As someone who’s been tickling the ivories for the past five years, I’ve come to realize that playing the piano is only half the battle. While I can now confidently navigate through complex pieces, there’s always been a nagging desire to create my own music. The thought of composing melodies that resonate with others and penning lyrics that touch hearts has become my new obsession. But where to start? That’s the question that led me down the rabbit hole of online Songwriting Courses.
After hours of research and sifting through countless reviews, I’ve compiled a list of what I believe to be the 10 best songwriting courses available today. Whether you’re a fellow piano enthusiast looking to expand your musical horizons, or a complete novice with a burning desire to express yourself through song, there’s something here for everyone. These courses cover everything from the basics of lyric writing to the intricacies of melody composition and even the business side of songwriting.
So, if you’re ready to transform those musical ideas swirling in your head into fully-fledged songs, join me as we explore these top-notch songwriting courses.
1. Commercial Songwriting Techniques – Berklee Online
Commercial Songwriting Techniques, offered by Berklee Online, is a comprehensive 12-week course designed to help songwriters create hit songs for the commercial music industry.
Authored by Andrea Stolpe, a seasoned songwriter with over a decade of experience, this course combines theory and practical skill-building to teach students how to craft memorable melodies and lyrics that forge an emotional connection with listeners. The curriculum includes a unique ten-step process for reproducing traits of successful songs while maintaining the writer’s unique voice. Students learn valuable techniques such as “toggling” between detailed and broad perspectives, and “destination writing” which utilizes all senses as creative springboards. By the end of the course, participants will have completed three full songs and developed ideas for many more, making it an excellent choice for those serious about succeeding in commercial songwriting.
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. The course is structured into six modules, covering essential aspects of lyric writing such as finding inspiration, understanding lyrical structure and style, crafting impactful lyrics, developing songwriting depth, exploring genre-specific knowledge, and learning collaboration skills.
Led by Jacob Carter, a seasoned lyricist with over 10 years of experience, the course provides students with practical insights, industry knowledge, and hands-on experience through HD video lessons, printable resources, and real-life exercises. Carter’s background in English Literature from the University of Oxford, combined with his experience in an indie band, gives him a unique perspective on both the academic and practical aspects of songwriting.
The course is designed to be accessible and beneficial for beginners, songwriters, and singer-songwriters alike. It aims to teach students how to find inspiration, master lyrical structure and style, and craft their own compelling lyrics. Throughout the modules, students will explore various creative writing methods, analyze famous song lyrics, and learn to use literary tools such as imagery, metaphor, and characterization to create unforgettable lyrics.
One of the key strengths of this course is its focus on practical application. Students engage in hands-on exercises and real-life applications to hone their lyric writing skills. The course also offers insights into the music industry, drawing from Carter’s extensive experience. By the end of the course, participants are expected to have a deeper understanding of lyric writing, a toolkit of effective strategies, and the confidence to express themselves through their songs.
3. How to Write Lyrics – The Song Foundry
The Song Foundry’s “How to Write Lyrics” course is an in-depth program designed to help songwriters craft impactful and memorable lyrics. Created by Ed Bell, this course covers essential topics including rhyme, lyric structure, prosody, and writing singable lyrics.
Through over five hours of HD video lessons and a comprehensive 32-page course booklet, students learn practical strategies for developing and refining their lyric ideas. The course is structured into seven modules, each packed with invaluable ideas, techniques, and real-life applications. Suitable for beginner to intermediate songwriters, this course offers lifetime access to all materials, making it a valuable resource for continuous learning and improvement. Participants can expect to gain confidence in their ability to express themselves and complete new lyric projects effectively.
4. Songwriting Hit Mastery: Lyric Writing, Music Theory (Udemy)
Songwriting Hit Mastery: Lyric Writing, Music Theory, available on Udemy, is a comprehensive course designed for both beginners and experienced songwriters looking to enhance their skills.
This course covers a wide range of topics, including song structures, lyric writing, melody construction, and chord progressions. With over 70 video lessons totaling more than 3.5 hours of content, students receive in-depth instruction on creating great song ideas, understanding common themes, and crafting elevated lyrics and melodies. The course also delves into core music business topics such as collaboration, industry networking, and monetization strategies for songwriters. Taught by a professional songwriter with over 20 years of industry experience, this course offers insider tips and practical exercises to accelerate students’ songwriting development. The step-by-step layout and additional resources make it an excellent choice for those looking to level up their songwriting skills efficiently.
