Whitworth's music production & songwriting track prepares students who are interested in composing and producing commercial music for entrepreneurial careers in the music industry. In this track, you will hone your craft through one-on-one instruction and gain skills using cutting-edge music technology. You will develop musical depth and breadth through hands-on study of topics ranging from sound design and music synthesis to orchestration and composition, and electives will enable you to personalize your learning to enhance your career options.

Why study music production & songwriting at Whitworth?

• Learn from our talented faculty artists who compose their own commercial music, and who provide their students with dedicated teaching and mentoring inside and outside the classroom. One-on-one lessons are a cornerstone of this program.
• Prepare to launch your career by developing a variety of skills. In addition to individual instruction in composition, songwriting and production, you will take courses in recording, production and the music industry.
• Gain firsthand experience using music technology. You will use digital audio workstations, synthesizers and other tools of the trade as part of your weekly lessons.
• Build community with fellow students through weekly composition seminars, and share your work with one another in several composition forums each semester.
• Study in the state-of-the-art Cowles Music Center, which contains a recording control room with high-end microphones and preamps, as well as a keyboard and production lab.
• Broaden your knowledge through electives in other disciplines, which may include marketing, film studies, computer science, and audio and digital storytelling.
• Grow your leadership and intercultural skills. Music composition fosters leadership skills since students organize, rehearse and often conduct their own work. You will also be exposed to a variety of cultures through coursework, music study, and guest clinics and performances.
• Connect your faith or worldview to your studies. Students are invited to consider their vocation as composers, performers and producers in the context of their faith.
• Take master classes – and converse one-on-one – with Grammy-winning, chart-topping, and world-class visiting musicians, conductors and composers. Recent guest artists include Grammy-winning jazz artists Pat Metheny and Branford Marsalis, noted South African ethnomusicologist Johann Buis, and internationally renowned composers Gwyneth Walker and David Maslanka.
• Become who you're meant to be.