As a lifelong music lover and aspiring songwriter, I’ve always been fascinated by the magic of turning emotions and experiences into lyrics and melodies.
But let’s face it – songwriting isn’t always a walk in the park. Whether you’re struggling with writer’s block, unsure how to structure your ideas, or simply looking to take your craft to the next level, a great songwriting course can be a game-changer.
That’s why I’ve scoured the internet, read countless reviews, and even tried a few courses myself to bring you this list of the 11 best songwriting courses available today.
1. Songwriting: Lyric Writing – Elevate with ICMP
Songwriting: Lyric Writing offered by Elevate with ICMP is a comprehensive online course dedicated entirely to the art of lyric writing. This course is designed to help you find inspiration, create lyrical structures, and develop your unique voice. It covers various elements of lyric writing, including structure, rhyming schemes, storytelling devices, and genre conventions.
The course is created by industry experts and includes 15 unique lessons across three modules, HD video tips, interactive learning, and a certificate upon completion. It is flexible, allowing you to learn at your own pace and is accessible on multiple devices. Additionally, students receive lifetime access to course materials and discounts on relevant software.
2. Lyrics Writing Course by Jacob Carter
The Lyrics Writing Course by Jacob Carter offers a comprehensive and engaging approach to mastering the art of lyric writing. Jacob Carter, a seasoned lyricist with over a decade of experience, has designed this course to cater to both beginners and experienced songwriters looking to refine their skills. The program is structured into six modules that cover essential aspects of lyric writing, from finding inspiration to understanding genre conventions and collaborative songwriting.
One of the course’s strengths is its practical approach. Students are encouraged to perform exercises and write lyrics throughout the program, allowing them to immediately apply the concepts they learn. The course also includes analysis of hit songs by renowned artists such as The Beatles, Ed Sheeran, and Joni Mitchell, providing valuable insights into successful lyric writing techniques. You can also read how Jacob Carter analyzes the lyrics meaning of hundreds of songs.
Additionally, students have the opportunity to receive feedback on their finished songs, a crucial element in the learning process.
The curriculum is comprehensive, covering topics such as lyrical structure, storytelling techniques, rhyming schemes, and genre-specific conventions. Jacob Carter’s teaching style is described as engaging and accessible, making complex concepts easy to understand for students at all levels. The course is delivered through HD video lessons, printable resources, and interactive elements, ensuring a diverse and engaging learning experience.
3. MasterClass: Songwriting with Alicia Keys
In MasterClass: Songwriting with Alicia Keys, the Grammy-winning artist shares her soulful approach to songwriting, recording, and producing music. Alicia Keys provides insights into her creative process, from finding inspiration to developing melodies and lyrics.
The course includes lessons on how to write songs that are honest and emotionally resonant, as well as tips on recording and producing tracks. Students will benefit from Alicia’s personal experiences and learn how to bring their own stories to life through music. This course is ideal for those looking to gain a deeper understanding of songwriting from a seasoned professional.
4. How to Write Your First Song (The University of Sheffield)
How to Write Your First Song by The University of Sheffield is a free online course that provides a practical introduction to the mechanics of songwriting. The course covers essential topics such as working with melody, chords, chord progressions, song forms, and putting the elements together. It features sessions with established songwriters who share their experiences and insights. The course is designed for beginners and aims to help students create their first song by guiding them through the entire songwriting process. This course is a great starting point for anyone new to songwriting and looking to understand the basics.
5. Songwriting: Writing, Arranging, and Producing Music (Berklee College of Music)
Songwriting: Writing, Arranging, and Producing Music is a specialization offered by Berklee College of Music through Coursera. This comprehensive program consists of four courses, each focusing on different aspects of songwriting: lyrics, music, arranging, and producing. Students will learn to generate thought-provoking lyrics, create balanced musical arrangements, and produce their own demos using Ableton Live. The specialization includes hands-on projects and activities to help students refine their musical ideas into polished song demos. This course is ideal for aspiring and established songwriters looking to develop their skills in writing, arranging, and producing music.
6. Songwriting: Writing the Lyrics (Berklee College of Music)
Songwriting: Writing the Lyrics is another course offered by Berklee College of Music, focusing specifically on the craft of lyric writing. The course covers various techniques for writing effective lyrics, including the use of rhyme schemes, phrasing, and emotional expression. Students will learn to identify stable and unstable lyrics, utilize different rhyming techniques, and clarify their ideas through phrasing. This course is designed to help songwriters develop their lyrical skills and create compelling and emotionally resonant songs. It is suitable for both beginners and experienced songwriters looking to improve their lyric writing abilities.
7. Writing Song Lyrics: Create and Combine with Melody – City Lit
Writing Song Lyrics: Create and Combine with Melody offered by City Lit is an online course tailored for songwriters and instrumentalists who find melody creation easier than lyric writing. The course runs over six weeks with sessions every Tuesday evening. It covers generating original ideas, structuring melodies, and using advanced lyrical techniques. Students will collaborate with classmates, analyze various genres, and work towards recording their songs by the end of the course. The practical approach and emphasis on collaboration make this course ideal for those looking to enhance their lyric writing skills and integrate them seamlessly with melodies.
8. The New Songwriter’s Workshop (Oli Rockberger)
The New Songwriter’s Workshop by Oli Rockberger, available on Soundfly, provides an in-depth look at the songwriting process from a professional’s perspective. Oli Rockberger, an acclaimed songwriter, shares his methods for choosing harmonic progressions and composing memorable melodies. The course is designed to be flexible, allowing students to learn at their own pace with the option of personalized mentorship. This workshop is perfect for songwriters looking to explore new techniques and refine their craft under the guidance of an experienced professional.
9. Songwriting and Composing Melodies (Lauren Buchter)
Songwriting and Composing Melodies by Lauren Buchter focuses on the intricate process of creating compelling melodies. This course covers various aspects of melody writing, including the use of scales, modes, and harmonic structures. Lauren Buchter, a seasoned songwriter and educator, provides practical exercises and examples to help students develop their melodic ideas. The course is suitable for songwriters at all levels who want to deepen their understanding of melody composition and enhance their songwriting skills.
10. The Fine Art of Songwriting (Steve Leslie)
The Fine Art of Songwriting by Steve Leslie, offered through the Indie Music Academy, is a comprehensive course that delves into the nuances of songwriting. Steve Leslie, a Grammy-winning songwriter, covers various song structures, lyrical techniques, and melody writing methods. The course is structured over five weeks of daily training, providing an immersive experience. Students will learn to connect with their listeners on a deeper level and refine their songwriting craft through practical exercises and detailed lessons. This course is ideal for those serious about advancing their songwriting abilities.
11. The Singer-Songwriter Specialization (Berklee College of Music)
The Singer-Songwriter Specialization by Berklee College of Music, available on Coursera, is a four-course series designed to help aspiring singer-songwriters write, perform, and record original music. The specialization covers guitar basics, vocal techniques, songwriting tools, and music production using Ableton Live. It includes practical projects such as playing a song, honing vocal styles, completing an original song, and producing a professional recording. This course is perfect for beginners with a passion for music and a desire to develop their songwriting and performance skills.
