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Songwriting

Master Diploma

The two-year master’s program in Popular Music, with a focus on songwriting, is designed for the development of artistic personality as both an author and songwriter, aiming at both recording and live performances.

Renowned artists will lead the ensembles, allowing students to perform alongside major performers, start their professional careers, and enhance their resumes. Each student will graduate with a published discographic project of their own.

Duration 2 years

Attendance Approximately 300 hours per year of classes, on a mostly fortnightly basis organized over 3-4 consecutive days

Where Rome

Language Italian/English

The course has a limited enrollment, accepting a maximum of 6 students each year. These students are either graduates of bachelor’s programs or selected through auditions.

DOWNLOAD THE STUDY PLAN

The program offers an in-depth, experiential, and professional pathway with a strong focus on songwriting. Each student will receive personalized guidance throughout the production of their original artistic projects, covering all stages from writing and arranging to rehearsals, recording, mixing, and finally publishing. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to work with renowned artists in a professional ensemble setting.

  • Song-Writing: 70 hours of one-to-one classes with one or more educators of the student’s choice
  • Artistic Production: Each student will have access to a recording studio to produce their own artistic project, in collaboration with students from sound engineering and electronic music courses.
  • Professional Ensemble: Exploration of contemporary and experimental styles, not strictly tied to tradition, with international artists and guest performers.
  • Composition and Live in Studio: A creative lab focused on composing, developing, arranging, and producing an original discographic project.
  • Second Instrument: Study of a second instrument with a focus on multi-instrumentalism, choosing from Bass, Drums, Piano, Vocals, or Guitar.
  • Customization of Study Plan: Building a personalized study plan by selecting from over 200 different courses across various departments at Saint Louis. This unique opportunity allows students to expand their skills and prepare for a professional career in multiple areas of the Music Business.

At the end of the 2nd Cycle academic two-year period, the student can complete his/her specialization studies with a specialization Master program (acknowledged by the Ministry of Education).

  • author of lyrics and / or music for others
  • song-writer
  • arranger for small and medium ensembles
  • produttore musicale
  • Public competitions for music teaching (upon reaching the 24 university or academic credits in anthropo-psycho-pedagogical disciplines and in teaching methodologies and technologies)
Roberto Giglio

Roberto Giglio

Lello Panico

Lello Panico

Gianluca Podio

Gianluca Podio

Marco D'Angelo

Marco D’Angelo

Diana Winter docente canto pop Saint Louis

Diana Winter

Fabio Balestrieri producer e docente Saint Louis

Fabio Balestrieri

    To request information fill out the Form:

    Form Hubspot NON TOCCARE!

    ACCORDION JAZZ *

    INSIGHTS

    In In the master’s degree program, two types of ensembles are provided each year: a permanent ensemble that rehearses throughout the year and performs in clubs in Rome with the teacher as part of the band, and a large ensemble that focuses rehearsals in one or two full-immersion weeks for concerts in theaters and recording productions with international guests.

    • Special Guest Jazz Ensemble: Concentrated rehearsals over 3-4 consecutive days followed by a concert with international artists. In recent years, the master’s degree students have performed alongside Aaron Parks, Gegè Telesforo, Greg Hutchinson, Tollak, Roberto Gatto, Rosario Giuliani, Peppe Servillo, Vince Mendoza, Paolo Fresu, Javier Girotto, Fabrizio Bosso, Gianluca Petrella.
    • Professional Jazz Ensemble: A high-profile ensemble, with demanding repertoires, interplay, and improvisation, fortnightly meetings with Rosario Giuliani, Ramberto Ciammarughi, Gegè Telesforo, Javier Girotto, Dario Deidda, Fabrizio Sferra, Paolo Damiani, Amedeo Tommasi, Maurizio Giammarco, Vincenzo Presta, Natalio Mangalavite, Roberto Tarenzi.

    REQUIREMENTS: A three-year bachelor’s degree already obtained or to be obtained by the February session (conditional enrollment).

    1. Check the Study Plan and Admission Tests: Ensure your preparation is in line with the skills required for each test by clicking on Download the study plan.
    2. Create the pre-selection videos: Record one or more videos containing 3 pieces performed by you in a group (minimum trio) that represent your artistic activity. The files must be uploaded to YouTube or other similar web portals and indicated as links in the application form.
    3. Fill out the admission application and send the video links: You can apply for the admission exam for first and second level academic courses from February 3 to April 30 (by clicking on the “register” button at the top right). Applications submitted later will only be considered based on available spots.
    4. Wait for the pre-selection results: Candidates who pass the pre-selection will be admitted to the admission tests, which will be held in June and September. 
    5. Take the admission tests: The admission tests are held over two consecutive days.

    Mandatory attendance of at least 80% of classes.

