As a lifelong piano enthusiast, I’ve always been captivated by the magic of music. There’s something truly special about sitting at the keys, letting my fingers dance across the ivory and ebony, bringing melodies to life. But lately, I’ve found myself yearning for more. I want to create my own songs, to pour my thoughts and emotions into lyrics that resonate with others. That’s why I’ve embarked on a journey to explore the world of songwriting.
In my quest to transform from a piano player to a full-fledged songwriter, I’ve discovered a wealth of online courses designed to nurture budding songwriters.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced musician looking to hone your craft, there’s a course out there for you. I’ve sifted through countless options to bring you this curated list of the 11 best songwriting courses available today.
From lyric writing to melody composition, music theory to industry insights, these courses cover all the bases you need to start crafting your own musical masterpieces.
1. Songwriting Simplified: Music Theory, Melody & Creativity (Udemy)
This comprehensive Udemy course covers all the fundamentals aspiring songwriters need to get started. Taught by experienced instructor Steve Glazer, it breaks down the songwriting process into easy-to-follow steps. The course covers music theory basics, chord progressions, melody writing, and lyric composition. By the end, students will have written a complete song using the 5-step process taught in the class. No prior music theory knowledge is required, making this an excellent option for beginners. The course also includes downloadable resources like chord and scale charts to aid the learning process.
2. Lyrics Writing Course by Jacob Carter
Jacob Carter’s Lyrics Writing Course offers a comprehensive approach to mastering the art of lyric writing. Designed for beginners, songwriters, and singer-songwriters alike, this online program provides a structured path to improving lyrical skills and unleashing creativity. The course is led by Jacob Carter, a seasoned lyricist with over a decade of industry experience, who brings his passion and expertise to each module.
The curriculum is divided into six modules, covering essential aspects of lyric writing. Students begin by exploring various methods to find inspiration and develop their unique writing style. They then delve into lyrical structure and style, analyzing famous song lyrics to understand different writing techniques. You can read how Jacob Carter analyzes the lyrics meaning of hundreds of songs. The course progresses to teach students how to transform ideas into complete song drafts and refine their lyrics for maximum impact.
One of the standout features of this course is its focus 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.
Throughout the course, students engage with HD video lessons, practical exercises, and real-life applications to hone their skills. The program also offers printable resources and industry insider tips, providing a well-rounded learning experience. Upon completion, students receive a certificate and gain lifetime access to the course materials, allowing for continuous learning and improvement.
3. The Singer-Songwriter Specialization (Berklee College of Music)
Offered by the prestigious Berklee College of Music, this specialization provides university-level instruction in songwriting. The program allows students to develop their unique artistic voice across all aspects of songwriting. It offers a core curriculum covering foundational knowledge, as well as electives to explore different genres and career paths. Students can choose to focus on areas like songwriter-performer, songwriter-producer, or musical theater songwriting. The program culminates in a portfolio of original songs and recordings. With access to Berklee’s world-class faculty and facilities, this is an excellent choice for those seeking rigorous, comprehensive songwriting education.
4. Songwriting: Create Lyric Writing Approaches (Academy of Music and Sound Online)
This short course from the Academy of Music and Sound focuses specifically on lyric writing techniques. Led by experienced professional songwriters, it helps students develop their lyrical skills and build confidence in their writing. The course covers topics like melody, harmony, song structure, and arrangement. Students get the opportunity to perform their original material for the class, culminating in a final showcase performance. This practical, workshop-based approach allows for hands-on learning and peer feedback. The course is available both online and in-person, offering flexibility for different learning preferences. It’s an excellent option for those looking to specifically hone their lyric writing abilities.
5. Songwriting and Composing Melodies (Lauren Buchter)
This concise 30-minute course on Skillshare is taught by film composer Lauren Buchter. It consists of 8 video lessons covering chord progressions, melodies, and lyrics. The course is designed for beginners but some prior music knowledge is helpful. It offers a quick, focused look at key songwriting elements for those wanting a short but productive lesson. Skillshare offers a free trial, after which the course is accessible with a Skillshare membership ($15/month or $99/year).
6. The Art of Songwriting (Belmont University)
This comprehensive 6-module online course is offered by Belmont University, known for producing exceptional songwriters. Created by Emily Falvey, it covers topics like overcoming writer’s block, technical aspects of songwriting, storytelling through music, collaboration, and building a sustainable music career. The course features guest appearances from Hall of Fame songwriters and Grammy winners. By the end, students will have gained practical skills in crafting melodies, lyrics, and song structures. The course costs $2,499, is self-paced, and takes approximately 12 hours to complete.
7. Toplining 101: Melody & Lyrics in Songwriting (Skillshare)
This Skillshare course focuses on the art of “toplining” – creating melodies and lyrics for existing musical tracks. It covers what toplining is, how to craft memorable melodies and meaningful lyrics, and techniques for connecting with listeners. The instructor draws from nearly a decade of music industry experience as a songwriter. The course is suitable for beginners and experienced musicians alike, providing practical steps and creative inspiration for developing a personal writing style. Students need only basic tools like a way to write down ideas and record audio. The course is accessible through Skillshare’s subscription model.
8. Commercial Songwriting Techniques – Berklee Online
This 12-week online course from Berklee focuses on writing songs for commercial success. Taught by Andrea Stolpe, it combines theory with practical skill-building to help students create marketable songs. The course covers techniques used in hit songs across various genres, including pop, country, and R&B. Students learn about song structure, melody writing, lyric crafting, and how to reproduce time-tested songwriting techniques. By the end, participants will have written several songs using professional songwriting methods.
9. Songwriting Hit Mastery: Lyric Writing, Music Theory (Udemy)
This comprehensive Udemy course is ideal for beginners looking to learn the craft of songwriting. Taught by Melissa Peirce, a #1 hit songwriter with over 20 years of industry experience, it covers everything from song structures and lyric writing to melody construction and chord progressions. The course also delves into music business topics like breaking into the industry and making money as a songwriter. With over 70 video lessons and attached PDF exercises, it provides a thorough foundation in professional songwriting techniques.
10. The Lyric Writer’s Workroom – Songcraft
This course offers a unique approach by focusing specifically on the craft of lyric writing. It provides a wealth of articles and resources covering 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, making it valuable for those looking to deepen their understanding of lyric writing.
11. MasterClass: Songwriting with Alicia Keys
This MasterClass offers an intimate look into Alicia Keys’ songwriting process. Over 3 hours and 22 minutes, the acclaimed artist shares her creative approach, covering topics like finding inspiration, writing lyrics and melodies, and working in the industry. While the course is somewhat subjective and focused on Keys’ personal experiences, it also provides applicable tips for aspiring songwriters. The class includes a blend of anecdotes, songwriting walk-throughs, and inspiring stories. It’s particularly valuable for fans of Alicia Keys and those interested in her specific approach to songwriting.
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