11 Songwriting Courses Worth Your Time

As a budding violinist with a passion for music, I’ve always been captivated by the magic of songwriting. There’s something truly special about creating melodies that resonate with others and penning lyrics that touch hearts. While I’ve been diligently practicing my scales and perfecting my bow technique, I’ve realized that my musical journey wouldn’t be complete without exploring the art of songwriting.

The violin, with its rich, emotive tones, has so much potential for crafting unique songs. But where do I start? How do I transform the melodies dancing in my head into fully-fledged compositions? These questions led me on a quest to find the best songwriting courses available. Whether you’re a fellow string player, a guitarist, a pianist, or simply someone with a tune in their heart, I believe these courses can help unlock your inner songwriter.

In this article, I’ll share with you the 11 best songwriting courses I’ve discovered. From lyric writing to melody crafting, from understanding song structure to exploring different genres, these courses cover it all. They’re taught by industry professionals, acclaimed songwriters, and respected institutions, offering a wealth of knowledge and practical skills.

1. The Fine Art of Songwriting (Steve Leslie)

Steve Leslie, a Grammy-award-winning songwriter with an impressive 25-year career, offers a comprehensive course that delves deep into the art of songwriting. “The Fine Art of Songwriting” consists of 33 daily video lessons covering a wide range of topics, from crafting powerful choruses to understanding the intricacies of melody writing. Leslie’s extensive experience, which includes writing for renowned artists like Kenny Rogers, George Strait, and Darius Rucker, lends credibility and depth to his teachings. This course is particularly beneficial for intermediate songwriters looking to elevate their craft and potentially break into commercial songwriting. While it may be too advanced for absolute beginners, it’s an excellent choice for those seeking to overcome creative blocks and produce songs they can be truly proud of.

2. Lyrics Writing Course by Jacob Carter

Jacob Carter’s Lyrics Writing Course offers a comprehensive and accessible approach to mastering the art of lyric writing. This online program is designed to cater to a wide range of aspiring songwriters, from complete beginners to those looking to refine their skills. The course stands out for its focus on practical, real-world applications of lyric writing techniques, drawing from Carter’s decade-long experience in the music industry.

The curriculum is thoughtfully structured into six modules, covering essential aspects of lyric writing. Students begin by exploring methods to find inspiration and develop their unique writing style. They then delve into the intricacies of lyrical structure and style, learning to craft effective verses, choruses, and bridges. The course also emphasizes the importance of literary tools such as imagery and metaphor, helping students create depth and resonance in their lyrics. Additionally, it addresses genre-specific knowledge and collaboration skills, providing a well-rounded education in songwriting.

What sets this course apart is its blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application. Carter incorporates HD video lessons, printable resources, and hands-on exercises to ensure students not only understand the concepts but can also apply them effectively. The course promises to equip participants with a toolkit of strategies for writing polished, impactful lyrics across various genres. Moreover, the lifetime access to course materials allows students to revisit lessons and continue honing their skills long after completing the program.

Carter’s background as both an academic and a practicing lyricist lends credibility to the course. His studies in English Literature at the University of Oxford, combined with his experience in an indie band, provide a unique perspective that bridges the gap between literary analysis and practical songwriting. This blend of academic rigor and real-world experience is evident in the course’s approach to teaching lyric writing as both an art and a craft.

The Lyrics Writing Course is more than just an educational program; it’s part of a larger mission to democratize lyric writing. Carter and his team aim to make lyric writing a common skill, accessible to anyone who wishes to express themselves through song. Their goal of teaching at least 5,000 students worldwide reflects their commitment to spreading the joy and power of lyric writing beyond the confines of the professional music industry.

3. Lyric Writing: Tools and Strategies – Berklee Online

Berklee Online’s “Lyric Writing: Tools and Strategies” course, authored by the esteemed Pat Pattison, offers a deep dive into the craft of lyric writing. This undergraduate-level course is designed to sharpen lyric writing skills and explore techniques that have helped Pattison’s students win Grammys and write chart-topping songs. The curriculum covers essential aspects such as idea generation, word choice, and organizing rhythms and rhymes into compelling song structures. Over 12 weeks, students engage in various activities, including daily object writing exercises and balanced section writing, to enhance their creativity and structural understanding. The course is suitable for both beginners and experienced writers, providing valuable insights into crafting more vivid and effective lyrics.

4. Songwriting Simplified: Music Theory, Melody & Creativity – Udemy

The Udemy course “Songwriting Simplified: Music Theory, Melody & Creativity” offers a practical approach to songwriting, suitable for both pianists and guitarists. This course stands out by promising that students will write a complete song by the end, following five simple steps. It covers a broad range of topics, including music theory fundamentals, chord progressions, melody writing, and lyric composition. The course is particularly helpful for those who can play basic chords on piano or guitar but want to expand their songwriting skills. It also caters to singers who wish to become more independent in their songwriting process. With over 20 downloadable PDFs and various resources like chord and scale charts, this course provides a comprehensive toolkit for aspiring songwriters. The emphasis on practical application and the promise of completing a song make it an attractive option for those seeking a hands-on learning experience.

5. The Singer-Songwriter Specialization (Berklee College of Music)

Berklee College of Music, renowned for its music education programs, offers “The Singer-Songwriter Specialization” through Coursera. This comprehensive online course is designed to equip aspiring singer-songwriters with a well-rounded skill set. The specialization consists of several modules covering crucial aspects of the craft, including guitar playing, vocal techniques, lyric writing, and music production.

