UCLA Summer
Songwriting Intensive

2024

Apply Now!
Apply Now!
Apply Now!
Summer Songwriting Intensive

Learn the Fundamentals
of Songwriting

On Campus Session A:
July 8 – July 12, 2024

On Campus Session B:
July 22 – July 26, 2024

10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. PDT daily

Tuition:

On-campus program – $1,566

Deposit of $500 required no later than 15 days after receiving notice of acceptance. The deadline to pay the remaining balance for your participation will be June 15, 2024. Scholarships are available

Apply by Friday, June 7, 2024 (for Session B) 

 

Email For More Information
Email For More Information
Email For More Information
Teachers, Download a Flyer for Your Classroom!
Teachers, Download a Flyer for Your Classroom!
Teachers, Download a Flyer for Your Classroom!

To succeed at any type of songwriting, it is very important to understand the fundamentals, the delicate balance of collaboration, and the professional expectations of today’s music industry. This summer intensive will cover: why songs work, structures and approaches to songwriting, home studio set-up, live songwriting sessions, the importance of tracking royalties, studio expectations, and creative collaboration.

Students will interact with UCLA faculty (Professor Robert Fink, Chair of Music Industry)  working songwriters, and guests from the music industry. During the program, students will work collaboratively with one another and with instructors to create unique recordings that showcase their songwriting.

To cap the experience, a showcase of student performances will be held at UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music (on-campus program) and a playlist of student recordings will be posted on The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music YouTube channel for participants to share their work with friends and family!

Apply Now!
Apply Now!
Apply Now!

Daily Schedule

* Daily class schedule details are subject to change. All times are Pacific Daylight Time (PDT).

Day 1 

  • Introductions
  • Fundamentals of Songwriting
  • Building on Song Concepts
  • Full Class Collaboration

Day 2

  • Vocal warm-ups and breathwork
  • Melody Writing
  • Break-out collaborations with Faculty

Day 3 

  • Rhyming workshop
  • Introduction to Digital Audio Workstations
  • Using Figures of Speech in Lyrics

Day 4 

  • Vocal Treatment in Digital Audio Workstations
  • Rhythm and Tempo Workshop
  • Artist Pitch Workshop

Day 5 

  • Chord progression workshop
  • Sampling and looping in songwriting
  • Do-it-Yourself music release workshop
  • PRO and Publishing Masterclass
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Applications due June 7th (for Session B)
APPLY

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Cancellation and refund policy?

Cancellation of your participation in the summer intensives must be provided to the program in writing no later than May 31, 2024.  You will be eligible to receive an 85% refund of your deposit if cancelling by this date. Cancellations communicated in writing from June 1, 2024 through June 28, 2024 will receive a 50% refund on their deposit. Cancellations communicated from July 1 through the start of the intensive are eligible for a 50% refund of the full tuition.  However, any cancellations communicated once your intensive has already begun will not be eligible for a refund.

Will housing be provided?

No, participants must make their own lodging arrangements.

Will food be provided?

Yes, lunch is catered for participants each day of the intensive program.  We recommend you bring snacks or purchase snacks at the various vending areas available on campus.

Will orientation be provided?

Yes, orientation is required for both parents/guardians and participants.  A zoom orientation session will be facilitated one month prior to the start of the intensives.

Do I need to bring my own instrument?

Yes, if you are a drummer in the jazz or songwriting program, only bring a bass drum pedal, cymbals, and drum sticks.  If you are a piano player, each of our instructional spaces are equipped with a piano.

Is there a cost for parking on campus?

We recommend you use parking structure 2 (P2 on this map), the closest one to our buildings.  The cost for a full day of parking is $15 in structure 2, parking rates are subject to revision by the university and can also vary by parking location.

Is the program available to international students?

International students are eligible to apply, please refer to the following page for information on visa requirements.

Will I need any additional supplies?

Additional supplies needed vary by intensive and we recommend you review the orientation information for your specific intensives.