lists. However, We encourage students to consider Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans first, as they generally have lower fixed interest rates and more flexible repayment options.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Certificate in Songwriting and Music Production program (4 quarters, 12 months, 60 credits) is designed to equip students with a substantial amount of the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary to express themselves through modern popular music.
PROGRAM PURPOSES
The purposes of the Certificate in Songwriting and Music Production program are:
• to establish an intermediate to advanced level of songwriting ability;
• to establish an intermediate to advanced level of music production ability;
• to establish an intermediate to advanced level of lyric writing ability;
• to gain experience writing and producing music for, and in collaboration with, other musicians;
• to gain experience writing and producing music set to video;
• to develop intermediate music arranging skills for live band;
• to provide at least one opportunity for students to publicly showcase their work;
• to guide students along their journey to artistic self-discovery;
• to develop an understanding of music technology and intermediate to advanced skills in a digital audio workstation (DAW);
• to develop studio recording abilities through multiple session experiences;
• to develop fluency in music theory, including notational skills and an understanding of advanced harmonic structures;
• to develop strong aural skills, including the ability to transcribe melodies and harmonic progressions;
• to instill a nuanced understanding of rhythm and accuracy of rhythmic interpretation;
• to establish basic proficiency at the keyboard;
• to establish skills for effective self-promotion;
• to develop a basic understanding of music publishing;
• to equip students with a strong foundation for self-expression through popular music, as evidenced by a small-to medium-sized portfolio of recorded work, including at least a three-song extended play (EP) recording.
Other Programs
Apprentice in Performance
Technical development, ear training, private lessons, and live concert performances give students valuable hands-on experience in the craft of music…
Certificate in Performance
The Certificate Program also establishes the business acumen and technological savvy necessaryto navigate the modern music industry successfully.
Associate science
in performance
Courses are taught by successful musicians with proven professional track records, excellent academic backgrounds, and scrupulous yet accessible teaching styles.