Precollege Programs: Songwriting & Music Production Workshop

Improve your ability to write, record, perform, and promote your own songs of any and all styles!

Grades 9–12

Let’s hear song ideas!

Hone your songwriting skills by taking daily small-group instruction on piano and/or guitar, lyric writing, music theory, and arranging. Learn how to use software programs like Pro Tools and GarageBand. Develop successful means of marketing both you and your music through the Internet and other grassroots-oriented tactics. Participate in hands-on recording sessions and refine your live performance skills under the guidance of seasoned professionals. Receive a recording of the final performance!

Typical Day - 2024

Song Discovery and Discussion

We begin each day by listening to a great song and discussing various aspects of the style, form, and feel.

Lecture

After the group discussion, we begin the day’s lecture, highlighting topics such as melody, lyric-writing, song form, and music theory.

Workshop

Workshops expand upon the techniques taught in each lesson.

The workshop includes topics such as ear training, song analysis, and live performance techniques.

Masterclass

Masterclass is at the core of the Songwriting program. Students have the opportunity to share their original songs.

Each songwriter will receive direct feedback, tips and guidance from their instructors and peers in a supportive environment.

Music Technology/Recording

Students learn how to use digital music software, mix and arrange their own songs, and record their music.

Music Business

Topics may include how to form a band, music promotion and distribution, marketing, and basic copyright law.

Student Performance

At the end of the two-week session, students may perform or share a video of their completed song.

Program Details

YTH 9420 / Songwriting and Music Production Workshop
Session I: June 30 - July 11, 2025
Monday – Friday, 9:30am – 3:30 pm (9 sessions, *no class, Friday, July 4)

Instructor

Amira Baigina

Lead Instructor
Mara Keen

Instructor
Henry Hey

Master Class Instructor

Interested in Undergraduate Programs at Purchase College?

Check out Voice & Opera Studies, Studio Composition, Music Composition, Studio Production, and Jazz Studies Programs in the Conservatory of Music.

What Students Are Saying

<div class="lw_blurbs_title"><p>“I made a Simpsons video game. It was cool to play as my favorite cartoon characters.”</p></div>
<div class="lw_blurbs_title"><p>“I did enjoy the program and I liked that I learned a lot about harmony, melody, and lyric writing.”</p></div>
<div class="lw_blurbs_title"><p>“[My favorite part of this program was] feeling as if I had developed a skill. We were taught how to draw, paint, write, and run. I applied almost all of these in the course. The course has been invaluable to me.”</p></div>
<div class="lw_blurbs_title"><p>“[My favorite things about this program were] the extensive knowledge of the instructors, the amazing people, and the interesting and helpful classes.”</p></div>
<div class="lw_blurbs_title"><p>“I liked how we could learn to express our talents and collaborate together.”</p></div>
<div class="lw_blurbs_title"><p>“It made learning about modern technology easier and very fun at the same time.”</p></div>
<div class="lw_blurbs_title"><p>“I liked the fact that I learned so much about the science, technicalities, business, technology, and inner workings of music that I never would have known, and that helped me greatly with my music.”</p></div>
<div class="lw_blurbs_title"><p>“This program was lots of fun! The counselors were very nice and learning programming was a unique challenge.”</p></div>
<div class="lw_blurbs_title"><p>“I just want to tell you personally that this class has been the best experience [my son] has ever had. The teachers and their enthusiasm have made my child so happy. I’m so happy that I found this program and even more excited that he’s doing Teen Voices</p></div>
<div class="lw_blurbs_title"><p>“I liked how we had a chance to present snippets of our original work, and how our master class teachers helped us improve our skills.”</p></div>
<div class="lw_blurbs_title"><p>“The instructors were great and loved what they were doing, which made it so much fun.”</p></div>
<div class="lw_blurbs_title"><p>“I learned a lot of valuable information and was able to discover my strengths and weaknesses to help me focus on what I need to work on for the future. It has also made me highly consider applying [to Purchase College].”</p></div>
<div class="lw_blurbs_title"><p>“Enjoyed the opportunity to be surrounded by such knowledgeable and enthusiastic music professionals.”</p></div>
<div class="lw_blurbs_title"><p>“[I like the fact that] I got to learn a lot about lyrics and song form that I didn’t know.”</p></div>
<div class="lw_blurbs_title"><p>“I enjoyed letting my creativity free.”</p></div>