As a recent college music graduate, I found myself armed with a wealth of theoretical knowledge but still feeling somewhat lost when it came to actually writing songs. Sure, I could analyze complex harmonies and discuss the intricacies of musical form, but sitting down to craft my own lyrics and melodies? That was a whole different ballgame.
I realized that while my formal education had given me a solid foundation, there was still so much to learn about the art of songwriting. That’s when I decided to dive into the world of online songwriting courses. After countless hours of research and personal experience, I’ve compiled this list of the 11 best songwriting courses available today.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned musician looking to refine your craft, these courses offer something for everyone. From lyric writing techniques to melody composition, and even insights into the music industry, these programs cover all aspects of songwriting.
1. Songwriting and Composing Melodies (Lauren Buchter)
Lauren Buchter’s “Songwriting and Composing Melodies” course on Skillshare offers a concise yet comprehensive introduction to melody creation and songwriting. This 30-minute course, consisting of 8 video lessons, is ideal for beginners looking to quickly grasp the fundamentals of songwriting. Buchter, a professional film and TV composer, brings her expertise in creating emotive scores to the course, teaching students how to craft melodies that evoke specific emotions such as heroism, romance, or sadness. The course covers essential topics like chord progressions, melody writing, and lyric composition. A unique feature of this course is its practical project, where students create a custom piece of music based on a “creative brief,” simulating real-world composing scenarios.
2. Jacob Carter’s Lyrics Writing Course
Jacob Carter’s Lyrics Writing Course offers a comprehensive and accessible approach to mastering the art of lyric writing. Designed for beginners, songwriters, and singer-songwriters alike, this online program provides a structured path to developing and refining lyrical skills. With over 10 years of experience in the music industry, Carter brings a wealth of knowledge and practical insights to his teaching.
The course is divided into six modules, each focusing on a crucial aspect of lyric writing. Students begin by exploring methods to find inspiration and develop their unique writing style. They then delve into the intricacies of lyrical structure and style, analyzing famous song lyrics to understand effective techniques. You can read how Jacob Carter analyzes the lyrics meaning of hundreds of songs. The course progresses to practical lessons on crafting complete song drafts and refining lyrics for maximum impact.
One of the standout features of Carter’s course is its emphasis on developing depth in songwriting. Students learn to use literary tools such as imagery, metaphor, and characterization to create memorable and unique lyrics. The course also covers genre-specific knowledge, helping writers tailor their lyrics to different musical styles. Additionally, it includes valuable lessons on collaboration and co-writing, essential skills in the modern music industry.
What sets this course apart is its comprehensive approach and lifetime access to materials. Students receive HD video lessons, printable resources, and engage in real-life exercises. The course is designed to be flexible, allowing learners to progress at their own pace. Upon completion, students receive a certificate, and there’s an option for one-on-one mentoring for those seeking additional guidance.
Jacob Carter’s background in English Literature from the University of Oxford, combined with his experience as a musician in an indie band, provides a well-rounded perspective on the art of songwriting. His passion for lyric writing is evident in his approach to teaching and his mission to make lyric writing a common skill accessible to anyone interested in expressing themselves through song.
The Lyrics Writing Course aims to popularize lyric writing education and become a leading platform in this niche. Carter’s ambition is to teach at least 5,000 students worldwide about lyric writing, believing that this skill should not be limited to professional lyricists but should be accessible to ordinary people as a means of expressing their feelings and experiences in daily life.
3. How to Write Lyrics – The Song Foundry
“How to Write Lyrics” by The Song Foundry is a comprehensive course designed to help songwriters master the art of lyric writing. The course consists of seven modules with over five hours of HD video lessons and a 32-page course booklet. It covers essential topics such as using rhyme, structuring lyrics, writing singable lyrics, and prosody – the art of fitting lyrics seamlessly to a melody. The course aims to teach students how to develop and refine lyric ideas into catchy, well-structured lyrics that capture people’s attention and leave a lasting impact. With a focus on practical applications, this course provides invaluable ideas and techniques for songwriters of all levels.
4. The Art of Songwriting (Belmont University)
Belmont University’s “The Art of Songwriting” course is a comprehensive program designed to transform participants into well-rounded songwriters. Led by accomplished songwriters and industry professionals, the course covers a wide range of topics, including finding inspiration, applying technical aspects of songwriting, storytelling through song, and building a sustainable career in the music industry. Students learn from esteemed guests such as Hall of Fame songwriters Allen Shamblin and Pat Alger, and Grammy-winning songwriters Shane McAnally and Emily Weisband. The course also features insights from top publishing executives. With a focus on both creativity and career development, this program offers a unique blend of artistic and practical knowledge for aspiring songwriters.
