Songwriting, BM
CBU's BM in Songwriting supports the training of artists to live their purpose by becoming fully prepared in the craft of songwriting, ethical musical business practices and advanced recording technologies all within the cradle of a deeply spiritual environment.
Program Intro
Students in CBU's songwriting bachelor's program will not just develop their craft as songwriters but understand how this craft can be used in living out the Great Commission. Graduates from CBU's BM in Songwriting degree will be active songwriters in the music, film and TV industry, allowing them to impact thousands for Christ.
Why Study Songwriting at CBU?
Learn from Grammy-award winning faculty members
Our campus is in close proximity to Hollywood and the music industry, and many of our faculty members are Grammy winners and platinum record holders.
Perform your own original music
Students in the program will create and perform their original music as part of the curriculum.
Use state-of-the-art technology
CBU music students work hands-on with the latest music technology on both their personal Macbook Pro computers and in computer labs and classrooms located within the state-of-the-art Hawkins Music Building. Software for professional and audio production, sequencing and publishing quality notation are used each day in many of the core music courses.
What You'll Learn
Students in CBU's songwriting bachelor's program will learn to:
- Demonstrate a developed understanding and application of sound and recording technologies
in commercial music.
- Compare and contrast commercial music styles and genres via musical criticism and
performance.
- Critique music industry practices using an ethical and moral lens informed by scripture.
- Create unique musical artifacts that contribute to artistic and entrepreneurial career
aspirations.
- Analyze the global phenomenon of popular music, historically and socially, and opportunities
for careers in commercial music in emerging markets and businesses.
- Demonstrate facility in use of musical and lyrical best practices and express the
individual’s voice.
- Utilize music technologies in the creation of new songs and works.
- Create musical works for public reception that demonstrate genre specific musical characteristics.
Program Details
MUS 386: Audio Recording and Studio Techniques I
Introduction to analog and digital audio recording and ProTools recording software. Topics covered will include microphone techniques, signal flow, recording consoles, sound capture, and basic sound editing. Recording of vocal and instruments will be covered.
MUS 252: Songwriting Workshop: Applications
Students will build an individual portfolio of original musical works through recording and producing of music. Students will work collaboratively with artists and directors in creating music for specific projects, resulting in original musical works and recorded artifacts.
MUS 236: Music Entrepreneurship
Introduction to theories, fundamentals, and practices of entrepreneurship and small business as applied to musicians. Course will cover planning, finance, copyright and law as applied to music business, merchandise, licensing, digital rights, royalty management, and endorsements.
Hector Gabriel Jimenez, M.M.
Assistant Professor of Music
Office Phone: 951-343-4708
E-mail: hjimenez@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: HMUS 204
I chose to major in music because it's something I really love to do and I realized I'd like to keep doing it for the rest of my life. I like the program at CBU because I have so many opportunities to perform. It's helped me get used to performing a lot.
Mayu Fukasawa '19
I grew up in a musical family and always knew I wanted to participate in music in some capacity. The professors here are really great people who want to be more than just someone who grades you. They really care about your education.
Braden Sapp '19
Career Possibilities
Songwriting majors can apply their field of study to a variety of careers. Some careers listed below may require further education.
- Musician
- Composer
- Music Producer
- Songwriter
- Music Performer
Related Programs
Next Steps
Join our community. At CBU, you’ll be challenged to become an individual whose skills, integrity, and sense of purpose glorify God and distinguish you in the world.