Writing songs is a magical process that combines creativity, emotion, and technical skill. Whether you’re a budding songwriter just starting out or a seasoned musician looking to refine your craft, finding the right guidance can make all the difference.
I’ve spent countless hours exploring various songwriting courses, and I’m excited to share with you the eleven best ones I’ve discovered. These courses range from beginner-friendly introductions to advanced workshops led by industry professionals.
So, grab your notebook and guitar, and let’s dive into the world of songwriting together!
1. Songwriting: Writing the Lyrics (Berklee College of Music)
This course, offered by Berklee College of Music through Coursera, is designed to help you discover and develop your inner songwriter. Taught by Pat Pattison, a renowned songwriting professor, the course focuses on the fundamental aspects of lyric writing. You will learn to identify and utilize various songwriting techniques, such as point of view, form, and the “who, what, where, when, and how” of a song. The course also covers the stability of lyrics, rhyming techniques, and phrasing to evoke specific emotions and clarify ideas. With no prior experience required, this beginner-level course is perfect for anyone looking to start their songwriting journey.
2. Lyrics Writing Course by Jacob Carter
Jacob Carter’s Lyrics Writing Course is a comprehensive online program designed to help aspiring lyricists and songwriters enhance their skills and creativity. With over 10 years of experience in the music industry, Jacob Carter brings a wealth of knowledge and practical insights to this course, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced songwriters.
The course is structured into six detailed modules that cover a wide range of topics essential for mastering the art of lyric writing. The first module, Finding Your Inspiration, introduces various creative writing methods to help students discover their unique style and generate ideas for their lyrics. The second module, Lyrical Structure and Style, delves into different writing styles, structures, and formats by analyzing famous song lyrics and songwriters, providing a solid foundation for understanding how to craft compelling lyrics.
In the third module, How to Write Lyrics, students learn to transform their ideas into complete song drafts, focusing on creating and refining lyrics that resonate with audiences. The fourth module, Developing Songwriting Depth, goes beyond basic lyric writing by teaching the use of literary tools such as imagery, metaphor, tense, and characterization to add depth and uniqueness to songs. This module also includes analysis of famous song lyrics to illustrate how these tools are effectively used. You can also read how Jacob Carter analyzes the lyrics meaning of hundreds of songs.
The fifth module, Understanding Genre, helps students tailor their lyrics to specific musical styles by understanding the common themes and conventions of different genres. Finally, the sixth module, Learn How to Co-write, emphasizes the importance of collaboration in songwriting, offering tips on how to work effectively with other artists and songwriters.
Throughout the course, students engage in hands-on exercises and real-life applications to hone their lyric writing skills. The course also includes HD video lessons, printable resources, and lifetime access to all materials, allowing students to study at their own pace.
3. The Lyric Writer’s Workroom – Songcraft
The Lyric Writer’s Workroom, created by songwriter and instructor Nicholas Tozier, offers a comprehensive approach to lyric writing. This course emphasizes practical techniques and creative exercises to help you generate raw material for your songs. You’ll learn to freewrite, develop keywords, and break down your material into phrases, images, and ideas. The course aims to make the songwriting process more conscious and effective, providing you with a palette of tools to craft compelling lyrics. While the course is technical, it is suitable for songwriters at various levels who are looking to refine their craft.
4. Songwriting Simplified: Music Theory, Melody & Creativity – Udemy
Taught by Steve Glazer, this Udemy course is designed to simplify the songwriting process by focusing on practical music theory, chord progressions, melody writing, and lyric writing. The course is structured to guide you through writing a complete song in five simple steps. You will learn the same chord progressions used by hit songwriters in pop, country, and rock genres, and gain the ability to transpose your songs into any key. This course is ideal for beginner guitarists and pianists who want to learn music theory and songwriting without needing to read music.
5. MasterClass: Songwriting with Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys’ MasterClass provides a unique insight into the world of songwriting from a Grammy-winning artist. The course consists of 19 video lessons totaling over three hours, where Alicia shares her personal experiences and creative process. While the course is anecdotal, it offers valuable lessons on how songs are made, tracks are produced, and lyrics are written. One standout feature is a workshop with rising artist Joy Nessbitt, where Alicia demonstrates her approach to songwriting in a practical setting. This course is best suited for those new to the music industry who want to learn from one of its brightest stars.
6. How to Write Your First Song (The University of Sheffield)
This free online course from the University of Sheffield, available on FutureLearn, provides a practical introduction to the mechanics of songwriting. Over six weeks, you will explore fundamental musical concepts such as melody, rhythm, harmony, and song structure. The course includes input from established musicians and songwriters, offering insights into what makes a song successful. You will also have the opportunity to write your own song using specially commissioned lyrics and receive guidance from world-renowned musician Martin Simpson. This course is suitable for complete novices, budding amateurs, and accomplished professionals looking to brush up on the basics.
7. Commercial Songwriting Techniques – Berklee Online
This course, authored by Andrea Stolpe, is part of Berklee Online’s offerings and focuses on developing skills necessary for writing commercially successful songs. Over 12 weeks, students learn a ten-step process to create memorable melodies and lyrics that connect emotionally with listeners. The course emphasizes practical techniques such as “destination writing,” which uses sensory details to enhance lyrical storytelling. By the end of the course, students will have completed three songs and developed ideas for future projects. This course is ideal for songwriters looking to refine their craft and make their work more appealing to mainstream audiences.
8. The New Songwriter’s Workshop (Oli Rockberger)
Offered by Soundfly, this workshop is designed for beginner songwriters eager to learn the fundamentals of songwriting. The course covers essential building blocks such as melody, harmony, and lyrical content. Participants gain access to a variety of creative tools and techniques to help them write songs from scratch. The course is available through a subscription model, allowing learners to access a wide range of creative courses and resources. This workshop is perfect for those starting their songwriting journey and seeking a supportive learning environment.
9. Songwriting: Create Lyric Writing Approaches (Academy of Music and Sound Online)
This free course, available through AMSOnline, is aimed at both beginners and experienced songwriters looking to invigorate their lyrical output. The course spans four weeks, each focusing on different aspects of lyric writing, such as sensory writing, narrative creation, and prosody. It provides practical activities and creative conversations to inspire and enhance songwriting skills. This course is ideal for songwriters experiencing writer’s block or those wanting to explore new approaches to lyric writing.
10. Writing Song Lyrics: Create and Combine with Melody – City Lit
City Lit offers this online course for songwriters and instrumentalists who find writing lyrics challenging. Over six weeks, participants learn to generate original ideas and imagery, structure melodies, and combine lyrics with music. The course emphasizes collaboration and practical work, culminating in the creation of a finished song. It is suitable for those with some knowledge of music theory who wish to improve their lyric writing and melody composition skills.
11. The Fine Art of Songwriting (Steve Leslie)
Instructed by Grammy-winning songwriter Steve Leslie, this course is available through the Indie Music Academy. It offers five weeks of intensive training, focusing on the principles behind successful songwriting across all genres. Students learn to connect with their listeners on a deeper level and develop their unique songwriting style. The course is designed for artists ready to commit to improving their craft and is backed by a “burn the ships” money-back guarantee, encouraging full participation and effort.
