As a music blogger with a passion for melodies and lyrics, I’ve always been fascinated by the art of songwriting. There’s something magical about crafting a tune that can touch hearts and move souls. But let’s be honest – songwriting isn’t always a walk in the park. I’ve spent countless hours staring at blank pages, strumming my guitar aimlessly, hoping for inspiration to strike.
That’s why I decided to dive deep into the world of songwriting courses. Whether you’re a beginner like me, looking to pen your first hit, or a seasoned songwriter aiming to refine your craft, there’s always room to grow. I’ve scoured the internet, read countless reviews, and even tested a few courses myself to bring you this curated list of the 11 best songwriting courses available today.
From prestigious institutions to indie educators, these courses offer a wealth of knowledge that can help unlock your creative potential.
1. The Singer-Songwriter Specialization (Berklee College of Music)
This comprehensive online program from the prestigious Berklee College of Music offers aspiring songwriters a deep dive into the craft. Taught by experienced Berklee faculty, the specialization covers essential topics like lyric writing, melody creation, harmony, and song structure. Students learn industry-standard techniques for composing in various genres while developing their unique artistic voice. The curriculum includes hands-on projects to apply concepts, peer feedback, and guidance from instructors. By the end, participants will have created a polished portfolio of original songs. This Berklee-certified specialization provides a solid foundation in professional songwriting practices from one of the world’s top music schools.
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. The course is divided into six modules, covering essential topics such as finding inspiration, understanding lyrical structure and style, effective lyric writing techniques, and collaboration skills.
The Lyrics Writing Course‘s key strengths is its focus on practical application. Students engage in hands-on exercises and real-life applications, allowing them to immediately put their newfound knowledge into practice. Carter, drawing from his 10+ years of experience in the music industry, shares valuable insights and industry knowledge throughout the course. This blend of theory and practical experience helps students develop a deeper understanding of lyric writing and build confidence in their abilities.
The course’s structure is designed for flexibility, allowing students to learn at their own pace. With lifetime access to the course materials, including HD video lessons and printable resources, participants can revisit the content as often as needed to reinforce their learning. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, from basic songwriting concepts to more advanced techniques like using literary tools for depth and understanding genre-specific conventions. You can read how Jacob Carter analyzes the lyrics meaning of hundreds of songs.
Carter’s background as a lyricist and his education in English Literature from the University of Oxford lend credibility to the course content. His passion for lyric writing is evident in his teaching approach, which aims to make lyric writing a common skill accessible to anyone interested in expressing themselves through song. The course not only teaches technical skills but also emphasizes the importance of developing one’s unique writing style and voice.
3. The New Songwriter’s Workshop (Oli Rockberger)
Acclaimed pianist and producer Oli Rockberger leads this innovative online workshop focused on unlocking creativity and refining songwriting skills. The course explores Rockberger’s personal techniques for generating ideas, overcoming writer’s block, and crafting memorable melodies and chord progressions. Students learn practical strategies for song structure, harmonic development, and lyric writing through video lessons and interactive exercises. Rockberger shares insights from his extensive experience as a professional songwriter, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process. With its emphasis on melody and hands-on approach, this workshop helps songwriters of all levels expand their musical toolkit and find inspiration.
4. Songwriting Hit Mastery: Lyric Writing, Music Theory (Udemy)
This comprehensive Udemy course provides a practical roadmap for writing commercially successful songs. Covering both the creative and business sides of songwriting, the program teaches proven techniques for crafting catchy melodies, writing compelling lyrics, and understanding song structure. Students learn essential music theory concepts as they apply to popular songwriting. The course also covers industry topics like collaboration, networking, and monetizing songs. With over 70 video lessons and supplemental exercises, it offers a step-by-step approach to elevating your songwriting skills. Taught by an experienced professional songwriter, the course aims to accelerate your development and equip you with insider knowledge of the music business.
