Songwriting is an intricate craft that combines creativity, emotion, and technical skill. Whether you’re an aspiring songwriter looking to pen your first hit or an experienced musician aiming to refine your skills, the right course can make all the difference. With a plethora of options available, finding the perfect course to suit your needs can be daunting.
To help you navigate this landscape, we’ve compiled a list of the 11 best songwriting courses. These courses cover a range of topics from lyric writing and melody creation to commercial songwriting techniques and music production.
1. Songwriting: Lyric Writing – Elevate with ICMP
This course from the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP) focuses exclusively on lyric writing. It offers 15 unique lessons across 3 modules, all created by practicing industry experts. The course covers every element of the lyric-writing process, including structure, rhyming schemes, genre, and storytelling devices. Students will have the opportunity to analyze influential lyrics and develop their own unique voice through immersive tasks and exercises.
The course is designed to be flexible, allowing students to learn at their own pace, and includes lifetime access to course materials, downloadable lesson guides, and a certificate of completion. Additionally, students can opt for one-on-one mentoring at an extra cost.
2. Lyrics Writing Course by Jacob Carter
Jacob Carter’s Lyrics Writing Course offers a comprehensive and practical approach to mastering the art of lyric writing. This online program is designed to cater to both beginners and experienced songwriters looking to enhance their skills. The course is structured into six modules, covering essential aspects of lyric writing from finding inspiration to collaborating with other artists.
One of the key strengths of this course is its focus on practical application. Students engage in hands-on exercises and analyze hit songs by renowned artists like The Beatles, Ed Sheeran, and Joni Mitchell. This approach allows participants to not only learn theoretical concepts but also apply them in real-world scenarios. You can also read how Jacob Carter analyzes the lyrics meaning of hundreds of songs.
The course offers flexibility, allowing students to learn at their own pace with lifetime access to the materials. It includes HD video lessons, printable resources, and industry insider tips. Carter emphasizes the importance of developing a unique voice and style in songwriting, encouraging students to explore different creative methods and refine their skills. The curriculum covers crucial topics such as lyrical structure, genre conventions, and storytelling techniques, providing a solid foundation for aspiring lyricists.
3. Writing Song Lyrics: Create and Combine with Melody – City Lit
City Lit’s course is ideal for songwriters who find creating a melody easy but struggle with writing lyrics. This six-week online course, taught by Polly Hewett, emphasizes practical work and collaboration. Students will learn to generate original ideas and imagery, structure and form melodies, and use both basic and advanced lyrical techniques. The course also includes listening to and analyzing work from various genres. By the end of the course, students will have created original lyrics, structured their ideas effectively, and completed a song. Some knowledge of music theory is helpful but not required.
4. Commercial Songwriting Techniques – Berklee Online
Authored by multiplatinum songwriter Andrea Stolpe, this 12-week course from Berklee Online focuses on the key elements of writing a hit song. Students will learn a ten-step process to create memorable melodies and lyrics that forge an emotional connection with listeners. The course emphasizes practical skills such as destination writing, which uses all senses as springboards for creativity, and toggling, which involves moving between detailed and broad perspectives. By the end of the course, students will have three completed songs and firm ideas for future songs. The course is suitable for both credit and non-credit students.
5. The Fine Art of Songwriting (Steve Leslie)
Steve Leslie’s course, “The Fine Art of Songwriting,” offers a comprehensive approach to mastering songwriting. The syllabus covers essential topics such as song structure, the organic and mechanic methods of songwriting, and the song form ladder. Leslie, a seasoned songwriter, performer, and educator, provides in-depth insights into the craft of songwriting, making this course suitable for both beginners and experienced songwriters looking to refine their skills.
6. MasterClass: Songwriting with Alicia Keys
In her MasterClass, Alicia Keys shares her honest and soulful approach to songwriting, including how she writes, records, and produces her music. The course offers a unique opportunity to learn from a Grammy-winning artist, focusing on her hit songs and the creative processes behind them. Students will gain insights into Keys’ techniques for developing melodies, lyrics, and overall song structure. The course is designed to inspire and equip songwriters with the tools needed to create impactful music.
7. How to Write Your First Song (The University of Sheffield)
This free online course from the University of Sheffield provides a practical introduction to the mechanics of songwriting. It covers fundamental topics such as melody, chord progressions, song forms, and the integration of words and music. The course features insights from established songwriters and includes practical exercises to help students create their own songs. By the end of the course, participants will have written a complete song, making it an excellent starting point for beginners.
8. Songwriting: Writing, Arranging, and Producing Music (Berklee College of Music)
Offered by Berklee College of Music, this specialization consists of four comprehensive courses covering various aspects of songwriting. Students will learn to write compelling lyrics, create evocative melodies, arrange their songs, and produce demos using Ableton Live. The courses are designed to help both aspiring and established songwriters develop hit songs through a structured approach. The specialization emphasizes practical application, with students engaging in activities that refine their musical ideas into polished song demos.
9. Songwriting Simplified: Music Theory, Melody & Creativity – Udemy
This Udemy course, taught by Steve Glazer, simplifies the songwriting process by breaking it down into five easy steps. It covers music theory, chord progressions, melody writing, and lyric writing. The course is suitable for beginners with basic guitar or piano skills and does not require prior knowledge of music theory. By the end of the course, students will have written a complete song. The course also includes practical tips for writing catchy melodies and transposing songs to fit different vocal ranges.
10. Songwriting: Writing the Lyrics (Berklee College of Music)
This course, part of Berklee’s online offerings, focuses specifically on lyric writing. Taught by Pat Pattison, it covers the theoretical and practical aspects of writing lyrics, including point of view, form, rhyme schemes, and phrasing. Students will learn to evoke specific emotions through their lyrics and develop a deeper understanding of how to structure their songs. The course is suitable for beginners and provides a solid foundation for anyone looking to improve their lyric-writing skills.
11. The Basics of Pro Songwriting (Tom Worth)
Tom Worth’s Udemy course provides a comprehensive guide to professional songwriting. It covers the fundamentals of song structure, melody, and lyric writing, as well as advanced techniques used by industry professionals. The course reveals common songwriting mistakes to avoid and offers insider tips for writing commercial songs that can succeed in the music industry. It is designed for both beginners and experienced songwriters who want to enhance their skills and write songs like the pros.