Certificate in Pop Music Writing
Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI)
Programme Code
DE424206Q
Subject Area
Art & Design
Programme Type
Certificate
Offering Institution
Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI)
Contact Hours
34
Duration
34 Hour(s)
QF Level
4
QF Credits
17
QF Registration No.
21/000373/L4
QF Registration Validity Period
2021.06.01-2026.08.31
Programme Fee
HKD$8,500.00
Special Offer
Early Bird HKD$7,650.00 only (2026.05.13 - 2026.07.13)
| Class Code | Commencement Date | Class Location | Medium of Instruction | Apply Online | Class Remarks | Class Status |
| DE424206Q-1-V1 | 2026.08.13 |
Hong Kong Design Institute
Hong Kong Design Institute |
English supplemented with Cantonese |
|
Programme Highlights
• Industry-oriented training on pop music writing and demo submission
• Practical exercises to develop ideas into complete song sections
• Hands-on DAW and MIDI tools for songwriting and production
• Integration of AI tools in the creative process
• Project-based learning towards a completed pop music demo
• Balance of creative development and practical production skills
Programme Outlines
• Demo Production Workflow and Industry Requirements
professional demo preparation and industry submission standards.
• Song Structure Analysis
Understanding common pop song forms, including verse, pre-chorus, chorus, bridge, etc.
• Melody and Hook Line Analysis
Melodic contour, motif development, and effective hook line design.
• Backing Track and Chord Progression for Melody Writing
Using harmonic foundations and backing tracks to support melody creation.
• Sectional Melody Re-composition and Development
Strengthening students’ ability to expand short ideas into complete song sections.
• Co-writing Practice and Creative Collaboration
Understanding the workflow, mindset, communication, and creative roles involved in co-writing.
• DAW and MIDI Sequencing Basics
Essential sequencing techniques for songwriters in melody writing and demo production.
• Arrangement Essentials Using MIDI
Basic arrangement concepts, instrumentation, layering, build-up, and song dynamics.
• AI Tools in Songwriting
Supporting idea generation, reference analysis, lyric/melody development, and demo workflow.
• Demo Recording, Editing, Mixing, and Final Submission
Basic recording, editing, and mixing techniques, with guidance on preparing a complete demo for pitching.
Enrollment
- Press the “Apply Online” button at the right-top corner of this page
- Complete the Online Application Form
- Upload the supporting documents required (e.g. for academic qualifications and work experiences)
- Settle the tuition fee (by bill payment via online banking or ATM; or by a crossed cheque payable to “Vocational Training Council”)
- Submit the cheque or proof of the bill payment.
- Bill Payment proof: ATM receipt or online payment confirmation (PDF or screencap; should include the bank name, payment status, transaction date, paid amount, and bill account code); can be submitted by email.
- Cheque: write down your full name and the programme title on the back
Payment Methods and Bill Account Codes
Notes for Applicants:
- It is necessary for applicants to supply their personal data and to provide all the information required in the application documents, as otherwise, the Institute may be unable to process and consider their applications.
- To study in Hong Kong, all non-local applicants are required to obtain a student visa issued by the Immigration Department of the HKSAR Government, except for those admitted to Hong Kong for employment or as dependants, who do not need prior approval before taking up part-time studies. It is the responsibility of individual applicants to make appropriate visa arrangements. Admission to an HKDI programme/workshop does not guarantee the issue of a student visa. Applicants may wish to note that part-time courses are generally not considered by the Immigration Department for visa purposes.
- Fees paid are non-refundable and non-transferrable.
- Early Bird Discount will be counted on the postmark date (for cheque) or the transaction date (for bill payment).
- Commencement of classes depends on enrollment or other unexpected circumstances. The Institute reserves the right to make changes to the schedule, programme content, mode of teaching, and other advertised programme information. The Institute also reserves the right to cancel a course if there is insufficient number of enrollments.
- The information provided in the form will be used by VTC for admission, academic and programme administration, research, statistical, and marketing (including direct marketing) purposes.
- Assignments and works of students (in any formats, e.g. photos, videos, printouts, etc; including activities in and outside the classroom) may be used for teaching and marketing (including direct marketing) purposes.
Tel: 3928 2777 Email: peec.hkdi@vtc.edu.hk

