As a music teacher, I’ve always been passionate about helping others discover their musical talents, but one area I’ve always wanted to explore more deeply is songwriting. There’s something magical about turning emotions, stories, and ideas into melodies and lyrics that can connect with people on a profound level.
Whether you’re a beginner looking to write your first song or someone like me—an educator hoping to refine your skills and inspire others—there’s no shortage of incredible resources out there to guide you on this creative journey.
That’s why I’ve compiled this list of the 10 best songwriting courses, each offering unique insights and techniques to help you unlock your inner songwriter. Let’s dive in and find the perfect course to spark your creativity!
Table of Contents
1. The Singer-Songwriter Specialization (Berklee College of Music)
The Singer-Songwriter Specialization offered by Berklee College of Music is a comprehensive, four-course program designed to equip aspiring musicians with the skills needed to write, perform, and produce their own music. The curriculum begins with foundational guitar lessons in Guitar for Beginners, where students learn chords, scales, strumming patterns, and fingerpicking techniques. This is followed by Singing Popular Music, which focuses on vocal techniques, breath control, and developing a unique singing style. The program then delves into songwriting with Songwriting: Writing the Lyrics, teaching students about rhyme schemes, syllable stress, and lyrical phrasing. Finally, participants learn music production in Introduction to Ableton Live, gaining hands-on experience in recording and editing both MIDI and real instruments.
A key feature of this specialization is its applied learning projects. Students progress from playing a song using a lead sheet to performing their own compositions and producing polished recordings. By the end of the program, participants have a complete original song and a professional-quality demo. This specialization is ideal for those looking to develop a well-rounded skill set in songwriting, performance, and production.
2. Lyrics Writing Course by Jacob Carter
The Lyrics Writing Course, created by lyricist Jacob Carter, is a comprehensive online program designed for aspiring songwriters and lyricists who want to master the art of writing impactful lyrics. With over 10 years of experience in the music industry, Carter has developed a six-module course that covers every aspect of lyric writing, from finding inspiration to collaborating with other artists. The course is accessible to learners worldwide and offers lifetime access to all materials, making it a flexible and valuable resource for beginners and experienced songwriters alike.
The Lyrics Writing Course begins with foundational lessons on discovering inspiration and developing a unique lyrical style. Students then explore lyrical structure, rhyme schemes, and storytelling techniques by analyzing famous songs. Advanced modules focus on literary tools like imagery, metaphor, and characterization to add depth to lyrics, as well as genre-specific conventions to tailor songs to different musical styles. The final module emphasizes co-writing skills, preparing students to collaborate effectively in real-world songwriting scenarios.
The course includes HD video lessons, printable resources, and practical exercises, ensuring a hands-on learning experience. Participants also benefit from Carter’s industry insights and optional one-on-one mentoring for personalized guidance. Upon completion, students receive a certificate of achievement and the confidence to craft original, polished lyrics that resonate with audiences. This course is ideal for anyone passionate about songwriting—whether for personal expression or professional aspirations.
3. Songwriting: Create Lyric Writing Approaches (Academy of Music and Sound Online)
The Songwriting: Create Lyric Writing Approaches course by the Academy of Music and Sound Online is tailored for songwriters at all levels who want to enhance their lyrical creativity. Spanning four weeks, the course covers essential aspects of lyric writing through weekly themes. Week one focuses on sensory writing techniques with “Show, Don’t Tell,” encouraging journaling and vivid imagery. Week two explores inspiration through “Collecting Inspiration,” introducing methods like “art as theft” to mine creative ideas. Week three emphasizes storytelling with narrative techniques and metaphor creation, while week four addresses prosody and the art of finishing songs.
This course offers practical exercises and creative discussions to help participants overcome writer’s block, develop their unique voice, and refine their lyrical output. It’s particularly beneficial for those who want to explore diverse approaches to lyric writing without committing to a full-time academic program. With its flexible online format, this course is accessible to anyone seeking to invigorate their songwriting process.
4. The Fine Art of Songwriting (Steve Leslie)
Steve Leslie’s The Fine Art of Songwriting delves deeply into the craft of creating compelling songs that resonate emotionally with listeners. This course emphasizes storytelling as the backbone of effective songwriting, teaching participants how to structure songs that connect on both personal and universal levels. Leslie draws on his extensive experience as an award-winning songwriter to guide students through key elements such as melody creation, lyrical phrasing, and song arrangement.
A standout feature of this course is its focus on practical application. Participants engage in exercises designed to refine their skills in crafting memorable hooks, developing cohesive narratives, and balancing artistic expression with commercial appeal. Leslie also provides insights into the music industry, offering strategies for navigating the business side of songwriting. This course is ideal for those looking to elevate their songwriting craft while gaining valuable industry knowledge from a seasoned professional.
