BS In Songwriting – U of MN – 1998
In 1998 I was one of the first people in the United States to earn–create–a degree in Songwriting. As unique of an experience as this may have been, it has not proven to have value in the marketplace. The work certainly informs all that I do as a songwriter, and has led to many other songwriting-related ventures such as an eBook called Holistic Song Creation and blogging on songwriting, recording and the music industry.
Songwriters clearly do not need higher level educational training to produce some of the greatest songs the world has ever known.
The degree was self-designed, which means it is a combination of a series of projects and a smattering of required courses. Each project was completed under the approval of a professional in the music industry outside of the University setting, and a supervising instructor within the University.
Below is a portfolio in 4 parts summarizing the degree process, the projects and course requirements.
I was rejected by one instructor during a graduating with Honors application. However, I graduated with a 3.8 GPA and was elected into the National Honors Society (Phi Kappa Phi). The grade point average was maintained through an additional 3 years of Masters work, where I earned a Masters in Liberal Studies.
BS In Songwriting – University of Minnesota. 1
BS In Songwriting – University of Minnesota. 2
