CULTIVATING TOMORROW’S CREATIVES
COLLABORATE & CREATE WITH CONFIDENCE
PRACTICAL APPROACH | PROFESSIONAL TOOLS AND FACILITIES | EXPERT INSTRUCTORS
Music Production Courses
Create Your Own Beats & Songs Today. Youth & Teen Songwriting and Music Production Lessons & Courses. In Person & Virtual.
Learn music production and elevate your songwriting skills with our immersive Music Production Courses and Songwriting Classes.
These engaging programs cover everything from recording and mixing fundamentals to lyric writing and song arrangement, providing a comprehensive toolkit to bring your musical ideas to life. Guided by experienced industry professionals, you’ll gain hands-on experience through interactive projects, receive personalized feedback, and collaborate with fellow creatives to produce polished tracks.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your craft, these courses empower you with the skills and confidence to succeed in today’s music industry.
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INSIDE THE SONGWRITING AND PRODUCTION PROGRAMS
COLLABORATE & CREATE
Music production merges music with technology, requiring a blend of creativity, problem-solving, and musicality. Understanding the art of modern music production and songwriting not only broadens your creative expression but also enhances various facets of your life, cultivating personal growth and confidence in today’s technologically-driven world.
We believe in empowering the next generation of creators with the tools to express themselves through sound. With a unique combination of real-world industry experience and Merriam’s renowned history of music education, we provide a comprehensive and enriching learning experience.
These programs are perfect for musicians of all levels who are interested in learning how to write and produce their own music and discover the skills and tools needed to share it with the world.
MERRIAM’S SONGWRITING AND PRODUCTION PROGRAMS
OUR PROGRAMS
01
Songwriting
Songwriting & Music Production
FULL COURSE - Weekly Group Instruction
Our specialized songwriting and production program offers a collaborative learning experience for individuals interested in writing and recording their own original music.
The program combines hands-on learning in music composition, lyric writing, and audio production, empowering students to bring their musical ideas to life.
Through a blend of practical lessons and projects, students will gain valuable skills and learn the industry standard techniques and tools needed to write, record, and release original music.
The program is delivered in a group format with both collaborative and individual recording projects throughout the year.
Areas of instruction include:
• Writing chord progressions and lyrics
• Vocal Recording and Comping
• MIDI and Virtual Instruments
• Mixing and Mastering
• Live music technology
• Music Publishing and Release
Ages: 12+
Experience Level: Should know the major and minor scales, chords in C Major and how to play chords on their preferred instrument.
Outcomes: 1 original song production, 1 group song production, live showcase event in Studio A at the end of the year.
02
Beat Start
BEAT START
Bi-Weekly Course - Introductory Group Instruction
Beat start is Merriam’s entry-point into the world of music production, for students aged 12-18 who are eager to learn how today’s music is recorded, mixed and produced. Students work on individual and group projects throughout the year, while learning the fundamental elements of music production using Ableton Live.
Areas of instruction include:
• Beat-making
• Sequencing drum beats, chord progressions and melodies
• How to record vocals, and other instruments like piano and guitar
• Using virtual instruments and effects plugins
• Fundamentals of mixing music
Ages: 12-18
Experience Level: Should be familiar with some basic music theory concepts such as the C Major Scale and 4/4 Time Signature.
Outcomes: Understand the fundamentals of digital music production and have the skills needed to start making beats and original music in Ableton Live.
03
Artist Dev
Songwriting & Artist Development
One-On-One Development Course
Experience personalized songwriting lessons tailored to your unique musical style and goals. Our private instruction provides one-on-one guidance that focuses on developing your own songwriting toolbox. Whether you’re a beginner looking to develop foundational skills or an aspiring songwriter aiming to refine your technique, our tailored lessons offer a supportive and inspiring environment to nurture your artistic growth.
04
Recording
MUSIC PRODUCTION AND RECORDING
ONE-ON-ONE
Dive into the world of music production with our private lessons designed just for you! Whether you’re a beginner or already have some experience, our personalized sessions offer hands-on instruction to help you master the tools and techniques of music production. Learn how to create beats, mix tracks, and bring your musical ideas to life in a fun and relaxed setting, tailored to your pace and interests.
MERRIAM’S SONGWRITING AND PRODUCTION PROGRAMS
MEET YOUR TEACHERS
Mike Siracusa
Songwriting
Mike Siracusa has been performing for over 35 years. Over that time, he has toured and recorded with many artists including Alex Lifeson, Orianthi, Rik Emmett, Duke Robillard, Bernard Fowler, Dave Grissom, Andy Timmins, Wayne Krantz, Lorne Lofsky, Gary Hoey, Sue Foley, Guthrie Govan, Johnny Highland as well as many others.
