B.M. – Songwriting

Create the Sound of the Future

Unlock your full creative potential. Regent’s Bachelor of Music (B.M.) in Songwriting is created for you as an aspiring singer-songwriter to develop your unique voice, refine your craft, and navigate the evolving landscape of the music industry. With classes in arranging, recording, mixing, post-production, marketing and promotion, this program is for those who want to write, produce, and perform their own music. Become a self-publisher and a leading creative through your own innovative arrangements as you change the culture around you and build a sustainable career for yourself.

Location: On Campus

Total Credit Hours: 123

Approved Degree Plan: Download PDF

GROW YOUR KNOWLEDGE

Gain essential skills in songwriting techniques and music business strategies.

ESTABLISH YOUR CAREER

Enhance your entrepreneurship by producing high-quality pieces and navigating the rapidly changing industry.

Please complete the Request Information form on this page to learn more about this program.

Career Opportunities

On completing the bachelor’s degree in Songwriting, you can:

Advance your musical aptitude and production skills.
Learn to self-publish and promote your musical arrangements.
Develop as a musical leader and entrepreneur.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Top Liner
Performing Songwriter
Producer
Lyricist or Composer
Musical Director
Jingle Writer

$53Thousand

Approximate Average Salary of a Composer, 2022 Payscale

Featured Courses

Featured Courses
Code	Name	Credits
MUSC 101	Reading Music 1	1	Prepares musicians to sightread melodies in the treble and bass clef and learn methodologies on sight reading music on the student’s primary instrument.
MUSC 102	Reading Music 2	1	Continued training in sight reading, with further development in sight singing, sightreading, and aural dictation. Prerequisite: MUSC 101 or instructor permission.
MUSC 103	Listening to Music	2	Methodologies of learning about music through active listening, stressing the musical understanding by using music as a primary source.
MUSC 125	Introduction to Piano	1	Introduction and development of rudimentary keyboard skills, including chords, scales, performance of simple songs, equipment, and proper technique.
MUSC 135	Introduction to Singing	1	An overview of the tenets of long-term vocal health, improvement in singing, appropriate stage presentation and microphone technique.
MUSC 145	Introduction to Electric Bass & Drums	1	Introduction and development of rudimentary playing on the drum set and electric bass, with historical knowledge of significant players and equipment.
MUSC 155	Introduction to Guitar	1	Introduction and development of rudimentary playing on the acoustic and electric guitar, with historical knowledge of significant players and equipment.
MUSC 170	Survey of Songwriters 1	3	An introductory study of songwriting methodologies, through the lens of exceptional songwriters.
MUSC 220	Building Blocks of Music 1	3	Basic theoretical concepts of understanding music focusing on the skills needed to read and write music. Includes music theory, instruments, time and key signatures, clefs, notation, ear training, chords, articulations, phrasing, dynamics, and composition.
MUSC 221	Building Blocks of Music 2	3	Continuing theoretical elements of understanding music, focusing on the skills needed to read and write music. Includes diatonic harmony including secondary dominants, instrument transposition, voice leading, improvisation, and chromaticism. Prerequisite: MUSC 220.
MUSC 270	Survey of Songwriters 2	3	An advanced study of songwriting methodologies, through the lens of exceptional songwriters. Prerequisite: MUSI 170.
MUSC 301	Historical Elements of Western Music 1	3	A survey of Western European music traditions and contexts from the Medieval through the Classical Eras.
MUSC 302	Historical Elements of Western Music 2	3	A survey of Western European music traditions and contexts focusing on contemporary and 20th century American music.
MUSC 310	The Business of Music	3	In-depth study of the business of music, including professional practices, contracting, copyright, streaming and mechanical rights, and publishing.
MUSC 311	Songwriting 1	3	Theory and practice of applied songwriting, from idea generation, songwriting strategies, and refinement to completion.
MUSC 315	Arranging Music	2	Training in rhythms and melody, motifs, phrases, periods and phrase groups. Includes practice notating music using music notation software. Prerequisite: MUSI 221.
MUSC 320	Beginning Conducting	3	Theory and practice of conducting small or large ensembles through score reading, beat patterns, body language, cueing, and successful rehearsal techniques. Prerequisite: MUSC 221.
MUSC 348	Music Ensemble/Practicum	1	Regular ensemble meetings to hone skills in music or production, culminating in public performances. Repeatable for up to 8 credits.
MUSC 381	Community Class	1	Regular forum for music students, includes regular play and peer feedback, as well as opportunities to situate student work in culture and current events. Repeatable for up to 8 credits.
MUSC 405	Music Technology-Digital Audio Recording	3	Theory and practice of electronic music composition using Digital Audio Workstations (DAW). Includes MIDI sequencing and editing.
MUSC 406	Music Technology-Notation & Transcription	3	Theory and practice of digital musical engraving, including the creation of lead sheets, scores, and parts with digital scoring tools.
MUSC 411	Songwriting 2	3	Advanced theory and practice of applied songwriting, from idea generation, songwriting strategies, and refinement to completion. Prerequisite: MUSI 311.
MUSC 431	Making the Music Video	3	Practical techniques in music video production, with an overview of cost-effective video and audio approaches.
MUSC 441	Lyric Writing 2	3	Advanced lyric writing for original songs. Prerequisite: MUSI 341.
MUSC 496	Capstone Project	1	Culminating experience for Bachelor of Music majors only.

