Stand Out With an Undergraduate Degree From Webster

200,000+
Alumni from our Global Campuses

Prepare for an Exciting Career with a Degree in Music Composition with an Emphasis in Songwriting

With Webster's Music Composition with an Emphasis in Songwriting degree, you will grow as a songwriter with courses in music theory and history, performance pedagogy and literature, as well as conducting. As a unique academic and performance track, students can pursue a career as a composer, author or performer of original songs. Additionally, in both private applied study and in the classroom setting, students will refine your skills as a songwriter/composer, vocalist, lyricist and performer, typically on piano and/or guitar.

Combine extensive applied instruction on your primary and secondary instruments with classes in traditional, jazz and commercial music theory and history. This program features a mix of audio production, jazz theory and music business courses, ensuring you'll leave Webster with a skill set and breadth of experience that sets you apart. Seize opportunities throughout your time at Webster to perform in recitals and play or sing in large and small ensembles. You will present a final concert of original songs, along with a fully produced compact disc.

A student directs musicians with composed sheet music.

Choose Webster for Your Music Composition Degree

Gain Real-World Music and Composition Experience

At the heart of our Music Composition program is our commitment to providing experiences that foster artistic development and career preparedness. Through the Wet Ink Project, you can work closely with professional musicians to hear your work performed live. You will also get chances every semester to share your work with the public and your peers.

Learn from Experienced Professors

Webster keeps its Music Composition class sizes small to provide plenty of opportunities for you to work one-on-one with our outstanding music and composition faculty mentors. They pull from their decades of experience as professional composers and songwriters to prepare you for the daily challenges and rewards of working throughout the music industry.

Travel the World

Webster University has an extensive global community of campuses, including our campus in the beautiful and historic city of Vienna. Songwriting students can study abroad in one of the birthplaces of modern music — taking classes taught by internationally renowned musicians, and taking private lessons to grow as an artist. Learn more about the Study Abroad program for Music Composition students in Vienna.

Accreditation

Webster Holds Longtime NASM Membership 

Webster University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). An important marker of standing among music programs in the U.S., NASM establishes national standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees and other credentials for music and music-related disciplines.

70+
Years as Member of NASM
Explore the Program

BM in Music Composition with an Emphasis in Songwriting

Find out more about the overall curriculum, electives, learning outcomes and more for the Bachelor of Music in Music Composition with an Emphasis in Songwriting degree.

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Achieve a Unique Degree with Music Composition with an Emphasis in Songwriting

Webster University's BM in Music Composition with an Emphasis in Songwriting program is unique, offering a degree focused in the niche area of songwriting. Additionally, the Music Composition program at Webster has two emphases to choose from, Songwriting or Concert Music.

Students are also encouraged to explore many other musical styles and technologies such as jazz, electronic, computer and MIDI applications. Numerous opportunities exist for the performance of students' work, including the Webster New Music Ensemble, Student Songwriter Showcase and Wet Ink Project.

The Songwriting emphasis is designed for the student who wishes to pursue a career as a composer, author and performer of original songs. In both private applied study and the classroom setting, students in the Songwriting emphasis track refine their skills as songwriters/composers, vocalists, lyricists and accompanists. Instruction is paired with music theory and history.

A student notates music on music composition paper.

Other Degrees in the Department of Music

A student notates music on music composition paper.

Music (BA)

Music Education (BMEd)

Music Direction (BM)

Get Started on Your Bachelor's Degree in Music Composition with an Emphasis in Songwriting

Take the next step toward earning your degree. We are here to help you get started.

Explore

Learn more about our academic programs and our main campus and locations.

Engage

Connect with our admissions counselors and academic advisors.

Apply

Apply to Webster and take the next steps for financial aid and scholarships.

Contact the Admissions Office to Find Out More

If you have more questions about the program, your application or other enrollment-related inquiries, contact our Admissions Office.

Call 314-246-7800 or 800-753-6765 or send an email to admit@webster.edu.