Students begin with “Guitar for Beginners,” learning essential chords, scales, strumming patterns, and fingerpicking techniques. The “Singing Popular Music” module focuses on developing proper vocal techniques, breathing support, and exploring personal style. The songwriting component delves into lyric writing, emphasizing the importance of stress patterns and rhyme schemes. Additionally, the course covers music production, teaching students how to record, edit, and mix their compositions professionally.

What sets this specialization apart is its comprehensive approach, combining instrumental skills, vocal training, songwriting techniques, and production knowledge. This holistic curriculum ensures that graduates are well-equipped to create, perform, and produce their original music independently.

6. The New Songwriter’s Workshop (Oli Rockberger)

Oli Rockberger, a professional pianist, producer, and songwriter, offers “The New Songwriter’s Workshop” through the Soundfly platform. This course stands out for its strong emphasis on melody, a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of songwriting.

The workshop is structured into nine sections, each containing multiple lessons. It begins with the fundamentals of song structure, promising that students will be able to write a simple song after completing just the first two sections. From there, the course delves deep into the art of creating unique and compelling melodies.

Rockberger’s approach is particularly beneficial for piano-based songwriters, though the principles can be applied to other instruments as well. The course also explores various songwriting approaches, broadening students’ perspectives and encouraging creative experimentation. With its focus on practical application and immediate results, this workshop is ideal for beginners and intermediate songwriters looking to enhance their melodic skills and expand their songwriting toolkit.

7. MasterClass: Songwriting with Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys, a 15-time Grammy Award-winning artist, shares her expertise in songwriting and producing through her MasterClass. This course offers a unique blend of technical instruction and inspirational guidance, reflecting Keys’ own approach to music creation.

The class consists of 19 video lessons, covering a wide range of topics from developing lyrics to recording and layering vocals. Keys emphasizes the importance of authenticity, empathy, and vulnerability in songwriting, encouraging students to connect deeply with their emotions and experiences. She introduces her concept of “songwriting with soul,” guiding students through her distinctive process.

A highlight of the course is Keys’ breakdown of her hit songs “No One” and “Fallin’,” providing invaluable insights into her creative process. She also discusses the technical aspects of production, including her use of vocal arrangements and her approach in the recording booth.

What makes this MasterClass particularly valuable is Keys’ focus on the purpose and power of music. She shares personal anecdotes and experiences, offering rare glimpses into the life and mindset of a successful artist. While some may find certain sections less technically detailed, the course excels in inspiring creativity and helping songwriters find their unique voice.

8. Songwriting: Create Lyric Writing Approaches (Academy of Music and Sound Online)

The Academy of Music and Sound Online offers a free four-week course titled “Songwriting: Creative Lyric Writing Approaches.” This course is designed to cater to both experienced songwriters and beginners, providing fresh and exciting approaches to creating lyrical content. Each week focuses on important elements of songwriting, featuring interviews, podcasts, and activities. The course structure encourages student participation in group forums, allowing for peer feedback and idea sharing.

One of the key advantages of this course is its accessibility – it requires no prior education or experience in songwriting. The only equipment needed is a writing pad, pen, and headphones. This makes it an excellent starting point for those new to songwriting or those looking to refresh their skills. The course’s focus on lyrical content can be particularly beneficial for writers looking to enhance their storytelling abilities through song.

9. The Lyric Writer’s Workroom – Songcraft

Songcraft’s “The Lyric Writer’s Workroom” is a comprehensive course that delves deep into the craft of lyric writing. While specific details about this course are not provided in the search results, courses of this nature typically focus on various aspects of lyric writing, including structure, rhyme schemes, metaphor usage, and storytelling techniques. The “workroom” concept suggests a hands-on approach, likely involving numerous writing exercises and opportunities for feedback.

Such courses often cater to songwriters at various skill levels, providing tools and techniques to enhance lyrical creativity and effectiveness. The focus on lyrics can be particularly beneficial for those who feel confident in their musical abilities but want to strengthen their lyrical prowess.

10. The Art of Songwriting (Belmont University)

Belmont University’s “The Art of Songwriting” is a foundational course that aims to transform learners into well-rounded and well-informed songwriters. Led by Emily Falvey and featuring contributions from industry-renowned songwriters and music producers, this course offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application.

The course covers a wide range of skills, including collaboration, communicating a song’s story sonically, coping with writer’s block, and creating an organized system for cataloging ideas. It also focuses on cultivating inspiration, developing a creative routine, and employing different types of rhyme. Importantly, the course addresses the personal aspects of songwriting, teaching students how to cultivate a routine of self-care and tell personal stories through song.

This comprehensive approach makes it an excellent choice for aspiring songwriters looking to develop a holistic understanding of the craft while also honing their practical skills.

11. How to Write Your First Song (The University of Sheffield)

The University of Sheffield offers “How to Write Your First Song,” a six-week course designed to introduce beginners to the tools and techniques needed for songwriting. Led by Adam White, a professional musician and associate lecturer in music, the course covers fundamental aspects of songwriting in a structured, step-by-step manner.

The syllabus includes setting words to music, understanding time and pitch, working with melody, exploring chords and chord progressions, learning about song forms, and arranging songs. Each week, students work with specially-commissioned lyrics to build up their songwriting skills progressively.

This course is particularly suitable for absolute beginners or those with limited songwriting experience. Its structured approach and focus on the basics make it an excellent starting point for anyone looking to write their first song. The course is offered through FutureLearn, providing a flexible learning experience with free access and an option for a fee-based certificate.