As a music teacher with years of experience helping students master instruments and understand music theory, I’ve always harbored a secret desire to create my own songs. There’s something magical about crafting melodies and lyrics that can touch people’s hearts and souls. However, despite my musical background, I’ve often found myself at a loss when it comes to songwriting. That’s why I embarked on a journey to discover the best songwriting courses available online.
In my quest to unlock the secrets of songwriting, I’ve explored numerous courses, each offering unique insights into the craft. From lyric writing techniques to melody composition, from industry veterans to academic institutions, I’ve sifted through a wealth of knowledge to bring you this curated list of the 11 best songwriting courses. Whether you’re a beginner like me, looking to pen your first tune, or an experienced songwriter aiming to refine your skills, these courses offer something for everyone.
1. How to Write Lyrics – The Song Foundry
The Song Foundry’s “How to Write Lyrics” course is a comprehensive program designed to help songwriters craft impactful and memorable lyrics. Created by Ed Bell, this course covers essential topics such as rhyme, lyric structure, prosody, and writing singable lyrics. Through over five hours of HD video lessons and a 32-page course booklet, students learn practical strategies for developing and refining their lyric ideas. The course is suitable for beginner to intermediate songwriters and offers lifetime access to all materials, making it a valuable resource for continuous learning and improvement. Participants gain confidence in their ability to express themselves and complete new lyric projects effectively, with the course providing invaluable ideas and techniques as well as real-life applications for using these techniques in songwriting.
2. Jacob Carter’s Lyrics Writing Course
Jacob Carter’s Lyrics Writing Course offers a comprehensive and engaging approach to mastering the art of lyric writing. This online program is designed to cater to both beginners and experienced songwriters looking to enhance their skills and unleash their creativity. The course is structured into six modules that cover essential aspects of lyric writing, from finding inspiration to collaborating with other artists.
At the heart of this course is Jacob Carter, a seasoned lyricist with over 10 years of experience in the music industry. Carter’s passion for songwriting and his academic background in English Literature from the University of Oxford provide a unique blend of practical experience and theoretical knowledge. His time in a small indie band during his university days also adds a valuable perspective on the songwriting process.
The course curriculum is thoughtfully crafted to provide a well-rounded education in lyric writing. Students can expect to learn about various creative writing methods, lyrical structure and style, effective lyric writing techniques, and the use of literary tools to add depth to their songs. The program also covers genre-specific knowledge and collaboration skills, ensuring that participants are well-equipped to tackle diverse songwriting challenges. You can read how Jacob Carter analyzes the lyrics meaning of hundreds of songs.
One of the standout features of this course is its emphasis on practical application. Through HD video lessons, printable resources, and real-life exercises, students are encouraged to put their newfound knowledge into practice. The course also offers lifetime access to all materials, allowing participants to revisit lessons and continue refining their skills long after completion.
The Lyrics Writing Course aims to make lyric writing accessible to everyone, not just professional lyricists. With a mission to teach at least 5,000 students worldwide, Carter and his team are working to popularize lyric writing education and empower individuals to express their feelings through song.
3. The Art of Songwriting – Belmont University
Belmont University’s “The Art of Songwriting” course is a comprehensive program that aims to transform participants into well-rounded and well-informed songwriters. Led by Emily Falvey and a network of industry-renowned songwriters and music producers, this course offers a perfect blend of theory and hands-on practice. The curriculum covers a wide range of skills, including collaboration, communicating a song’s story sonically, coping with writer’s block, and developing a creative routine. Students learn to cultivate inspiration for song ideas, employ different types of rhyme, identify components of great melodies, and tell personal stories through song. This 12-hour, self-paced course is designed for songwriters at various levels and is priced at $2,499.
4. Lyric Writing: Tools and Strategies – Berklee Online
Berklee Online’s “Lyric Writing: Tools and Strategies” is a 12-week course authored by Pat Pattison, a renowned lyricist and professor. This comprehensive program is designed to enhance lyric writing skills for both beginners and experienced songwriters. The course focuses on generating better ideas, finding the right words, and organizing rhythms and rhymes into compelling verses, choruses, and bridges. Students engage in daily object writing activities and learn essential techniques such as rhyme structure, notating rhyme schemes, and creating forward motion with rhyme. The curriculum also covers balancing and unbalancing with number of lines, line length, family rhyme, and metaphor. By the end of the course, participants will have developed a robust set of skills to craft vivid and emotionally resonant lyrics.
