As an aspiring pop musician, I’ve always been fascinated by the magic of songwriting. There’s something incredibly powerful about crafting lyrics and melodies that can touch people’s hearts and get stuck in their heads for days. But let’s be honest, writing a great song isn’t as easy as it looks. That’s why I’ve been on the hunt for the best songwriting courses out there.
Whether you’re a complete beginner like me or someone looking to polish their skills, there’s always room to grow as a songwriter. In my quest to write the next chart-topping hit (or at least something my friends won’t laugh at), I’ve scoured the internet for the most
highly-recommended songwriting courses. From prestigious institutions like Berklee College of Music to online platforms offering lessons from Grammy-winning artists, the options are endless.
In this article, I’ll share my findings on the 10 best songwriting courses available. These courses cover everything from the basics of lyric writing and melody creation to advanced techniques in song structure and production.
1. Songwriting: Writing, Arranging, and Producing Music (Berklee College of Music)
Berklee College of Music, renowned for its music education programs, offers a comprehensive Songwriting specialization on Coursera. This course series covers the entire songwriting process, from writing lyrics and melodies to arranging and producing finished tracks. Taught by experienced Berklee faculty, the specialization consists of multiple courses that build upon each other, allowing students to develop their skills progressively. Participants learn essential music theory, lyric writing techniques, melody creation, harmony, and production basics. The program’s strength lies in its holistic approach, providing aspiring songwriters with a well-rounded education in both the creative and technical aspects of songwriting.
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 is structured into six modules that cover essential aspects of lyric writing, including finding inspiration, understanding lyrical structure and style, and developing songwriting depth.
One of the key strengths of this course is its focus on practical application. Students are encouraged to engage in hands-on exercises and real-life applications, allowing them to immediately put their newfound knowledge into practice. You can read how Jacob Carter analyzes the lyrics meaning of hundreds of songs. The course also emphasizes the importance of developing a unique writing style, guiding students to find their own voice in the world of songwriting.
Carter, who brings over 10 years of experience as a lyricist to the table, provides valuable industry insights throughout the course. His background in English Literature from the University of Oxford, coupled with his practical experience as a guitarist and member of an indie band, gives him a well-rounded perspective on lyric writing. This blend of academic knowledge and real-world experience allows Carter to offer a unique and comprehensive approach to teaching songwriting.
3. The New Songwriter’s Workshop (Oli Rockberger)
Oli Rockberger, an accomplished pianist and producer, presents The New Songwriter’s Workshop, an online course focused on melody-driven songwriting. Available through Soundfly for a monthly subscription of $39, this workshop is particularly beneficial for beginners looking to elevate their songwriting skills. The course is structured into nine sections, with the first two designed to equip students with the ability to compose a basic song independently. Rockberger places special emphasis on melody creation and development, setting this course apart from others. By introducing various songwriting techniques, the workshop expands students’ understanding of the creative possibilities in songwriting.
4. The Basics of Pro Songwriting (Tom Worth)
Tom Worth’s The Basics of Pro Songwriting is a comprehensive video course aimed at teaching commercial songwriting techniques. Priced at $4.00, this course offers over 6 hours of content covering both fundamental and advanced songwriting concepts. Worth, drawing from his decade-long industry experience, shares the exact methods used to create chart-topping hits. The course is structured to help students avoid common amateur mistakes while mastering professional songwriting techniques. With 21 online lessons, it covers crucial topics such as song structure, melody crafting, lyric writing, and production techniques. This course is particularly valuable for those aspiring to write radio-friendly songs and advance their songwriting careers.
5. Songwriting Simplified: Music Theory, Melody & Creativity (Udemy)
This Udemy course, taught by experienced musician and songwriter Gareth Green, offers a comprehensive approach to songwriting that combines music theory, melody creation, and creative techniques. The course is designed to help both beginners and intermediate songwriters develop their skills and overcome creative blocks. With over 5 hours of on-demand video content, students learn essential music theory concepts, chord progressions, and melody writing techniques. Green emphasizes practical application, guiding students through exercises to create their own original songs. The course also covers lyric writing and song structure, providing a well-rounded education in the craft of songwriting.
6. Songwriting Hit Mastery: Lyric Writing, Music Theory (Udemy)
Songwriting Hit Mastery, available on Udemy, is an in-depth course that focuses on the technical aspects of songwriting, particularly lyric writing and music theory. Taught by professional songwriter and producer Tomas George, this course offers over 12 hours of video content, covering a wide range of topics from basic chord progressions to advanced songwriting techniques. The course is structured to help students understand the elements that make hit songs successful, including hook writing, song structure, and effective lyric crafting. George also provides insights into the music industry and offers tips on how to market and promote your songs, making this course valuable for those aspiring to write commercially successful music.
7. Songwriting: Writing the Lyrics (Berklee College of Music)
Berklee College of Music offers this specialized course on lyric writing as part of their Songwriting specialization on Coursera. Taught by renowned songwriter Pat Pattison, the course delves deep into the art and craft of lyric writing. Students learn to define and identify key elements such as point of view, form, and the “who, what, where, when, and how” in a song. The course covers advanced techniques like using prosody to create stability or instability in lyrics, and explores various rhyming techniques to evoke specific emotions. With a focus on developing clear ideas through effective phrasing, this course is ideal for songwriters looking to elevate their lyrical skills and create more impactful songs.
8. The Singer-Songwriter Specialization (Berklee College of Music)
Berklee College of Music offers a comprehensive Singer-Songwriter Specialization on Coursera, consisting of four courses designed to develop a well-rounded skill set for aspiring singer-songwriters. This specialization covers guitar basics, vocal techniques, songwriting fundamentals, and music production. Students learn to play guitar chords and scales, develop healthy singing habits, craft lyrics and melodies, and record their music using digital audio workstations. The program is structured to help students progress from beginners to competent singer-songwriters, culminating in the creation of an original song portfolio. With instruction from Berklee’s renowned faculty, this specialization provides a solid foundation for those looking to pursue a career in songwriting and performance.
9. Toplining 101: Melody & Lyrics in Songwriting (Skillshare)
Toplining 101, available on Skillshare, focuses on the crucial elements of melody and lyric creation in songwriting. This course introduces students to the concept of “toplining” – the process of writing melodies and lyrics over existing instrumental tracks. It offers practical techniques for crafting memorable melodies and meaningful lyrics that connect with listeners. The instructor provides step-by-step guidance suitable for beginners and experienced musicians alike. Students learn to approach songwriting systematically, developing skills to consistently create compelling melodies and lyrics. The course emphasizes the importance of these elements as the foundation of any great song, encouraging students to explore their unique writing style.
10. How to Write Lyrics – The Song Foundry
The Song Foundry’s “How to Write Lyrics” course is an in-depth exploration of lyric writing techniques. Taught by Ed Bell, a respected songwriting educator, this course covers essential topics such as the hallmarks of great lyrics, key writing strategies, and advanced techniques. Over 5½ hours of video content is divided into modules covering areas like rhyme schemes, prosody, and singable lyrics. The course includes a 32-page downloadable course pack and a bonus module analyzing popular song lyrics. Designed for beginners to intermediate lyricists, it aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of lyric writing, from basic principles to sophisticated techniques. The course’s practical approach helps students develop their lyrical skills and confidence in expressing themselves through song.