As a fellow music enthusiast and aspiring songwriter, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to find the right resources to hone your craft. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, the right course can make all the difference in your songwriting journey. Over the years, I’ve explored numerous courses, each offering unique insights and techniques that have helped shape my own approach to songwriting.
In this article, I’m excited to share with you the 11 best songwriting courses that have stood out to me for their exceptional content, expert instruction, and practical application.
1. Commercial Songwriting Techniques – Berklee Online
This course, authored by Andrea Stolpe, is designed for those aiming to write commercially successful songs. It offers a structured 12-week program that emphasizes both theory and practical skill-building. Participants learn a ten-step process to create memorable melodies and lyrics, focusing on emotional connections with the audience. The course covers various songwriting techniques, such as destination writing, which uses sensory experiences to enhance creativity. By the end of the course, students will have completed three songs and developed ideas for future projects.
Jacob Carter’s Lyrics Writing Course is a comprehensive program designed to elevate the skills of aspiring lyricists and songwriters. With over a decade of experience in the music industry, Jacob Carter offers a rich curriculum that spans six detailed modules.
The course begins by guiding students on how to find inspiration, helping them discover their unique writing style through various creative methods. It then delves into the intricacies of lyrical structure and style, teaching participants to analyze famous song lyrics and understand different writing formats. You can also read how Jacob Carter analyzes the
lyrics meaning of hundreds of songs.
A key component of the course is its focus on crafting impactful lyrics. Students learn to transform their ideas into complete song drafts and refine them to resonate with audiences.
The course also emphasizes the use of literary tools such as imagery, metaphor, and characterization, which are crucial for adding depth and uniqueness to lyrics. Understanding genre-specific conventions is another vital aspect, enabling students to tailor their lyrics to fit various musical styles.
Collaboration is an essential skill for any lyricist, and this course provides valuable insights into co-writing with other artists and songwriters. Practical experience is a cornerstone of the program, with hands-on exercises and real-life applications that allow students to hone their skills. The course is flexible, allowing learners to study at their own pace and providing lifetime access to all materials, including HD video lessons and printable resources.
Jacob Carter’s Lyrics Writing Course is suitable for beginners and experienced songwriters alike, offering a supportive environment to develop original and meaningful lyrics. By the end of the course, participants will have gained a deeper understanding of lyric writing, equipped with effective strategies and the confidence to express themselves through their songs.
3. MasterClass: Songwriting with Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys, a renowned singer-songwriter, offers a MasterClass that delves into her creative process. This course is ideal for songwriters looking to learn from a successful artist’s perspective. Alicia Keys shares insights into her songwriting journey, emphasizing authenticity and emotional expression. Students gain access to her techniques for crafting lyrics and melodies, as well as her approach to overcoming creative blocks. The course is a blend of personal anecdotes and practical advice, making it a unique learning experience for aspiring songwriters.
4. The New Songwriter’s Workshop (Oli Rockberger)
Oli Rockberger’s workshop is tailored for songwriters eager to refine their craft through interactive sessions and personalized feedback. This course focuses on developing a songwriter’s unique voice while providing tools to enhance lyrical and melodic composition. Participants engage in collaborative exercises and receive constructive critiques, fostering a supportive learning environment. The workshop is suitable for both beginners and experienced songwriters who wish to explore new creative avenues.
5. Songwriting: Writing the Lyrics (Berklee College of Music)
This course, part of Berklee College of Music’s offerings, is dedicated to the art of lyric writing. It provides a comprehensive exploration of lyrical techniques, including storytelling, rhyme schemes, and thematic development. Students learn to craft compelling lyrics that resonate with listeners, guided by experienced instructors. The course emphasizes the importance of lyrical structure and how it interacts with melody and harmony to create impactful songs.
6. The Lyric Writer’s Workroom – Songcraft
The Lyric Writer’s Workroom offers a focused approach to lyric writing, emphasizing the importance of crafting lyrics that are both meaningful and memorable. This course provides practical exercises and techniques for developing lyrical ideas, improving word choice, and enhancing the emotional depth of songs. Participants receive personalized feedback, allowing them to refine their skills and develop their unique lyrical style. The course is designed for lyricists at all levels who are committed to elevating their songwriting capabilities.
7. The Art of Songwriting (Belmont University)
This course at Belmont University is designed to elevate your songwriting skills by learning from industry professionals. It covers essential songwriting techniques, including rhyme, song structure, and commercial melodic development. The course also emphasizes storytelling through music and provides opportunities for collaboration in co-writing scenarios. Esteemed guest instructors, such as Grammy-winning songwriters and top publishing executives, contribute to the course, offering students a comprehensive understanding of the music industry.
8. Songwriting and Composing Melodies (Lauren Buchter)
Available on Skillshare, this course focuses on creating memorable melodies and songs that tell compelling stories. It is ideal for aspiring songwriters and composers, providing techniques for crafting melodies that evoke specific emotions such as heroism or romance. The course includes practical projects where students create custom pieces of music, simulating real-world composing scenarios for film, TV, and advertising.
9. Writing Song Lyrics: Create and Combine with Melody – City Lit
This online course at City Lit is perfect for songwriters who excel at melody creation but struggle with lyrics. It teaches students how to generate original lyrics and combine them with melodies. The course covers lyrical techniques, including rhyme schemes, structure, and creating hooks. Students also engage in collaborative projects, receiving feedback to refine their work. The course is suitable for beginners and experienced songwriters looking to enhance their lyrical skills.
10. The Singer-Songwriter Specialization (Berklee College of Music)
Offered through Coursera, this specialization consists of four courses designed to help you write, perform, and record original music. It covers basic guitar skills, vocal techniques, and songwriting tools. Students learn to transform their ideas and emotions into unique songs while gaining practical experience in recording and music production using digital audio workstations like Ableton Live. The specialization is beginner-friendly and provides a comprehensive foundation for aspiring singer-songwriters.
11. The Fine Art of Songwriting (Steve Leslie)
This course by Grammy-winning songwriter Steve Leslie offers an in-depth exploration of songwriting techniques. Over five weeks of daily training, participants learn about song structure, melody writing, and lyric crafting. The course emphasizes practical exercises and provides a supportive environment for songwriters of all genres to develop their skills. Steve Leslie’s extensive experience and industry insights make this course a valuable resource for those looking to connect with their audience on a deeper level.
Clare Louise 