5. Songwriting and Composing Melodies – Lauren Buchter
Lauren Buchter’s “Songwriting and Composing Melodies” is a concise yet comprehensive course available on Skillshare. This 30-minute program consists of 8 video lessons covering essential aspects of songwriting, including chord progressions, melody creation, and lyric writing. Buchter, an experienced film composer, brings her professional expertise to the course, making it particularly valuable for beginners and those looking to refine their melodic composition skills. The course is designed to be practical, with a final project that allows students to apply what they’ve learned. While some prior musical knowledge is helpful, the course remains accessible to those new to songwriting. Its compact format makes it an excellent choice for busy individuals seeking to quickly improve their songwriting abilities.
6. Songwriting: Writing, Arranging, and Producing Music – Berklee College of Music
Berklee College of Music offers a comprehensive specialization on Coursera titled “Songwriting: Writing, Arranging, and Producing Music.” This four-course series covers the entire songwriting process, from lyric and melody writing to arranging and music production. Led by experienced Berklee faculty, including Erin Barra, the specialization guides students through creating lyrics, composing melodies, developing arrangements, and producing demos using Ableton Live. The program is designed for both aspiring and established songwriters, providing strategies and practices to develop hit songs. By the end of the specialization, students will have developed a complete song from concept to finished demo, gaining practical skills in modern songwriting and production techniques.
7. MasterClass: Songwriting with Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys’ MasterClass on songwriting and producing offers a unique insight into the creative process of a Grammy-winning artist. The course consists of 19 lessons with a total duration of 3 hours and 22 minutes. Keys breaks down her songwriting process, teaching students how to write music that reflects their beliefs and experiences. She covers various aspects of songwriting, including finding inspiration, writing lyrics and melodies, and working in the music industry. The course also delves into Keys’ producing process, discussing vocal arrangements, instruments, and the tools and effects she uses to create her signature sound. While the course is somewhat subjective, focusing heavily on Keys’ personal approach, it provides valuable tips and advice applicable to any songwriting process. This MasterClass is particularly beneficial for fans of Alicia Keys and aspiring songwriters looking for inspiration and insight into the creative process of a successful artist.
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 looking to enhance their lyric writing skills. Taught by experienced musician Polly Hewett, this course focuses on generating original ideas, structuring melodies, and employing advanced techniques in lyrics and meter. Students collaborate with classmates, analyze songs from various genres, and work towards recording their own songs by the end of the course. The program emphasizes practical work and collaboration, making it an interactive and engaging learning experience. Covering topics such as generating imagery from everyday experiences, understanding melody structure, and exploring themes and perspectives, this course is ideal for those who find creating melodies easy but struggle with lyrics.
9. Songwriting Hit Mastery: Lyric Writing, Music Theory (Udemy)
Udemy’s “Songwriting Hit Mastery: Lyric Writing, Music Theory” is a comprehensive course designed for both beginners and experienced songwriters. With over 70 video lessons totaling more than 3.5 hours of content, this course covers a wide range of topics including song structure, chord progressions, lyric writing, and melody construction. The instructor, a professional songwriter with over 20 years of industry experience, shares insider tips and secrets that typically take decades to learn. The course also delves into music business essentials, offering guidance on breaking into the industry, collaborating with others, and monetizing songwriting skills. With attached PDF exercises for each section and a step-by-step layout, this course provides a thorough foundation for aspiring songwriters.
10. Songwriting: Writing the Lyrics (Berklee College of Music)
Offered by Berklee College of Music, “Songwriting: Writing the Lyrics” is an in-depth course led by renowned lyricist and professor Pat Pattison. This course focuses on the intricacies of lyric writing, teaching students how to enhance the emotional impact of their songs. The curriculum covers key elements of songwriting such as point of view, form, and the “who, what, where, when, and how” of a song. Students learn advanced topics like using various rhyming techniques to evoke specific emotions and understanding the difference between assonance and consonance rhyme. The course is designed to help both beginners and experienced songwriters refine their lyrical skills and create more impactful, emotionally resonant lyrics.
11. Toplining 101: Melody & Lyrics in Songwriting (Skillshare)
Skillshare’s “Toplining 101: Melody & Lyrics in Songwriting” is a practical course that explores the art of creating melodies and lyrics in songwriting. The course introduces students to the concept of ‘toplining’ and provides practical, usable steps for developing a unique writing style. Suitable for producers, artists, instrumentalists, and complete beginners, the course focuses on crafting memorable and meaningful lyrics and melodies that connect with listeners. The instructor, drawing from nearly a decade of industry experience, shares insights on creative processes and songwriting techniques. Students are encouraged to use simple tools like a notebook and a recording device to practice the skills taught in the course. This class is particularly valuable for those looking to develop consistent methods for creating great melody and lyric combinations.