5. Songwriting Simplified: Music Theory, Melody & Creativity – Udemy
This beginner-friendly Udemy course offers a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of songwriting. Students learn essential music theory concepts, chord progressions, melody writing techniques, and lyric composition strategies. The course follows a structured approach, guiding participants through the entire songwriting process from basic chords to creating complete songs. Practical exercises help students apply concepts like transposing songs to different keys and crafting catchy melodies. With over 20 downloadable resources and a step-by-step methodology, this course equips aspiring songwriters with the tools to write their own music confidently. By the end, students will have composed an original song using the techniques learned throughout the program.
6. How to Write Your First Song (The University of Sheffield)
The University of Sheffield’s free online course provides a hands-on introduction to songwriting for complete beginners. Led by experienced songwriters, the program covers fundamental elements like melody creation, chord progressions, and lyric writing. Each week, students work with specially-commissioned lyrics to build up a song, applying newly learned concepts. The course features guidance from renowned musician Martin Simpson, who demonstrates the songwriting process using the same materials. Participants also gain insights from music experts, psychologists, and established songwriters on what makes a successful song. While having access to a musical instrument is helpful, it’s not required – students can participate using just their voice or free music software. This accessible course offers a solid foundation for anyone looking to write their first song.
7. Lyric Writing: Tools and Strategies – Berklee Online
Berklee Online’s “Lyric Writing: Tools and Strategies” course, taught by Grammy-winning songwriter Pat Pattison, offers an in-depth exploration of lyric writing techniques. The 12-week program covers a wide range of topics, including brainstorming methods, structural balance, rhyme schemes, and metaphor usage. Students engage in daily object writing exercises to generate ideas and practice creating vivid imagery. The course emphasizes both creative and technical aspects of lyric writing, teaching students how to craft compelling verses, choruses, and bridges. Participants learn to manipulate line length, rhythm, and rhyme to enhance the emotional impact of their lyrics. By the end of the course, students will have developed a toolkit of songwriting strategies and completed several original lyrics. This comprehensive program is suitable for both beginners and experienced writers looking to refine their lyrical skills.
8. Songwriting: Lyric Writing – Elevate with ICMP
The Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP) offers this specialized course focusing on the art of lyric writing. Students learn techniques for crafting compelling lyrics that resonate with listeners. The program covers various aspects of lyrical composition, including storytelling, imagery, and emotional expression. Participants explore different lyrical structures and learn how to match words with melodies effectively. Through practical exercises and expert feedback, students develop their unique lyrical voice. This course is ideal for songwriters looking to enhance their lyrical skills and create more impactful songs.
9. The Lyric Writer’s Workroom – Songcraft
Songcraft’s Lyric Writer’s Workroom provides an intensive, hands-on approach to lyric writing. This workshop-style course offers a supportive environment for songwriters to hone their craft. Participants engage in regular writing exercises, peer critiques, and receive personalized feedback from experienced instructors. The program covers advanced techniques in lyrical composition, including metaphor usage, narrative structure, and thematic development. Students learn to analyze successful lyrics and apply these insights to their own work. By the end of the course, participants will have a portfolio of polished lyrics and a deeper understanding of the lyric writing process.
10. The Basics of Pro Songwriting (Tom Worth)
Tom Worth, an experienced songwriter and producer, leads this comprehensive course on professional songwriting techniques. The program covers all aspects of the songwriting process, from generating ideas to polishing final compositions. Students learn industry-standard practices for structuring songs, creating memorable hooks, and developing harmonies. Worth shares insights from his career, offering practical advice on collaboration, pitching songs, and navigating the music industry. Through a series of guided exercises and projects, participants develop a toolkit of songwriting techniques they can apply to various musical genres.
11. Toplining 101: Melody & Lyrics in Songwriting (Skillshare)
This Skillshare course, taught by an industry professional, introduces students to the art of toplining – creating melodies and lyrics over existing instrumental tracks. The 29-minute class covers essential techniques for crafting catchy melodies and meaningful lyrics that connect with listeners. Suitable for beginners and experienced musicians alike, the course provides practical, usable steps for developing a personal writing style. Students learn about melody building blocks, song structure, and lyric writing techniques. The instructor also addresses common creative blocks and offers strategies for overcoming them. By the end of the course, participants will have the tools to approach songwriting consistently and create compelling toplines for various musical styles.