    • FULL-TIME ATTENDANCE: Classes are mostly held on a fortnightly basis, so every other week, except for instrumental/vocal lessons, which can be scheduled weekly or fortnightly at the student’s choice. Approximately 300 hours of classes per year.
    • PART-TIME ATTENDANCE: Students who, due to work or distance, cannot attend all the classes required by the study plan can customize their course by choosing how many subjects to take each year. Part-time attendance may result in an extension of the study period beyond 3 years.

    Since 2012, Saint Louis has participated in the Erasmus+ program, offering each bachelor’s and master’s degree student the opportunity to undertake mobility periods at other European and non-European Higher Musical Education Institutes for study or internship projects.

    Each student can benefit from a maximum of 12 months of study or internship abroad for each study cycle (12 months max during the bachelor’s, 12 months max during the master’s), choosing their destination from a wide and excellent range of foreign partners that Saint Louis has established and consolidated over time.

    Special international projects: European Jazz Contest, Italian Jazz on the Road, Italian Jazz C.R.E.A., Minus One – Italian Jazz on the Road to… Tbilisi, Body Sound DiVision.

    ACCORDION COMPOSIZIONE JAZZ*

    INSIGHTS

    In the master’s degree program, two types of ensembles are provided each year: a permanent ensemble that rehearses throughout the year and performs in clubs in Rome with the teacher as part of the band, and a large ensemble that concentrates rehearsals into one or two full-immersion weeks for concerts in theaters and recording projects with international guests.

    • Special Guest Jazz Ensemble: Rehearsals concentrated over 3-4 consecutive days followed by a concert with international artists. In recent years, master’s degree students have performed alongside Aaron Parks, Gegè Telesforo, Greg Hutchinson, Tollak, Roberto Gatto, Rosario Giuliani, Peppe Servillo, Vince Mendoza, Paolo Fresu, Javier Girotto, Fabrizio Bosso, Gianluca Petrella.
    • Professional Jazz Ensemble: A high-profile ensemble with challenging repertoires, interplay, and improvisation, featuring fortnightly meetings with Rosario Giuliani, Ramberto Ciammarughi, Gegè Telesforo, Javier Girotto, Dario Deidda, Fabrizio Sferra, Paolo Damiani, Amedeo Tommasi, Maurizio Giammarco, Vincenzo Presta, Natalio Mangalavite, Roberto Tarenzi.

    REQUIREMENTS: A bachelor’s degree already obtained or to be obtained by the February session (conditional enrollment).

    1. Review the Study Plan and Admission Tests: Ensure your preparation meets the skills required for each test by clicking on Download the study plan.
    2. Complete the Admission Application and Submit Video Links: You can apply for the admission exam for bachelor’s and master’s degree from February 3 to April 30 (by clicking the “register” button at the top right). Applications submitted after this date will be considered only based on remaining available spots.
    3. Wait for the Pre-selection Results: Candidates who pass the pre-selection will be admitted to the admission tests, which will be held in June and September.
    4. Take the Admission Tests: The admission tests are conducted over two consecutive days.

    Mandatory attendance of at least 80% of classes.

    • FULL-TIME ATTENDANCE: Classes are mostly held on a fortnightly basis, meaning every other week, except for instrumental/vocal lessons, which can be scheduled weekly or fortnightly at the student’s choice. Approximately 300 hours of classes per year.
    • PART-TIME ATTENDANCE: Students who, due to work or distance, cannot attend all the classes required by the study plan can customize their course by selecting how many subjects to take each year. Part-time attendance may result in extending the study period beyond 3 years.

    Since 2012, Saint Louis has participated in the Erasmus+ program, offering each bachelor’s and master’s degree student the opportunity to undertake mobility periods at other European and non-European Higher Musical Education Institutes for study or internship projects.

    Each student can benefit from a maximum of 12 months of study or internship abroad for each study cycle (12 months max during the bachelor’s, 12 months max during the master’s), choosing their destination from a wide and excellent range of foreign partners that Saint Louis has established and consolidated over time.

    Special international projects: European Jazz Contest, Italian Jazz on the Road, Italian Jazz C.R.E.A., Minus One – Italian Jazz on the Road to… Tbilisi, Body Sound DiVision.

    ACCORDION POP*

    INSIGHTS

    Large, resident orchestral ensembles featuring the most talented students, performing in theaters and festivals with internationally renowned artists. In recent years, Special Guests have included Beppe Vessicchio, Paolo Fresu, Fabrizio Bosso, Antonella Ruggiero (Matia Bazar), Diodato, Tullio De Piscopo, Chiara Civello.

