As I sat at my desk, strumming my guitar and staring at a blank piece of paper, I realized that writing a song for my wife’s birthday was going to be harder than I thought. Sure, I had plenty of feelings to express, but turning those emotions into lyrics and melodies felt like trying to solve a complex puzzle. That’s when I decided to dive into the world of songwriting courses. After all, if I was going to pour my heart out in song, I wanted it to be something my wife would cherish, not cringe at.
In my quest to become the next great (albeit amateur) love song composer, I discovered a wealth of online courses designed to help aspiring songwriters like myself.
From Grammy-winning artists sharing their secrets to university-level programs breaking down the craft, there’s something out there for everyone looking to put their feelings into song.
Whether you’re a complete novice like me or a seasoned musician looking to refine your skills, these 11 best songwriting courses offer a path to turning your musical dreams into reality.
1. The Fine Art of Songwriting (Steve Leslie)
Grammy-winning songwriter Steve Leslie offers an in-depth course on the craft of songwriting in “The Fine Art of Songwriting.” This 5-week program provides daily training that transforms how students approach song structure and turn ideas into fully-written songs. Leslie draws on his 25+ year career writing for artists like Kenny Rogers, George Strait, and Darius Rucker to provide expert guidance. The course covers topics like chorus writing, melody crafting, and determining if a bridge is needed. While not ideal for complete beginners, it’s an excellent option for intermediate songwriters looking to elevate their skills and write more polished, professional-level songs.
2. Lyrics Writing Course by Jacob Carter
Jacob Carter’s Lyrics Writing Course offers a comprehensive online program designed to help aspiring lyricists and songwriters enhance their skills and creativity. Led by Carter, a seasoned lyricist with over 10 years of experience in the music industry, the course consists of six modules covering essential aspects of songwriting.
The course curriculum is structured to guide students through the entire lyric writing process. It begins with finding inspiration and developing a unique writing style, then moves on to exploring lyrical structure and analyzing famous song lyrics. You can also read how Jacob Carter analyzes the lyrics meaning of hundreds of songs. Students learn how to turn ideas into complete song drafts and refine their lyrics to resonate with audiences. The course also delves into advanced topics such as using literary tools for depth, understanding genre-specific conventions, and mastering the art of co-writing.
One of the course’s strengths is its practical approach. Students engage in hands-on exercises and real-life applications to hone their lyric writing skills. The program includes HD video lessons, printable resources, and industry insider hints to help aspiring songwriters develop their craft. Carter’s experience in various genres, including pop, country, dance, and hip-hop, provides students with a well-rounded perspective on songwriting.
Priced at $997, the course offers lifetime access to all materials, allowing students to learn at their own pace. It’s suitable for beginners, experienced songwriters, and singer-songwriters looking to improve their lyric writing skills.
3. Commercial Songwriting Techniques – Berklee Online
Berklee Online’s “Commercial Songwriting Techniques” course offers a blend of theory and practical skill-building focused on creating commercially viable songs. As part of Berklee’s renowned music programs, this 12-week online course provides instructor-led training in foundational and advanced songwriting concepts. Students learn to develop their unique voice as a songwriter while mastering techniques used in popular music. The curriculum likely covers song structure, lyric writing, melody, and how to craft hooks that resonate with listeners. This course is well-suited for aspiring songwriters serious about pursuing a career in commercial music.
4. How to Write Your First Song (The University of Sheffield)
The University of Sheffield offers a beginner-friendly course called “How to Write Your First Song” through the FutureLearn platform. This 6-week program provides a practical introduction to songwriting fundamentals. Led by professional musician Adam White, the course covers topics like setting words to music, working with melody, chord progressions, song forms, and basic arranging. Students follow along with specially commissioned lyrics to build up a song week by week. The course also features insight from established musicians and songwriters. While access to an instrument is helpful, it’s not required – participants can use just their voice or free music software. This course is ideal for complete novices wanting to try their hand at songwriting in a structured, supportive environment.
