As a piano teacher, I’ve always been fascinated by the magic of songwriting. There’s something truly special about creating a piece of music that can touch hearts and stir emotions. While I’ve spent years helping students master the keys, I’ve recently felt a growing urge to explore the world of songwriting myself. After all, what could be more rewarding than composing my own melodies and penning lyrics that resonate with others?
In my quest to develop this new skill, I’ve scoured the internet for the best songwriting courses available. Whether you’re a fellow music teacher looking to expand your repertoire, a seasoned musician wanting to write original songs, or a complete beginner with a passion for music, this list of the 11 best songwriting courses has something for everyone.
From lyric writing to melody composition, and from basic techniques to advanced commercial strategies, these courses cover all aspects of the songwriting craft.
1. How to Write Lyrics – The Song Foundry
The Song Foundry’s “How to Write Lyrics” course is a comprehensive program designed to help songwriters craft impactful and memorable lyrics. Created by Ed Bell, a renowned songwriter and author, this course covers essential topics such as rhyme, lyric structure, prosody, and writing singable lyrics. Through over five hours of HD video lessons and a 32-page course booklet, students learn practical strategies for developing and refining their lyric ideas.
The course is structured into seven modules, covering topics like the hallmarks of great lyrics, key writing strategies, song ideas and lyrical hooks, rhyme schemes, and advanced techniques. It’s designed for beginner to intermediate songwriters and offers lifetime access to all materials, making it a valuable resource for continuous learning and improvement. Priced at $37, this course aims to provide students with the confidence to express themselves and complete new lyric projects effectively.
2. Jacob Carter’s Lyrics Writing Course
Jacob Carter’s Lyrics Writing Course is a comprehensive online program designed to help aspiring songwriters and lyricists hone their craft. The course aims to make lyric writing accessible to anyone with a passion for music, regardless of their experience level. Through six in-depth modules, students learn everything from finding inspiration to mastering the intricacies of lyrical structure and style.
The Lyrics Writing Course covers a wide range of topics essential for effective lyric writing. Students are taught various creative writing methods to develop their unique style and find inspiration. They explore different writing styles, structures, and formats by analyzing famous song lyrics and songwriters. The course also delves into practical techniques for turning ideas into complete song drafts and refining lyrics to resonate with audiences. You can read how Jacob Carter analyzes the lyrics meaning of hundreds of songs.
One of the standout features of this course is its focus on developing depth in songwriting. Students learn to use literary tools such as imagery, metaphor, and characterization to create unforgettable and unique lyrics. The course also covers genre-specific knowledge, helping students tailor their lyrics to specific musical styles. Additionally, it teaches collaboration skills, preparing students for co-writing experiences in the music industry.
Jacob Carter, the course creator, brings over 10 years of experience as a lyricist to the program. His background in English Literature from the University of Oxford, combined with his practical experience in songwriting and performing, provides students with a well-rounded perspective on lyric writing. Carter’s passion for analyzing song meanings and his hands-on approach to songwriting contribute to the course’s comprehensive nature.
3. Songwriting and Composing Melodies (Lauren Buchter)
Lauren Buchter, a film composer and experienced educator, offers this concise yet comprehensive course on Skillshare. The 30-minute program consists of 8 video lessons covering chord progressions, melodies, and lyrics. As a professional film and TV composer, Buchter brings her expertise in creating emotive scores that blend traditional orchestration with electronics.
This beginner-level course is ideal for those wanting a quick but productive introduction to songwriting fundamentals. It focuses on the intricate process of creating compelling melodies, including the use of scales, modes, and harmonic structures. Buchter provides practical exercises and examples to help students develop their melodic ideas, making it suitable for songwriters at all levels who want to deepen their understanding of melody composition and enhance their songwriting skills.
4. Commercial Songwriting Techniques – Berklee Online
Berklee Online’s “Commercial Songwriting Techniques” is an advanced 12-week course authored by Andrea Stolpe, a seasoned songwriter with over a decade of experience in the commercial music industry. This course combines theory and concrete skill-building, focusing on creating patterns of content that help craft memorable melodies and lyrics that forge an emotional connection with listeners.
The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including word paintings, detail types, song structure, audience connection, and musical characteristics of different song sections. Students learn to streamline their writing process, apply a 10-step songwriting strategy, and connect with their audience more effectively. By the end of the course, participants will have completed three full songs and developed ideas for many more. Priced at $1,545 for credit or $1,290 for non-credit, this course is ideal for songwriters looking to refine their skills and write for commercial success while maintaining their unique voice.
5. The Fine Art of Songwriting (Steve Leslie)
The Fine Art of Songwriting, offered by Grammy-winning songwriter Steve Leslie through the Indie Music Academy, is a comprehensive course that delves deep into the craft of songwriting. This intensive program is structured over five weeks of daily training, providing students with an immersive learning experience.
Steve Leslie covers a wide range of topics, including various song structures, lyrical techniques, and melody writing methods. The course is designed to help songwriters connect with their listeners on a deeper level and refine their craft through practical exercises and detailed lessons. Students benefit from Leslie’s extensive experience in the industry, which includes writing for artists like George Strait and Darius Rucker.