    • Pop Orchestra directed by Vincenzo Presta: An ensemble of over 20 members, including rhythm section, brass, strings, and vocals, designed to host major Italian and international pop stars.
    • Soul Train Revolution: Inspired by the famous American music show, Soul Train R-Evolution is a 20-musician ensemble focused on ‘Black Music’ in its broadest sense, blending traditional Soul, Funk, Jazz, and African music with Neo Soul, Gospel, Hip Hop, Fusion, and electronic elements.
    • Latin Louis Combo directed by Natalio Mangalavite: A 16-member ensemble specializing in jazz with South American and Caribbean rhythms.
    • Synth Louis: An experimental ensemble paying tribute to electronic music, synthesizers, and electronic musical instruments in all their forms, open to instrumentalists, vocalists, drummers, and electronic musicians.
    • Progressive Rock by Daniele Pomo: Covers the history of ’70s British and Italian Progressive Rock as well as Contemporary Progressive Rock, from Genesis and PFM to the latest frontiers of Rock and beyond.
    • Twenty Guitars by Diego Cignitti: An ensemble composed exclusively of electric guitars that reinterprets the great history of Italian and international Rock. Twenty guitars that play, explode, harmonize, and interact, creating a whole new wall of sound.

    REQUIREMENTS: A three-year bachelor’s degree already obtained or to be obtained by the February session (conditional enrollment).

    1. Check the Study Plan and Admission Tests: Ensure your preparation is in line with the skills required for each test by clicking on Download the study plan.
    2. Create the pre-selection Videos: Record one or more videos containing 3 pieces performed by you in a group (minimum trio) that represent your artistic activity. The files must be uploaded to YouTube or other similar web platforms and provided as links in the application form.
    3. Complete the Admission Application and Submit Video Links: You can apply for the admission exam for first and second level academic courses from February 3 to April 30 (by clicking the “register” button at the top right). Applications submitted after this date will only be considered based on remaining available spots.
    4. Wait for the Pre-selection Results: Candidates who pass the pre-selection will be admitted to the admission tests, which will be held in June and September.
    5. Take the Admission Tests: The admission tests are conducted over two consecutive days.

    Mandatory attendance of at least 80% of classes.

    • FULL-TIME ATTENDANCE: Classes are mostly held on a fortnightly basis, meaning every other week, except for instrumental/vocal lessons, which can be scheduled weekly or fortnightly at the student’s choice. Approximately 300 hours of classes per year.
    • PART-TIME ATTENDANCE:  Students who, due to work or distance, cannot attend all the classes required by the study plan can customize their course by selecting how many subjects to take each year. Part-time attendance may result in extending the study period beyond 3 years.

    Since 2012, Saint Louis has participated in the Erasmus+ program, offering each bachelor’s and master’s degree student the opportunity to undertake mobility periods at other European and non-European Higher Musical Education Institutes for study or internship projects.

    Each student can benefit from a maximum of 12 months of study or internship abroad for each study cycle (12 months max during the bachelor’s, 12 months max during the master’s), choosing their destination from a wide and excellent range of foreign partners that Saint Louis has established and consolidated over time.

    Special international projects: European Jazz Contest, Italian Jazz on the Road, Italian Jazz C.R.E.A., Minus One – Italian Jazz on the Road to… Tbilisi, Body Sound DiVision.

    ACCORDION SONGWRITING + FILM TV SCORING + MUSICA APPLICATA + LIVE ELECTRONICS + MUSIC PRODUCTION + MIX E MASTERING*

    INSIGHTS

    REQUIREMENTS: A three-year Bachelor’s degree (first-level academic diploma) must already be obtained or expected to be obtained by the February session (provisional admission).

    1. See the Study Plan and Admission Tests: Ensure your preparation aligns with the required competencies for each test by clicking “Download the study plan.”
    2. Complete the Application: You can submit your application for the admission exam to the bachelor’s and master’s degree courses from February 3rd to April 30th (by clicking the “Enroll” button at the top right). Applications submitted after this date will only be considered if there are remaining available spots.
    3. Wait for the Pre-selection Results: Candidates who pass the pre-selection will be invited to take the admission exams, which will be held in June and September.
    4. Attend the Admission Tests: The admission exams take place over two consecutive days.

    Mandatory attendance of at least 80% of classes.

    • FULL-TIME ATTENDANCE: Classes are mostly held on a fortnightly basis, meaning every other week, except for instrumental/vocal lessons, which can be scheduled weekly or fortnightly at the student’s choice. Approximately 300 hours of classes per year.
    • PART-TIME ATTENDANCE: Students who, due to work or distance, cannot attend all the classes required by the study plan can customize their course by selecting how many subjects to take each year. Part-time attendance may result in extending the study period beyond 3 years.

    Since 2012, Saint Louis has participated in the Erasmus+ program, offering each bachelor’s and master’s degree student the opportunity to undertake mobility periods at other European and non-European Higher Musical Education Institutes for study or internship projects.

    Each student can benefit from a maximum of 12 months of study or internship abroad for each study cycle (12 months max during the bachelor’s, 12 months max during the master’s), choosing their destination from a wide and excellent range of foreign partners that Saint Louis has established and consolidated over time.

    Special international projects: European Jazz Contest, Italian Jazz on the Road, Italian Jazz C.R.E.A., Minus One – Italian Jazz on the Road to… Tbilisi, Body Sound DiVision.

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