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 make all the difference. Over the years, I’ve explored various songwriting courses, each offering unique insights and techniques.
In this article, I’ve compiled a list of the 10 best songwriting courses that have stood out to me. These courses, taught by industry professionals and seasoned musicians, cover everything from lyric writing and melody creation to music theory and production.
1. The Art of Songwriting (Belmont University)
Belmont University’s “The Art of Songwriting” course is renowned for its comprehensive curriculum designed to elevate your songwriting skills. This course is taught by industry professionals, including Grammy-winning songwriters and top publishing executives. The course covers essential aspects such as overcoming writer’s block, applying technical songwriting elements like rhyme and song structure, and telling compelling stories through music. Additionally, it emphasizes collaboration in co-writing scenarios and maintaining integrity in a competitive industry. By the end of the course, students will be well-equipped to build a sustainable career in songwriting.
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 industry, Carter brings a wealth of knowledge to this course, which is structured into six detailed modules. These modules cover essential topics such as finding inspiration, understanding lyrical structure and style, crafting impactful lyrics, and collaborating with others.
The course is packed with HD video lessons, printable resources, and real-life exercises, providing a hands-on learning experience. Students will delve into the art of lyric writing by studying influential lyrics from artists like The Beatles, Ed Sheeran, and Joni Mitchell. You can also read how Jacob Carter analyzes the lyrics meaning of hundreds of songs.
Jacob Carter’s passion for music and lyric writing is evident throughout the course. He emphasizes the importance of understanding literary tools such as imagery, metaphor, and characterization to create lyrics that truly connect with audiences. The course also covers genre conventions, enabling students to tailor their lyrics to specific musical styles, and offers valuable tips on co-writing, an essential skill for any lyricist.
3. Songwriting: Lyric Writing – Elevate with ICMP
The “Songwriting: Lyric Writing” course by ICMP Elevate focuses exclusively on the art of lyric writing. This course dives deep into the lyric-writing process, covering structure, rhyming schemes, storytelling techniques, and genre conventions. Students will analyze influential lyrics and participate in immersive tasks to develop their unique voice. The course is designed for flexible learning, allowing students to progress at their own pace. Upon completion, students receive a certificate and have the option for additional one-on-one mentoring.
4. The Fine Art of Songwriting (Steve Leslie)
Steve Leslie’s “The Fine Art of Songwriting” is a masterclass subscription-based course that covers a wide range of songwriting topics. The curriculum includes detailed lessons on song structure, chord functions, melody writing, and the craft of lyric writing. Leslie, a Grammy-winning songwriter, provides insights into both the creative and technical aspects of songwriting. The course also includes video lessons, downloadable resources, and interactive assignments, making it a comprehensive resource for aspiring songwriters.
5. The New Songwriter’s Workshop (Oli Rockberger)
“The New Songwriter’s Workshop” by Oli Rockberger, offered through Soundfly, is designed to help songwriters unlock their creativity. The course covers foundational elements such as song structure, melody writing, and harmonic strategies. Rockberger, a seasoned musician and songwriter, shares his personal techniques and processes to help students generate ideas and overcome creative blocks. The course also includes practical exercises and examples from Rockberger’s own work, providing valuable real-world insights6.
6. Songwriting Simplified: Music Theory, Melody & Creativity – Udemy
“Songwriting Simplified” on Udemy is a beginner-friendly course that covers the fundamentals of music theory, chord progressions, melody writing, and lyric writing. The course is structured to guide students through the entire songwriting process, from basic chords to complete song creation. It includes practical tips and tricks for writing catchy melodies and transposing songs into different keys. The course also provides downloadable resources, making it a valuable tool for aspiring songwriters looking to develop their skills.
7. Songwriting: Writing, Arranging, and Producing Music (Berklee College of Music)
This comprehensive course from Berklee College of Music covers the entire songwriting process, from initial concept to final production. Students learn to develop melodies, write harmonies, and structure songs effectively. The course emphasizes modern songwriting practices, including collaboration and production techniques. Berklee’s world-renowned faculty provides insights into industry standards and practices. By the end of the course, students will have developed a portfolio of original songs and gained practical skills in arranging and producing their music.
8. Songwriting: Writing the Lyrics (Berklee College of Music)
Focusing specifically on lyric writing, this Berklee course delves deep into the craft of creating impactful and memorable lyrics. Students learn various techniques for generating ideas, structuring verses and choruses, and using literary devices effectively in songwriting. The course covers different genres and styles, helping students develop their unique voice. Participants also receive feedback from experienced songwriters, enhancing their ability to write lyrics that resonate with listeners.
9. MasterClass: Songwriting with Alicia Keys
In this MasterClass, 15-time Grammy Award winner Alicia Keys shares her approach to songwriting and producing. The course covers Keys’ creative process, from finding inspiration to developing melodies and lyrics. Students learn how to tap into their emotions, craft authentic narratives, and produce their songs. Keys also provides insights into collaborating with other artists and navigating the music industry. This course offers a unique opportunity to learn from one of the most successful songwriters of our time.
10. Songwriting and Composing Melodies (Lauren Buchter)
Lauren Buchter’s course on Skillshare focuses on creating memorable melodies and songs that tell stories. Ideal for aspiring songwriters and composers, the course provides insights from Buchter’s experience as a film and TV composer. Students learn techniques for crafting melodies that evoke specific emotions, such as heroic, romantic, or sad. The course includes a practical project where students create a custom piece of music based on a “creative brief,” simulating real-world composing scenarios. While some prior musical knowledge is helpful, the course welcomes beginners.
11. How to Write Your First Song (The University of Sheffield)
This free online course from the University of Sheffield offers a practical introduction to songwriting. Led by experienced songwriters, the course covers the fundamental mechanics of songwriting, including melody writing, chord progressions, and lyric composition. Students have the opportunity to meet established songwriters and gain insights into their creative processes. The course includes video lessons, practical exercises, and the chance to receive feedback on your work. It’s designed to help beginners take their first steps in songwriting while also providing valuable tips for more experienced writers looking to refine their skills.