5. Songwriting: Writing, Arranging, and Producing Music (Berklee College of Music)
Berklee College of Music’s “Songwriting: Writing, Arranging, and Producing Music” is a comprehensive specialization offered through Coursera. This program consists of four courses, each focusing on a different aspect of the songwriting process: lyrics, music, arranging, and producing. The specialization is designed to provide both aspiring and established songwriters with strategies and practices to develop hit songs. Students learn to generate thought-provoking lyrics, create melodies and accompaniments that support their words, develop balanced arrangements for live and recorded performances, and produce song demos using Ableton Live. Throughout the program, learners engage in various activities to refine their musical ideas into polished song demos. The course is taught by award-winning Berklee Songwriting Faculty, ensuring high-quality instruction from industry professionals.
6. Songwriting and Composing Melodies (Lauren Buchter)
Lauren Buchter’s “Songwriting and Composing Melodies” course offers an in-depth exploration of melody writing for songwriters at all levels. Buchter, an experienced composer and educator whose work has been featured on network TV shows and in Academy Award-winning films, brings her extensive knowledge to this course.
The program covers various aspects of melody composition, including the use of scales, modes, and harmonic structures. Students learn practical techniques for developing melodic ideas through exercises and examples provided by Buchter. The course is particularly beneficial for those looking to deepen their understanding of melody composition and enhance their overall songwriting skills. With over 13,400 students enrolled and a 73% rating, this course has proven to be a popular choice for aspiring songwriters seeking to improve their melodic craftsmanship.
7. MasterClass: Songwriting with Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys’ MasterClass on songwriting offers a unique insight into the creative process of a Grammy-winning artist.
The course consists of 19 video lessons totaling 3 hours and 22 minutes, covering various aspects of songwriting and music production. Keys shares her personal experiences and techniques, focusing on finding inspiration, writing lyrics and melodies, and working in the music industry. The course is particularly valuable for those new to the music industry and music-making, as well as fans of Alicia Keys.
Throughout the lessons, Keys provides a blend of anecdotes, songwriting walk-throughs, and inspiring stories. She discusses her musical influences, demonstrates her songwriting process, and even offers a songwriting workshop where she advises a young artist. While the course is somewhat subjective, focusing heavily on Keys’ personal approach, it offers valuable insights into the creative process of a successful artist and provides inspiration for aspiring songwriters.
8. Lyric Writing: Tools and Strategies – Berklee Online
Berklee Online’s “Lyric Writing: Tools and Strategies” is a comprehensive 12-week course designed to enhance lyric writing skills for both beginners and experienced songwriters. Authored by Pat Pattison, a renowned lyricist and professor, this course focuses on generating better ideas, finding the right words, and organizing rhythms and rhymes into compelling verses, choruses, and bridges. The curriculum covers essential techniques such as rhyme structure, notating rhyme schemes, and creating forward motion with rhyme. Students engage in daily object writing activities to stimulate creativity and learn to create effective contrasts between song sections to enhance emotional impact. By the end of the course, participants develop a robust set of skills to craft vivid and emotionally resonant lyrics.
9. How to Write Your First Song (The University of Sheffield)
The University of Sheffield offers a free online course titled “How to Write Your First Song,” providing a practical introduction to songwriting mechanics. This course is designed for beginners and covers various aspects of songwriting, including setting words to music, working with melody, understanding chords and chord progressions, and exploring song forms. The curriculum is structured into six sequences, each focusing on different elements of songwriting. Students learn from established songwriters and gain hands-on experience in crafting their own songs. The course emphasizes practical application, encouraging participants to experiment with different techniques and develop their unique songwriting style.
10. The Art of Songwriting (Belmont University)
Belmont University’s “The Art of Songwriting” is a comprehensive online course designed to transform participants into well-rounded and informed songwriters. Led by Emily Falvey and featuring contributions from industry-renowned songwriters and music producers, this course offers a blend of theory and hands-on practice. The curriculum covers various aspects of songwriting, including techniques for overcoming writer’s block, applying technical elements like rhyme and song structure, effective storytelling through song, and Collaboration In co-writing scenarios. The course also addresses maintaining integrity in the music industry and building a sustainable career. With its focus on both creative and practical aspects of songwriting, this program is suitable for songwriters at various levels, from beginners to those looking to refine their craft.
