Students will gain experience in writing and appreciation of the written word through work with the Department of English faculty. Alongside the music faculty, songwriting majors will train their ears with an understanding of the structure of written and performed music. The program also gives students opportunities to get into a recording studio and take on an internship as part of learning how to promote and market their skills.

Songwriters may write and perform their own music, either live, in studio or both. Sometimes this is the core of what a songwriter does, but they may also share their talents in service of other artists or causes as a staff songwriter, working for a publisher, record company, or producer. Collaborative work is also part of the landscape, where a strong lyricist partners with a strong composer. Songwriters also may work as producers or music supervisors for film or television.