
As a passionate cellist embarking on the journey of songwriting, I’ve found myself yearning to express my musical ideas beyond the realm of classical compositions. While my cello skills continue to grow, I’ve realized that crafting my own songs requires a different set of tools and techniques. This realization led me on a quest to find the best songwriting courses available, ones that could help me bridge the gap between my instrumental prowess and my desire to create original music.
In my search, I’ve discovered a wealth of online courses tailored to aspiring songwriters like myself. Whether you’re a fellow instrumentalist looking to expand your creative horizons or a complete beginner in the world of music, these courses offer invaluable insights into the art of songwriting.
From lyric writing to melody crafting, and even the intricacies of music production, the following list of 10 best songwriting courses covers a wide range of skills essential for anyone looking to write their own songs.
1. The Lyric Writer’s Workroom – Songcraft
The Lyric Writer’s Workroom, offered by Songcraft, is an intensive course designed to help aspiring songwriters hone their lyrical skills. Led by experienced instructors, this program focuses on the craft of lyric writing, providing students with practical tools and techniques to enhance their songwriting abilities. The course covers essential topics such as developing strong hooks, crafting compelling narratives, and using literary devices effectively in lyrics. Through a combination of lectures, writing exercises, and peer feedback sessions, participants gain valuable insights into the art of lyric writing and learn how to express their ideas more powerfully through song.
2. Lyrics Writing Course by Jacob Carter
Jacob Carter’s Lyrics Writing Course is a comprehensive online program designed to help aspiring songwriters and lyricists hone their craft. With over 10 years of experience in the music industry, Carter offers a unique blend of practical knowledge and creative insights to guide students through the intricacies of lyric writing. The course is structured into six modules, covering essential topics such as finding inspiration, understanding lyrical structure and style, and developing effective writing techniques.
One of the standout features of this course is its focus on developing depth in songwriting. Carter emphasizes the importance of using literary tools like imagery, metaphor, and characterization to create memorable and impactful lyrics. Students are encouraged to explore various creative writing methods and develop their unique style, making the course suitable for both beginners and experienced songwriters looking to refine their skills.
The Lyrics Writing Course goes beyond just teaching the basics of rhyme and meter. It delves into genre-specific knowledge, helping students understand the common themes and styles associated with different music genres. This approach enables participants to tailor their lyrics to specific musical styles, broadening their versatility as songwriters. Additionally, the course covers the art of collaboration, providing valuable insights into co-writing and working effectively with other artists and songwriters.
Carter’s teaching methodology combines theoretical knowledge with practical application. The course includes HD video lessons, printable resources, and real-life exercises, allowing students to immediately apply what they’ve learned. This hands-on approach helps solidify the concepts and techniques taught throughout the program. Furthermore, the course offers lifetime access to all materials, enabling students to revisit lessons and continue refining their skills long after completing the initial program.
3. Songwriting: Writing, Arranging, and Producing Music (Berklee College of Music)
Berklee College of Music’s Songwriting: Writing, Arranging, and Producing Music specialization is a comprehensive four-course series that covers all aspects of modern songwriting. This program is designed for both beginners and experienced songwriters looking to refine their skills. The specialization begins with lyric writing, progresses through melody and harmony, and culminates in arranging and producing. Students learn to generate effective lyrics, create supporting melodies and accompaniments, develop balanced arrangements, and produce song demos using digital audio workstations. The course is taught by award-winning Berklee faculty and provides a well-rounded education in contemporary songwriting techniques.
4. The Art of Songwriting (Belmont University)
Belmont University’s The Art of Songwriting is a self-paced, 12-hour online course that offers a unique blend of creative inspiration and practical industry knowledge. Led by experienced instructor Emily Falvey and featuring contributions from renowned songwriters and music industry professionals, this course covers a wide range of topics. Students learn how to find inspiration, overcome writer’s block, apply technical aspects of songwriting, tell effective stories through song, and collaborate with other writers. The program also addresses the challenges of maintaining artistic integrity in the music industry and building a sustainable songwriting career. With its focus on both creative and business aspects of songwriting, this course provides a comprehensive foundation for aspiring songwriters.