Admission Requirements

Step 1: Apply to Regent University

Submit your application using the Regent University Online Application.

Note: If you are unable to complete our application due to a disability, please contact our Admissions Office at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu and an admissions representative will provide reasonable accommodations to assist you in completing the application.

Step 2: Submit Your Unofficial Transcripts

Submit your unofficial high school or college transcripts to regent.edu/items.

Upon submitting your application, you will receive an email requesting authorization for Regent University to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution. International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES, AACRAO or NAFSA approved agency.

Step 3: Submit Your Government-Issued ID

To ensure academic integrity, Regent University requires a copy of a government-issued ID. Please submit a scanned copy or photograph of it to regent.edu/items.

Step 4: Submit Your FAFSA

Complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov Regent's school code is 030913.

Please feel free to contact the Office of Admissions at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu should you have any further questions about the application process.

Note: All items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University and cannot be returned.

Tuition & Fees

2024-25 Tuition Rates

On Campus

Degree	Tuition Block Rate Per Semester	Credit Hours Per Semester	Tuition Rate Per Year
Students taking on-campus classes (fall & spring semesters)	$9,975	12 - 18	$19,950

Degree	Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour	Average Credit Hours Per Semester	Average Tuition Per Semester
Students taking on-campus classes (fall & spring semesters)	$665	Under 12	$7,980
Students taking on-campus classes (fall & spring semesters)	$665	Over 18	$11,970
Students taking on-campus classes (summer semester)	$665	N/A	$1,995+

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)

$850 (Fall & Spring)
$700 (Summer)

Housing Fees » | Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

Online

Degree	Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour	Average Credit Hours Per Semester	Average Tuition Per Semester
Part-Time Students (3-11 Credit Hours Per Semester)	$450	6	$2,700
Full-Time Students (12+ Credit Hours Per Semester)	$395	12	$4,740

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (Online Students)

$700

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

2023-24 Tuition Rates

On Campus

Degree	Tuition Block Rate Per Semester	Credit Hours Per Semester	Tuition Rate Per Year
Students taking on-campus classes (fall & spring semesters)	$9,493	12 - 18	$18,986

Degree	Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour	Average Credit Hours Per Semester	Average Tuition Per Semester
Students taking on-campus classes (fall & spring semesters)	$630	Under 12	$7,560
Students taking on-campus classes (fall & spring semesters)	$630	Over 18	$11,340
Students taking on-campus classes (summer semester)	$630	N/A	$1,890+

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)

$850 (Fall & Spring)
$700 (Summer)

Housing Fees » | Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

Online

Degree	Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour	Average Credit Hours Per Semester	Average Tuition Per Semester
Part-Time Students (3-11 Credit Hours Per Semester)	$450	6	$2,700
Full-Time Students (12+ Credit Hours Per Semester)	$395	12	$4,740

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (Online Students)

$700

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

Related Programs

Request Information

Hidden

Online or On Campus

Hidden

Online or On Campus Old

Online

On Campus

On Campus Degree Type(Required)

Online Degree Type(Required)

Choose a Program(Required)

High School Graduation(Required)

Are you an employee or the spouse/dependent of an employee?(Required)

Employee

Spouse/Dependent

Email Address(Required)

Company(Required)

Agency(Required)

Employee's Company(Required)

Employee's Agency(Required)

Company Email Address(Required)

Agency Email Address(Required)

Employee's Company Email Address(Required)

Employee's Agency Email Address(Required)

Employee's First Name(Required)

Employee's Last Name(Required)

Employee's First Name(Required)

Employee's Last Name(Required)

Your Email Address(Required)

First Name(Required)

Last Name(Required)

I live outside the US

Address(Required)

Hidden

Address(Required)

Hidden

City(Required)

Hidden

State(Required)

Hidden

Zip Code(Required)

Phone(Required)

I live in Canada

Hidden

Agent's Name(Required)

Hidden

Agent GUID

Agent's Notes

I would like to start application process

By clicking “Learn More” below, I expressly agree that Regent University may call or text me for marketing purposes at the number I provide above, including through the use of an automatic telephone dialing system and/or artificial or prerecorded voice or message according to the TCPA Terms & Conditions below. Accepting this consent is not required to obtain any good or service.

Name

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Hear From Students & Alumni

“At Regent, mentors are readily available if students seek them out. They're just waiting for you to take the initiative and ask for support. The blessings are beyond anything you could imagine.”

Ben Kay, B.A., 2013 Biblical & Theological Studies

“It is neat to see people who care about excellence but aren’t haughty about it. They approach it with humility in their academics, their spiritual lives, and each other.”

Hannah Lillemo, B.A., 2020 Honors Program Graduate

“I am so grateful for the past four years at Regent University. I have met so many amazing people and made friendships that will last a lifetime.”

Danika Green, B.A. in Cinema-Television, 2020

“I want to be a biomedical engineer and use it for God's glory around the world. Not only do I want to help physically, but I would also want to help spiritually and emotionally. At Regent, I grew so much mentally, spiritually and emotionally in a way I want to share with others.”

Sheila Atieno, B.S. in Biophysical Sciences, 2021 Master’s Student in Biomedical Engineering, New York University

“Proverbs 27:17 states, 'Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.' That's been my Regent experience academically and relationally. I am grateful to have grown together with such amazing people.”

Christian Ellis, B.S. in Business, 2018; M.A. in Organizational Leadership, 2020 Executive Assistant to the Executive Vice President, Regent University