As a lifelong music lover and aspiring songwriter, I’ve always been fascinated by the magic of a well-crafted song. There’s something truly special about the way lyrics and melody come together to create an emotional experience that resonates with listeners. But let’s face it – songwriting isn’t always easy. Whether you’re struggling with writer’s block, unsure how to structure your ideas, or simply looking to take your skills to the next level, sometimes we all need a little guidance.
That’s why I’ve put together this list of the 11 best songwriting courses available today. From prestigious institutions like Berklee College of Music to intimate masterclasses with Grammy-winning artists, these courses offer something for everyone.
1. Songwriting: Writing the Lyrics (Berklee College of Music)
This course, offered through Coursera, is designed for beginners who want to delve into the art of lyric writing. Taught by Pat Pattison, a renowned professor at Berklee College of Music, the course covers fundamental aspects of lyric writing, including point of view, form, and the “who, what, where, when, and how” in a song. Students will learn to identify stable and unstable lyrics, use various rhyming techniques, and employ phrasing to clarify ideas. The course includes a mix of videos, readings, quizzes, and discussion prompts, making it a comprehensive introduction to songwriting.
2. Lyrics Writing Course by Jacob Carter
Jacob Carter’s Lyrics Writing Course is a comprehensive online program designed to elevate the skills of aspiring lyricists and songwriters. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Carter brings a wealth of knowledge and practical insights to this course, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned songwriters looking to refine their craft.
The course is structured into six detailed modules, each focusing on a different aspect of lyric writing. The first module, Finding Your Inspiration, helps students explore various creative writing methods to discover their unique style. The second module, Lyrical Structure and Style, delves into the technicalities of writing, including rhyme patterns and traditional song structures, by analyzing famous lyrics from artists like The Beatles and Joni Mitchell. You can also read how Jacob Carter analyzes the lyrics meaning of hundreds of songs.
In the third module, How to Write Lyrics, students learn to transform their ideas into complete song drafts, focusing on creating and refining lyrics that resonate with audiences. The fourth module, Developing Songwriting Depth, emphasizes the use of literary tools such as imagery, metaphor, and characterization to enhance the emotional impact of lyrics.
The fifth module, Understanding Genre, teaches students to recognize and utilize the conventions of different musical styles, ensuring their lyrics fit seamlessly within their chosen genre. The final module, Learn How to Co-write, provides valuable tips on collaborating with other artists and songwriters, an essential skill for professional lyricists.
Throughout the course, students engage in practical exercises and receive feedback on their work, helping them to continuously improve their songwriting abilities. The course also includes HD video lessons, printable resources, and real-life exercises, all designed to provide a hands-on learning experience.
One of the standout features of Jacob Carter’s course is the emphasis on storytelling and specificity in lyrics, which helps students create compelling and relatable songs. Additionally, the course offers lifetime access to all materials, allowing students to learn at their own pace and revisit lessons as needed.
3. The Singer-Songwriter Specialization (Berklee College of Music)
Also offered by Berklee College of Music through Coursera, this specialization is a more extensive program that covers multiple aspects of being a singer-songwriter. It includes courses on writing lyrics, arranging music, and producing songs. The specialization is designed to help students develop a holistic understanding of songwriting and music production, making it ideal for those who want to pursue a career as a singer-songwriter. The program is beginner-friendly and does not require prior experience.
4. MasterClass: Songwriting with Alicia Keys
In this MasterClass, Grammy-winning artist Alicia Keys shares her personal approach to songwriting, recording, and producing music. The course consists of 19 video lessons totaling 3 hours and 22 minutes. Alicia Keys provides insights into her creative process, deconstructs some of her greatest hits, and discusses the instrumentation and production techniques that define her work. While the course is more anecdotal and focused on Alicia Keys’ experiences, it offers valuable lessons on melody writing, arrangement, and production for aspiring songwriters.
5. Songwriting: Create Lyric Writing Approaches (Academy of Music and Sound Online)
This practical workshop-based course is designed for both beginners and experienced songwriters who want to enhance their lyric writing skills. Delivered by experienced professional songwriters, the course covers essential topics such as melody, harmony, lyrics, structure, and arrangement. Students will have the opportunity to perform their original material in front of classmates and prepare for a final showcase performance. The course aims to build confidence and improve songwriting techniques, making it a valuable experience for anyone looking to develop their songwriting abilities.
6. The Basics of Pro Songwriting (Tom Worth)
Available on Udemy, this course by professional songwriter and coach Tom Worth provides a comprehensive overview of writing commercial songs. It covers the basics of songwriting, including tips from top songwriters and common mistakes to avoid. The course is particularly praised for its focus on chord progressions and the practical, step-by-step approach it offers. Suitable for both beginners and those looking to improve their skills, this course is an excellent resource for learning how to write commercially viable songs.
7. Songwriting and Composing Melodies (Lauren Buchter)
Offered on Skillshare, this course is led by Lauren Buchter, a composer for film and television. It is designed to help aspiring songwriters and composers create memorable melodies and songs that tell compelling stories. The course covers techniques for crafting melodies that evoke specific emotions and constructing songs that resonate with listeners. Students will work on a project using a “creative brief,” similar to how professional composers create music for film, TV, and advertising. This course is suitable for beginners and those with some prior knowledge of music who want to enhance their melody-writing skills.
8. The Art of Songwriting (Belmont University)
Belmont University’s “The Art of Songwriting” course provides a comprehensive education in songwriting, taught by industry professionals. The course covers essential skills such as overcoming writer’s block, applying technical aspects of songwriting, and telling effective stories through songs. It emphasizes collaboration, maintaining artistic integrity, and building a sustainable career. Esteemed guests, including Grammy-winning songwriters and top publishing executives, contribute to the course, offering valuable industry insights. This program is ideal for songwriters at various levels who aim to refine their craft and achieve long-lasting success in the music industry.
9. Songwriting Simplified: Music Theory, Melody & Creativity (Udemy)
This Udemy course, taught by Steve Glazer, simplifies the songwriting process by focusing on practical music theory, chord progressions, melody writing, and lyric crafting. It is designed for pianists and guitarists who want to write complete songs. The course includes easy-to-read charts for chords and scales, tips for writing catchy melodies, and techniques for transposing songs to fit different vocal ranges. By the end of the course, students will have written a complete song. It is suitable for beginners and those looking to enhance their songwriting skills without needing to read music.
10. Songwriting: Writing, Arranging, and Producing Music (Berklee College of Music)
This specialization from Berklee College of Music, available on Coursera, is a comprehensive program that covers writing, arranging, and producing music. It consists of four courses that focus on different elements of songwriting, including lyrics, music, arrangement, and production using Ableton Live. The specialization is designed to help both aspiring and established songwriters develop hit songs by refining their musical ideas into polished song demos. The program includes practical activities and projects that guide students through the entire songwriting process, from initial ideas to final production.
11. The Fine Art of Songwriting (Steve Leslie)
Steve Leslie, a Grammy-winning songwriter, offers this course through the Indie Music Academy. The course spans five weeks and provides daily training on various aspects of songwriting. Leslie shares his extensive experience and techniques, focusing on connecting with listeners, crafting melodies, and writing effective lyrics. The curriculum is structured to help artists of all genres improve their songwriting skills and achieve their musical goals. The course emphasizes practical application and offers a supportive learning environment with opportunities for feedback and interaction.