5. Toplining 101: Melody & Lyrics in Songwriting (Skillshare)
Toplining 101, offered on Skillshare, is an introductory course focused on the art of creating melodies and lyrics for existing instrumental tracks. Taught by experienced songwriter Clare Dove, this course provides practical techniques for crafting memorable and meaningful toplining that connects with listeners. The program covers essential topics such as understanding what toplining is, developing hooks, writing effective lyrics, and creating melodies that complement existing instrumentals. Through a series of lessons and exercises, students learn how to approach songwriting consistently and find inspiration for great melody and lyric combinations. This course is suitable for beginners and experienced musicians alike, offering valuable insights into the creative process of modern pop songwriting.
6. The Basics of Pro Songwriting (Tom Worth)
The Basics of Pro Songwriting, created by industry veteran Tom Worth, is a comprehensive video course designed to elevate your songwriting skills to a professional level. With over 20 years of experience in the music industry, Worth shares the exact methods used to write commercial songs that have topped the charts. The course covers both fundamental and advanced songwriting techniques, addressing common mistakes that can hinder success. Students learn about commercial songwriting fundamentals, the craft of songwriting, and even get to observe the instructor’s songwriting process in action. This 6-hour course is suitable for beginners and experienced songwriters looking to refine their skills and increase their chances of success in the music industry.
7. Commercial Songwriting Techniques – Berklee Online
Commercial Songwriting Techniques, offered by Berklee Online, is an in-depth course that focuses on creating commercially viable songs while maintaining artistic integrity. Developed by Andrea Stolpe, a multiplatinum songwriter with extensive industry experience, this course teaches a ten-step process for reproducing the traits of successful songs. Students learn techniques such as “toggling” between detailed and broad perspectives, and “destination writing” to enhance descriptive skills in lyrics. The course covers various aspects of songwriting, including lyric writing, melody construction, and effective combination of lyrics with music. By the end of the program, participants will have completed three full songs and developed ideas for many more. This course is ideal for songwriters looking to streamline their writing process and create more impactful, commercially appealing songs.
8. The Fine Art of Songwriting (Steve Leslie)
The Fine Art of Songwriting, created by Grammy-winning songwriter Steve Leslie, is an intensive 5-week program designed to transform how students approach songwriting. Drawing from his 25+ year career writing for artists like Kenny Rogers and George Strait, Leslie offers in-depth guidance on crafting professional-level songs. The course covers essential topics such as chorus writing, melody crafting, and determining when a bridge is needed. Each day, students receive training that helps them develop their song structure and turn ideas into fully-written compositions. While not ideal for complete beginners, this course is an excellent choice for intermediate songwriters looking to elevate their skills and produce more polished, commercially viable songs. The comprehensive nature of the program, combined with Leslie’s industry expertise, makes it a valuable resource for those serious about improving their songwriting craft.
9. The New Songwriter’s Workshop (Oli Rockberger)
Offered through Soundfly, The New Songwriter’s Workshop is led by acclaimed songwriter Oli Rockberger. This comprehensive course delves deep into the intricacies of songwriting, covering a wide range of topics essential for creating impactful music. Rockberger shares his methods for choosing harmonic progressions and composing memorable melodies, providing students with professional-level insights. The course is designed to be flexible, allowing participants to learn at their own pace. One of its standout features is the option for personalized mentorship, giving students the opportunity to receive one-on-one guidance from an expert. This workshop is particularly beneficial for songwriters looking to explore new techniques and refine their craft under the guidance of an experienced professional. The blend of theoretical knowledge and practical exercises makes it suitable for songwriters at various skill levels, from beginners to more experienced writers seeking to expand their repertoire.
10. How to Write Lyrics – The Song Foundry
How to Write Lyrics, offered by The Song Foundry, is a comprehensive course focused specifically on the art of lyric writing. Created by Ed Bell, this program is designed to help songwriters craft impactful and memorable lyrics. The course consists of over five hours of HD video lessons spread across seven modules, accompanied by a 32-page course booklet. It covers essential topics such as using rhyme effectively, structuring lyrics, writing singable lyrics, and mastering prosody – the art of fitting lyrics seamlessly to a melody. Students learn practical strategies for developing and refining their lyric ideas, with real-life applications for various songwriting styles. 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. With its focus on both theory and practical application, this course aims to give participants the confidence to express themselves effectively and complete new lyric projects with skill and creativity.