Mike also produces, arranges and composes for many bands, artists, TV and radio shows.
He is currently the Creator and Director of the Band Chops Program at the Merriam School of Music where he has been a member of the faculty for the past 30 years.
Mike Siracusa has also been writing and recording his own music for over 35 years.
Adam Parkinson
Production
Adam Parkinson has been recording music for over 15 years and studied under some of the best in the industry at the Ontario Institute of Audio Recording Technology.
He brings extensive expertise to these programs, serving as the Studio and Media Arts Coordinator at Merriam.
In this role, he oversees and engineers studio recordings, as well as front of house sound and lighting for live events at the school, while also dedicating his free time to recording and producing talented artists.
Since launching the production programs at Merriam, he has equipped numerous students with essential skills and portfolios, preparing them to excel in post-secondary education and careers in Music Production, Sound Design, and Media Arts.
Good Fit Guarantee
Love Your SONGWRITING SESSIONS, or It’s Free
Your first lesson with a new tutor is protected by Merriam’s Good Fit Guarantee. If you’re not satisfied with your lesson, you don’t pay. No questions asked.
MERRIAM’S SONGWRITING AND PRODUCTION PROGRAMS
ABOUT THE FACILITIES
THE MERRIAM STUDIO EXPERIENCE
Merriam’s production studios are dynamic facilities that have been uniquely designed to effortlessly transition between specialized classroom settings and top-tier professional production environments.
STUDIO A
Studio A is a spacious multi-functional facility for live performances, recording and live stream broadcasting, featuring state-of-the-art video and audio infrastructure. Whether you’re gearing up for live performances or participating in a lesson or workshop, our studio provides the right environment for hands-on learning and practice.
STUDIO B
Studio B is a versatile medium-sized recording studio tailored for small ensemble or solo piano recordings.
It’s expertly acoustically treated, outfitted with superb monitoring and industry standard software instruments and plugins for every stage of the music production process.
Imagine that your classroom is a professional music recording studio, offering a truly immersive learning experience.
FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
What equipment is needed?
We provide all of the necessary equipment in our studio facilities. Students will be encouraged to set up their own home workstations to practice their skills and continue to make their own original music outside of class time. Students interested in purchasing the recommended software may be eligible for student discounts.
How are production and songwriting lessons scheduled?
Students receive a weekly lesson that is divided into songwriting focus and production focus
Are there any experience level requirements?
We suggest that students have some experience with a musical instrument but it is not a requirement for enrolment.
How long is the course?
The program runs from September to June.
What will a student be able to achieve after one year in the program?
Students will be able to write, record, and produce their own original song by the end of year one and will know how to set up their own home recording workstation.
"Our mission and purpose is to help foster and inspire creative, connected, and well-rounded lives with the power of music."
- Alan Merriam, President of Merriam Music
The Merriam Curriculum
A Complete Music Education
Students at Merriam don’t just learn differently. Their entire experience is broader and more engaging. They learn creativity and free expression while building confidence, self-esteem, and friendships. It all begins in the classroom, but where it takes them, goes far beyond.
Expert Instructors
Our preschool instructors are passionate, nurturing music educators. All members of our preschool department have early childhood education training, and the curriculum fully aligns with the provincial ELECT framework.
Convenient Scheduling
Preschool classes are offered throughout the week, and at convenient times for moms and dads. As parents ourselves, we get the importance of well-timed class offerings!
Specialized Facilities
You and your child will enjoy our brand new Studio C / Preschool Centre, fully equipped with the right musical and percussion instruments, physical activities, and visual aides - tied together with our fully conceived and proprietary preschool music lesson plans.
First Performance
Children who perform early in life, in fun and engaging settings, develop confidence, self-discipline, and long-term goal setting faster than those who don't. Enjoy seeing your child on stage for the very first time with us!
Performers & Educators
We introduce different musical instruments and bring expert performers and educators in to add even more excitement and depth to the experience. How better to fall in love with a new instrument than with those who have made it a career?
Materials Included
Many preschool programs require parents to purchase expensive books and worksheets - our preschool programs includes the cost of all materials and worksheets; no surprises, and tons of value.
No Long-Term Contract
We’re confident you’ll be with us for years. But for any reason, if you need to end your journey with us, 30 days' written notice is all we require to stop lessons, penalty-free.
5-Star Google Rating
The most reviews, the highest rating. Merriam serves over 3000 weekly students, and our customer satisfaction rating is over 97%.
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