Music and Technology, Contemporary – Songwriting Diploma

Program Details

Credential Received

Diploma in Contemporary Music and Technology – Songwriting 

Overview

Program Summary

The Selkirk College Music Program has been preparing students for the commercial music and entertainment industry for over 25 years.

A diverse cross-section of musical styles is offered, allowing students to explore the best that each genre has to offer from rock and blues, to jazz, folk and world music. Develop your skills in performance, improvisation, songwriting, composition, film scoring, recording and live sound mixing.

The Contemporary Music and Technology Program at Selkirk College is a two-year diploma program developed to train musicians for the commercial music and entertainment industry. It’s one of the only programs in Canada based on the world-renowned Berklee College of Music curriculum and its guiding principle that the best way to prepare students for careers in music is through the study and practice of contemporary music. For graduates of jazz and classical programs, Selkirk College can offer the technology training and popular music concepts they might be missing in order to become more employable.

The Contemporary Music and Technology Program trains musician performers for the commercial music industry. The curriculum includes individual instruction on guitar, voice, bass, drums, saxophone, violin and keyboards, as well as a solid grounding in music theory and ear training. Individual and ensemble instruction and practice is offered throughout both years of the program. Rock, blues, jazz, folk and world music are the primary instructional styles.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Communicate effectively in various formats to a variety of stakeholders
2. Apply entrepreneurial skills
3. Apply developing problem-solving skills
4. Outline the importance of professional and ethical behaviour
5. Explain terms, concepts and practices relevant to the music industry
6. Use music industry-related technology proficiently
7. Function collaboratively in a modern music industry environment
8. Demonstrate developing critical and creative thinking skills

Program Admission Requirements

Academic Requirements

In addition to meeting the general admission requirements to Selkirk College, applicants to the Contemporary Music and Technology Program must meet the following requirements to be considered fully qualified:

• Completion of Grade 12 or equivalent with a minimum of 60% or higher in English Studies 12

Additional Requirements

• Successfully pass an audition/interview that consists of:
  • Assessment of instrumental ability on an instrument/voice. The instruments that are accepted are: guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, voice, saxophone, trumpet, banjo, mandolin and violin/fiddle.
  • Demonstration of basic music theory proficiency equivalent to the Royal Conservatory Grade II, through a written examination that includes identifying intervals, key signatures and triads in basic music theory equivalent to Royal Conservatory of Music Grade II requirements.
  • An ear training test for pitch, triads, rhythmic and melodic diction and interval recognition.

When it is not feasible to do the audition in person, alternate arrangements can be made. The theory and ear training test can be sent to the applicant for invigilation by an authorized person, and the performance portion can be submitted through approved audio/media material or by providing a link to an online video.

Special Exceptions

Applicants who perform an exceptional audition but who do not meet the theory and ear training standard will be required to attend a two-week theory preparation course in August. The applicant must have a minimum final grade of 75% in both the ear training and the theory sections to be accepted into the Music Program for September. Applicants who do not meet the minimum standard in matching pitch will not be accepted into the program.

Completed applications (except for the audition) are recommended to be submitted to the Registrar’s Office by April 30 prior to the start of the next intake of the program. Applications may be accepted after this date with permission of the school chair. The recommended deadline for completion of the audition process is May 31 prior to the commencement of the program.

Auditions will be arranged by the department when the completed application form and transcripts are received.

Study your instrument and related skills in the first year and choose a major in the second. An initial core year that provides solid grounding in music theory and ear training is followed by one of five program majors.

Graduation and Promotion

Students must achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher with no grades below "C-". Specific majors have additional graduation requirements.

Additional Program Policies