Enquire to study in the UK 
As one of the world’s leading conservatoires, Trinity Laban is a top choice for anyone seeking to sharpen their talents and make it big in the dynamic global music industry.
For songwriters and musicians aspiring to advance their careers, this is the place to be. The UK is the home of many music greats. In London, Manchester, and beyond, their scenes have shaped artists and influenced genres, movements, and iconic artists across decades. In the capital, the best musicians started their careers in pub backrooms, gritty gig venues, and basement clubs, fuelling the rise of an undeniable music culture. Today, it remains a metropolis that welcomes upcoming artists with unparalleled opportunities and exposure.
As a Trinity Laban student on the MA Songwriting (Online) course, you’ll be tapped into London’s cultural scene whilst having the flexibility to study from anywhere. The course is delivered online with the option of one year full-time or two years part-time study, with a one week songwriting resendential in London. This means you can continue developing your work portfolio, gigging, touring and further establishing your local musical network, whilst being connected to a global creative community and learning from London’s industry professionals.
Trinity Laban’s community spreads far beyond the UK. Two-time Oscar Winner A.R. Rahman recently joined as Honorary President, deepening Trinity Laban’s connection with the Indian subcontinent. He aims to support Trinity Laban’s students and alumni, broadening their musical experiences and embracing new forms of artistic expression.
His appointment is one example of the repertoire and experiences available to Trinity Laban’s students. The extensive alumni list speaks for itself – Femi Koleoso and Joe Armon-Jones, who are part of London-based jazz quintet Ezra Collective, recently landed second place on BBC’s Sound of 2025 list. There’s jazz saxophonist Nubya Garcia, singer and guitarist Oscar Jerome, and talented singers and songwriters Cherise and Ayanna Witter-Johnson, all of whom have etched their names in music history.
Eager to join their ranks? Trinity Laban’s courses are at the forefront of its specialisms. They are respected internationally by educational institutions and organisations who engage with the conservatoire as students, staff members, visiting artists, and teaching and research partners.
For those who seek to establish a strong career in songwriting, read on to learn more.
Learn from established industry professionals like Guy Chambers, best known for his work with Robbie Williams. Source: Trinity Laban
Your songwriting career, fine-tuned
Every professional songwriter requires a highly advanced set of skills. Lyric writing, music production, and industry knowledge – all essential skills to have if you aim to translate your creative ideas into quality work and release them into the world.
Enter the MA Songwriting. Delivered predominantly online, the programme is designed for emerging and professional artists, with an in-person, week-long songwriting intensive during the summer held in Greenwich, London. You’ll learn to approach songwriting with a research-led ethos, understanding its relation to art, culture, and the ever-evolving music industry. There are units in Songwriting, Music Production, and Industry Studies – a carefully curated selection that lets you explore your interests and build a professional portfolio in modules such as Research Lab and Personal Specialism Project.
The full-time programme lasts for a year, while those who opt for part-time will have their courses spread over two years. It’s suitable for touring or performing musicians or those in freelance employment; you’ll grow holistically amongst a like-minded community. Work collaboratively, joining lectures and masterclasses from world-leading artists and industry professionals.
“Nobody’s an island … you need community, you need teams to work in, you need other people. If you trust people with your vision and your sound, you can make incredible art,” says Music Production and Hip-Hop professor Paramdeep Sokhy.
These experts aren’t the only ones guiding you along your journey. There’s an impressive list of visiting industry professionals: just last year, award-winning and internationally renowned songwriter Guy Chambers held a songwriting workshop where he challenged students to write and record a two-minute track for Halloween. Composer, pianist, vocalist, and filmmaker Samora Pinderhughes led a masterclass on music and songwriting, exploring how different themes can act as prompts for storytelling.
Taking on the master’s means graduating with an impressive portfolio that will serve as your launchpad into the music industry. You’ll emerge as a songwriting professional with a well-rounded and informed awareness of audience and markets, as well as an understanding of how to strategise and publish your work.
Interested in learning more? Hear from staff and find out if the MA Songwriting is the next step for you at one of their Virtual Open Evenings.
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