This course is particularly suitable for serious songwriters looking to advance their skills and gain insights from a seasoned professional. The combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application makes it an excellent choice for those aiming to take their songwriting to the next level.
6. Lyric Writing: Tools and Strategies – Berklee Online
Berklee Online’s Lyric Writing: Tools and Strategies is a 12-week course authored by Pat Pattison, a renowned lyricist and professor. This comprehensive program is designed to sharpen lyric writing skills and teach techniques that have helped Pattison’s students win Grammys and write number one songs.
The course covers a wide range of topics, including idea generation, word choice, rhythm and rhyme organization, and structuring lyrics into compelling verses, choruses, and bridges. Students learn to craft more vivid lyrics by mastering elements of structure and the process of building lyrical ideas into great songs.
Key components of the course include daily object writing activities, balanced and unbalanced section writing exercises, and lessons on rhyme structure and metaphor creation. By the end of the course, participants will have developed skills in generating better ideas, finding more interesting words, creating effective rhythms, and using structural elements to enhance the emotional intent of their lyrics.
7. How to Write Your First Song (The University of Sheffield)
The University of Sheffield offers “How to Write Your First Song” as a free online course through FutureLearn. This six-week program is designed to provide a practical introduction to the mechanics of songwriting, making it ideal for beginners or those looking to refresh their skills.
Led by Adam White, a professional musician and associate lecturer in music, the course covers fundamental aspects of songwriting. Each week, using specially commissioned lyrics, students build up a song and are encouraged to create their own. The curriculum includes topics such as setting words to music, working with melody, chord progressions, song forms, and arranging.
A unique feature of this course is the involvement of world-renowned musician Martin Simpson, who uses the same words and techniques as the students, providing inspiration and guidance throughout the songwriting process. The course also incorporates insights from experts in music and psychology, as well as established musicians and songwriters, to help students understand what makes a song successful.
8. The Basics of Pro Songwriting (Tom Worth)
Tom Worth’s “The Basics of Pro Songwriting” is a comprehensive course designed to provide aspiring songwriters with a solid foundation in professional songwriting techniques. Worth, an experienced songwriter and music industry professional, offers insights into the creative process and practical strategies for crafting compelling songs.
The course likely covers essential topics such as song structure, melody writing, lyric composition, and the use of harmony to enhance emotional impact. Worth’s industry experience allows him to provide valuable tips on writing commercially viable songs and navigating the music business. This course is suitable for beginners and intermediate songwriters looking to refine their skills and gain a professional edge in their songwriting journey.
9. Songwriting Simplified: Music Theory, Melody & Creativity – Udemy
This Udemy course, “Songwriting Simplified: Music Theory, Melody & Creativity,” is an all-encompassing program that guides students through the entire songwriting process. Taught by Steve Glazer, the course is designed for beginners and does not require prior music theory knowledge or the ability to read music.
The curriculum covers fundamental aspects of songwriting, including music theory, chord progressions, melody writing, and lyric composition. By the end of the course, students will have written a complete song, including chords, melodies, and lyrics. The course also includes practical tips for writing catchy melodies, transposing songs into different keys, and using popular chord progressions.
With over 20 downloadable PDFs and easy-to-read charts, this course provides a comprehensive toolkit for aspiring songwriters. It’s particularly useful for musicians who want to start writing their own songs or singers looking to become more self-sufficient in songwriting.
10. Toplining 101: Melody & Lyrics in Songwriting (Skillshare)
“Toplining 101: Melody & Lyrics in Songwriting” is a Skillshare course that focuses on the art of creating melodies and lyrics in songwriting. This class explores the concept of ‘toplining’ and teaches practical techniques for crafting memorable, meaningful melodies and lyrics that connect with listeners.
The course is designed to be accessible to anyone interested in songwriting, from complete beginners to experienced producers and instrumentalists. It provides practical, usable steps and creative inspiration to help students develop their own writing style. The instructor offers guidance on how to approach songwriting consistently and find ways to create great melody and lyric combinations.
Students are encouraged to use basic tools like a notebook or computer for writing and a device to record ideas. The course also includes opportunities for students to receive feedback on their work, making it an interactive and engaging learning experience.
11. The Art of Songwriting (Belmont University)
Belmont University’s “The Art of Songwriting” is a comprehensive 6-module course designed to empower songwriters to craft captivating melodies, tell compelling stories through music, and build a resilient career in the music industry.
Created by Emily Falvey, a Belmont alumna dubbed “Nashville’s Top New Songwriter” by Forbes magazine, this course features contributions from esteemed guests including Hall of Fame songwriters Allen Shamblin and Pat Alger, Grammy-winning songwriters Shane McAnally and Emily Weisband, and top publishing executives.
The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including gaining inspiration, overcoming writer’s block, applying technical aspects of songwriting (such as rhyme, song structure, and commercial melodic structure), crafting emotionally resonant songs, collaborating effectively, and navigating the competitive music industry while maintaining integrity and purpose.
This course is particularly valuable for its industry connections and insights, offering students a chance to learn from some of the most successful figures in contemporary songwriting. Priced at $2,499, it’s a significant investment for those serious about developing their songwriting skills and building a career in the music industry.