5. MasterClass: Songwriting with Alicia Keys
Grammy-winning artist Alicia Keys offers an intimate look into her songwriting and production process in this MasterClass course. Over 19 video lessons totaling 3 hours and 22 minutes, Keys shares her approach to crafting melodies, writing lyrics, and producing tracks. She provides insight into her creative journey, breaking down some of her biggest hits and demonstrating her techniques. While the course is light on technical instruction, it gives valuable perspective on songwriting from one of the industry’s brightest stars. Keys covers topics like finding inspiration, collaborating with other artists, and maintaining artistic integrity. This course is best suited for beginners or fans of Keys looking for inspiration rather than advanced songwriters seeking specific techniques.
6. Songwriting Simplified: Music Theory, Melody & Creativity – Udemy
This comprehensive Udemy course taught by Steve Glazer covers the entire songwriting process from music theory fundamentals to creating finished songs. Designed for beginners with no prior music theory knowledge, it guides students through chord progressions, melody writing, and lyric creation. The course includes over 20 downloadable resources and practical exercises to help students write a complete song by the end. Glazer provides tips on crafting catchy melodies, using popular chord progressions, and transposing songs to different keys. With its focus on both theory and practical application, this course offers a solid foundation for aspiring songwriters looking to understand the mechanics behind great songs.
7. The Art of Songwriting (Belmont University)
Belmont University’s “The Art of Songwriting” course leverages the school’s reputation for producing exceptional songwriters to deliver a comprehensive songwriting education. This 12-hour, self-paced online program is taught by industry professionals and accomplished songwriters. Students learn essential skills like overcoming writer’s block, applying technical aspects of songwriting, and telling effective stories through song. The course also covers collaboration techniques and building a sustainable songwriting career. With guest appearances from Hall of Fame songwriters and Grammy winners, it provides valuable industry insights. While more expensive than some online options at $2,499, this course offers a deep dive into songwriting craft and business aspects, making it ideal for serious aspiring songwriters looking to elevate their skills.
8. Songwriting Hit Mastery: Lyric Writing, Music Theory (Udemy)
This comprehensive Udemy course, taught by experienced instructors Erich Andreas and Melissa Peirce, covers both the creative and technical aspects of songwriting. Over 70 video lessons totaling more than 3.5 hours delve into crafting tools and practices used by professional songwriters. The course covers creating song ideas, writing common themes, understanding song structure, basic hit chord progressions, and crafting elevated lyrics and melody. It also explores music business topics like collaboration, breaking into the industry, and how songwriters make money. With its step-by-step layout and insider industry tips, this course is suitable for beginners through experienced songwriters looking to elevate their craft.
9. How to Write Lyrics – The Song Foundry
Created by Ed Bell, “How to Write Lyrics” is a thorough program aimed at helping songwriters craft impactful and memorable lyrics. The 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. Designed for beginner to intermediate songwriters, the course 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.
10. The New Songwriter’s Workshop (Oli Rockberger)
Offered through Soundfly, The New Songwriter’s Workshop is an online songwriting lesson suite created by professional pianist and producer Oli Rockberger. What sets this course apart is its strong focus on melody. The course begins with lessons on the basics of song structure, with Oli claiming that after covering the first two sections, students will be able to write a simple song. The remaining sections revolve around finding and creating unique melodies. Oli also explains various approaches to songwriting, broadening students’ perspectives. With its emphasis on piano-based songwriting and melody crafting, this course is particularly well-suited for pianists and those looking to improve their melodic skills.
11. Songwriting: Create Lyric Writing Approaches (Academy of Music and Sound Online)
This free online course, offered by the Academy of Music and Sound, is designed to support both experienced songwriters and beginners with fresh approaches to creating lyrical content. The four-week program focuses on important elements of songwriting, featuring interviews, podcasts, and activities. While there are no assessed exams or required submissions, students are encouraged to participate in group forums and interact with others, sharing work and providing feedback. The course covers topics such as journaling, sensory writing, collecting inspiration, storytelling, and prosody. It aims to equip participants with various writing techniques and creative tools to invigorate their lyrical output and help overcome writer’s block.