5. Songwriting: Writing the Lyrics (Berklee College of Music)
Berklee College of Music’s “Songwriting: Writing the Lyrics” course is a comprehensive program designed to help aspiring songwriters hone their lyric-writing skills. This course, offered through Coursera, is taught by Pat Pattison, a renowned professor of lyric writing and poetry at Berklee. Over six weeks, students learn essential techniques for crafting compelling lyrics, including rhyme, rhythm, and storytelling. The course covers topics such as prosody, line-by-line writing, and metaphor development. Students engage in peer-reviewed assignments and quizzes to reinforce their learning. By the end of the course, participants will have written lyrics for an original song and developed a toolbox of techniques to enhance their songwriting craft.
6. How to Write Your First Song (The University of Sheffield)
“How to Write Your First Song” is a beginner-friendly course offered by The University of Sheffield through FutureLearn. This six-week program introduces students to the fundamental tools and techniques needed to write their first song. Led by professional musician and Associate Lecturer Adam White, the course covers essential topics such as setting words to music, working with melody, chord progressions, and song forms. Each week, students build on their knowledge, exploring concepts like meter, scansion, and song arrangement. The course includes practical exercises and a final songwriting challenge, allowing participants to apply what they’ve learned. With its focus on both theory and practice, this course provides an excellent foundation for those new to songwriting.
7. The Fine Art of Songwriting (Steve Leslie)
Grammy-winning songwriter Steve Leslie’s “The Fine Art of Songwriting” is an intensive five-week course designed for intermediate songwriters looking to elevate their craft. Drawing from his 25+ year career writing for renowned artists like Kenny Rogers and George Strait, Leslie provides daily training that transforms how students approach song structure and turn ideas into fully-written songs. The course delves into advanced topics such as chorus writing, melody crafting, and determining when a bridge is necessary. Leslie’s expertise shines through as he shares insider tips and techniques used by professional songwriters. While not suitable for complete beginners, this course offers valuable insights and practical exercises for those with some songwriting experience who want to write more polished, professional-level songs.
8. Writing Song Lyrics: Create and Combine with Melody – City Lit
City Lit’s “Writing Song Lyrics: Create and Combine with Melody” is a six-week online course designed for songwriters and instrumentalists who find melody creation easier than lyric writing. Taught by experienced musician Polly Hewett, this course focuses on generating original ideas, structuring melodies, and using advanced techniques in lyrics and meter. Students learn to create lyrics that relate to their personal experiences and combine them with melodic lines. The course covers essential topics such as lyrical structure, themes, and perspective. A unique aspect of this program is its emphasis on collaboration, allowing students to work with classmates to play along or sing their ideas. By the end of the course, participants aim to have finished and recorded their own song, making it an ideal choice for those looking to improve their lyric writing skills in a practical, hands-on environment.
9. MasterClass: Songwriting with Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys, a 15-time Grammy Award winner, offers an inspiring and insightful course on songwriting and producing through MasterClass. This comprehensive program consists of 19 lessons, totaling 3 hours and 22 minutes of content. Keys shares her personal songwriting process, focusing on both the creative and technical aspects of music creation. Students learn about finding inspiration, developing melodies, writing lyrics, and producing tracks. Keys emphasizes the importance of connecting with the world around you and creating music with empathy. The course also covers vocal arrangements, instrument selection, and studio techniques. While it’s heavily focused on Keys’ personal approach, the course offers valuable insights for aspiring songwriters across various genres, particularly those interested in R&B, soul, and pop music.
10. Songwriting Hit Mastery: Lyric Writing, Music Theory (Udemy)
This comprehensive Udemy course, taught by experienced songwriter Melissa Peirce, offers aspiring songwriters a deep dive into the craft of creating hit songs. With over 70 video lessons and 3.5 hours of content, the course covers a wide range of topics, including lyric writing, music theory, song structures, and melody construction. Students can expect to learn industry insider tips and secrets that typically take years to acquire. The course is designed to be accessible to beginners while also offering valuable insights for more experienced songwriters. Participants will not only learn the technical aspects of songwriting but also gain practical advice on breaking into the music industry and monetizing their craft. The course includes PDF exercises for every section, ensuring continued practice and growth.
11. The Lyric Writer’s Workroom – Songcraft
“The Lyric Writer’s Workroom” by Songcraft offers a unique approach to songwriting by focusing on the craft of lyric writing. This course emphasizes the importance of learning, practicing, and improving songwriting skills over time. It provides a wealth of articles and resources that delve into various aspects of lyric writing, from mastering different rhyme schemes to finding fresh song ideas. The course encourages songwriters to capture ideas from their surroundings and transform them into compelling lyrics. It also offers practical tips on writing memorable choruses and melodies. Unlike traditional structured courses, The Lyric Writer’s Workroom serves as an ongoing resource, allowing songwriters to continuously refine their skills and explore new techniques in lyric writing.