5. Songwriting: Writing, Arranging, and Producing Music (Berklee College of Music)
The Songwriting: Writing, Arranging, and Producing Music specialization from Berklee College of Music is a four-course series designed to guide songwriters through the complete creative process, from initial lyric and melody creation to arranging and producing polished demos. The program starts with foundational courses on lyric writing and melody construction, emphasizing emotional expression and effective rhyming techniques. From there, students learn to develop balanced arrangements that complement their lyrics and melodies, incorporating elements like harmonic choices and instrumentation. The final stage focuses on music production using digital audio workstations (DAWs) like Ableton Live.
This specialization is ideal for both beginners and experienced songwriters, as it provides a structured approach to refining musical ideas into professional-quality songs. Through applied learning projects, participants gain hands-on experience in songwriting, arranging, and production, culminating in a fully realized demo. With guidance from Berklee’s award-winning faculty, this course equips students with the tools to craft impactful songs that resonate with listeners.
6. How to Write Your First Song (The University of Sheffield)
The How to Write Your First Song course by the University of Sheffield is a beginner-friendly program designed to introduce participants to the fundamentals of songwriting. Over six weeks, students explore key concepts such as melody creation, chord progressions, rhythm, and song structure. The course also covers techniques like metre and scansion for setting words to music, helping participants align lyrics with rhythm effectively.
This online course encourages creativity through weekly challenges that guide learners in building their first original song step by step. By the end of the program, students will have developed a complete song while gaining a deeper understanding of musical elements like major and minor chords, effective melodies, and song forms. Accessible to anyone with an interest in songwriting, this course is perfect for those looking to take their first steps in music composition.
7. The Lyric Writer’s Workroom – Songcraft
The Lyric Writer’s Workroom – Songcraft course focuses on the art of lyric writing, offering in-depth guidance for aspiring songwriters who want to hone their craft. This program emphasizes storytelling through lyrics, exploring techniques such as metaphor creation, imagery development, and emotional resonance. Participants learn how to craft lyrics that not only convey meaning but also evoke strong emotional responses from listeners.
Practical exercises are a core component of this course, helping students overcome writer’s block and refine their lyrical style. Whether you’re working on your first song or looking to elevate your existing skills, this course provides valuable insights into the nuances of lyric writing. With its focus on creativity and storytelling, it’s an excellent choice for those who want to master the lyrical aspect of songwriting.
8. MasterClass: Songwriting with Alicia Keys
The Songwriting with Alicia Keys course on MasterClass offers an intimate look into the creative process of the 15-time Grammy-winning artist. Spanning 19 video lessons over 3 hours and 22 minutes, this course is designed to inspire aspiring songwriters by showcasing Alicia’s unique approach to songwriting and music production. Through personal anecdotes and practical demonstrations, Alicia shares how she crafts lyrics, melodies, and arrangements that reflect authentic emotion. Lessons cover topics such as journaling for inspiration, connecting to the world around you, and using empathy to write impactful songs. She also breaks down her iconic tracks like Fallin’, providing insights into how her personal experiences shape her music.
While the course is rich in storytelling and inspiration, it leans more toward showcasing Alicia’s artistic philosophy rather than offering step-by-step technical guidance. This makes it ideal for fans of Alicia Keys or those seeking a deeper understanding of emotional expression in songwriting. With its high production quality and engaging content, this MasterClass provides a rare glimpse into the mind of one of the world’s most celebrated singer-songwriters.
9. The Art of Songwriting (Belmont University)
Belmont University’s The Art of Songwriting course is a foundational program that combines creativity, skill-building, and self-expression to help students become well-rounded songwriters. Led by Emily Falvey and a network of renowned industry professionals, this course emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and hands-on practice. Participants learn essential skills such as crafting compelling melodies, employing various rhyme schemes, and telling personal stories through song. Additionally, the course addresses practical challenges like overcoming writer’s block, cataloging ideas systematically, and developing a creative routine.
What sets this program apart is its focus on collaboration and real-world application. Students are encouraged to co-write songs, explore different genres, and refine their work through feedback from peers and instructors. By the end of the course, participants gain not only technical expertise but also a deeper understanding of how to communicate a song’s story sonically. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking to build a solid foundation in songwriting while preparing for professional opportunities in the music industry.
10. The Basics of Pro Songwriting (Tom Worth)
Tom Worth’s The Basics of Pro Songwriting offers practical guidance for aspiring songwriters aiming to break into the music industry. This course is tailored to teach participants how to write commercially viable songs by focusing on essential elements like structure, melody, lyrics, and hooks. Worth draws on his extensive experience as a professional songwriter to provide actionable tips on creating songs that resonate with both listeners and industry professionals.
A key highlight of this course is its focus on understanding market trends and tailoring songs for specific audiences. Worth emphasizes the importance of balancing artistic expression with commercial appeal, making this program particularly valuable for those seeking success in competitive music markets. With its straightforward approach and emphasis on practical skills, The Basics of Pro Songwriting is ideal for anyone looking to elevate their craft and navigate the business side of songwriting effectively.
