As a songwriter, finding the right course to hone your craft can be a game-changer. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, the right guidance can unlock new levels of creativity and technical prowess. Over the years, I’ve explored numerous songwriting courses, each offering unique insights and techniques.
In this article, I’ve curated a list of the 11 best songwriting courses that have stood out to me for their comprehensive content, expert instructors, and practical applications. These courses have not only helped me grow as a songwriter but have also inspired countless others to create music that resonates deeply.
1. Commercial Songwriting Techniques – Berklee Online
Berklee Online’s “Commercial Songwriting Techniques” course, authored by Andrea Stolpe, is a comprehensive 12-week program designed to teach the essentials of writing hit songs. Stolpe, a multiplatinum songwriter, combines theory with practical skill-building to help students create memorable melodies and lyrics. The course emphasizes a 10-step songwriting strategy and “destination writing,” which uses sensory details to enhance lyrical content. By the end of the course, students will have written three complete songs and developed ideas for many more. The course is priced at $1,545 for credit and $1,290 for non-credit.
Jacob Carter’s Lyrics Writing Course is an extensive online program designed to elevate the skills and creativity of aspiring lyricists and songwriters. With over a decade of experience in the music industry, Carter offers a structured curriculum that spans six comprehensive modules, each focusing on a critical aspect of lyric writing.
The course begins with Module 1: Finding Your Inspiration, where students explore various creative writing methods to discover their unique lyrical voice. This module encourages participants to draw inspiration from their surroundings, emotions, and experiences, setting a solid foundation for their songwriting journey.
In Module 2: Lyrical Structure and Style, students delve into the technical aspects of songwriting. This module covers different writing styles, structures, and formats by analyzing famous song lyrics and songwriters. Topics such as rhyme patterns, traditional song structures, and melody integration are thoroughly explored, providing students with the tools to craft well-structured lyrics.
Module 3: How to Write Lyrics focuses on transforming ideas into complete song drafts. Participants learn to refine their lyrics to ensure they resonate with their audience, combining creativity with practical techniques to produce polished and impactful songs.
The course’s depth is further enhanced in Module 4: Developing Songwriting Depth, where students master literary tools such as imagery, metaphor, tense, and characterization. This module aims to make lyrics unforgettable and unique, with exercises that help students analyze and emulate the techniques used in famous songs. You can also read how Jacob Carter analyzes the
lyrics meaning of hundreds of songs.
Throughout the course, students benefit from HD video lessons, printable resources, and real-life exercises that offer hands-on experience. The program also includes insider tips and industry knowledge, ensuring that participants gain a well-rounded understanding of lyric writing.
Jacob Carter’s Lyrics Writing Course is priced at $997 and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, making it a valuable investment for anyone serious about enhancing their songwriting abilities.
3. The Fine Art of Songwriting – Steve Leslie
“The Fine Art of Songwriting” by Steve Leslie, available through Indie Music Academy, offers a unique approach to songwriting through daily video training over five weeks. Leslie, a Grammy-winning songwriter, provides real-time musical examples and downloadable workbooks to guide students. The course covers various aspects of songwriting, from chord progressions to lyrical storytelling, and is suitable for artists of all genres. Leslie’s extensive experience and engaging teaching style make this course a valuable resource for aspiring songwriters. The course costs $197 and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, provided students complete the coursework.
4. MasterClass: Songwriting with Alicia Keys
In her MasterClass, Alicia Keys shares her soulful approach to songwriting, offering insights into her creative process from writing to producing. Keys covers topics such as finding inspiration, developing melodies, and crafting lyrics that resonate with listeners. The course also includes behind-the-scenes looks at her recording sessions and personal anecdotes that provide a deeper understanding of her artistry. This MasterClass is ideal for songwriters looking to learn from a successful and acclaimed artist. The subscription to MasterClass, which includes access to all courses, costs $180 annually.
5. The Basics of Pro Songwriting – Tom Worth
Tom Worth’s “The Basics of Pro Songwriting” on Udemy is tailored for songwriters who want to take their craft beyond a hobby. The course focuses on commercial songwriting techniques, emphasizing the creation of marketable songs. Worth covers essential topics such as song structure, melody, and lyric writing, providing practical tips and exercises to help students improve their songwriting skills. This course is suitable for beginners and intermediate songwriters looking to enhance their abilities. The course is priced at $94.99, but discounts are often available on Udemy.
6. Songwriting Simplified: Music Theory, Melody & Creativity – Udemy
“Songwriting Simplified: Music Theory, Melody & Creativity” on Udemy is a comprehensive course that breaks down the songwriting process into manageable steps. The course covers basic music theory, melody creation, and techniques to boost creativity. It is designed for songwriters of all levels and provides tools that famous songwriters use to craft their songs. The course includes video lessons, downloadable resources, and practical exercises to help students apply what they learn. The course is priced at $94.99, but Udemy frequently offers discounts.
7. How to Write Lyrics – The Song Foundry
The Song Foundry’s “How to Write Lyrics” course is a comprehensive guide for lyricists of all levels. Created by Ed Bell, this course offers over five hours of high-definition video lessons and a 32-page course booklet. It covers essential topics such as rhyme, lyric structure, and prosody, which is the art of fitting lyrics seamlessly to a melody. The course aims to help students develop and refine their lyric ideas into catchy, well-structured songs. With a focus on practical techniques and real-life applications, this course is ideal for those looking to improve their lyric writing skills. It is priced at $37, providing lifetime access to all materials.
8. Songwriting: Writing the Lyrics – Berklee College of Music
Offered through Coursera, “Songwriting: Writing the Lyrics” is a course from Berklee College of Music, taught by Pat Pattison. This beginner-level course guides students through the process of writing lyrics that effectively express ideas and emotions. It covers the use of point of view, rhyme techniques, and phrasing to evoke specific emotions in a song. The course includes quizzes and peer reviews to enhance learning and offers insights into creating stable and unstable lyrics. With no prior experience required, it’s an excellent starting point for aspiring songwriters.
9. Songwriting: Create Lyric Writing Approaches – Academy of Music and Sound Online
“Songwriting: Create Lyric Writing Approaches” is a free course offered by AMSOnline, the online platform of the Academy of Music and Sound. This course is designed for songwriters at all levels, aiming to invigorate or reinvigorate their lyrical output. Over four weeks, it covers topics such as journaling, sensory writing, storytelling, and prosody. The course provides practical activities and creative conversations to help students grow as songwriters and communicators. It is particularly beneficial for those experiencing writer’s block or seeking new approaches to lyric writing.
10. The Art of Songwriting – Belmont University
Belmont University’s “The Art of Songwriting” course is a gateway to joining an esteemed community of songwriters. Led by accomplished industry professionals, this course covers essential skills such as rhyme, song structure, and commercial melodic structure. It focuses on crafting songs that convey stories and emotions effectively, collaborating in co-writing scenarios, and building a sustainable career in music. The course features contributions from Grammy-winning songwriters and top publishing executives, providing students with valuable industry insights. It is priced at $2,499 and is suitable for songwriters at various levels.
11. Songwriting: Writing, Arranging, and Producing Music – Berklee College of Music
This course, part of Berklee’s Songwriting Department, offers a comprehensive education in writing, arranging, and producing music. It focuses on melody writing, harmonic techniques, and lyric structure, helping students develop a competitive portfolio of original songs. The curriculum also emphasizes modern writing practices, collaboration, and performance. With opportunities to engage with industry professionals and perform at various events, this course is ideal for those looking to pursue a career in songwriting. It provides a holistic approach to music creation and production.
