11 Essential Songwriting Courses for Every Musician

1. The Art of Songwriting (Belmont University)

Belmont University’s “The Art of Songwriting” course is highly regarded for its extensive curriculum that aims to enhance your songwriting abilities. Industry experts, including Grammy-winning songwriters and esteemed publishing executives, teach this course. It covers crucial aspects such as conquering writer’s block, utilizing technical songwriting elements like rhyme and song structure, and effectively conveying captivating stories through music. Moreover, it emphasizes the significance of collaboration in co-writing situations and upholding integrity in a fiercely competitive industry. Upon completion of the course, students will be fully prepared to establish a successful and enduring career in songwriting.

2. Lyrics Writing Course by Jacob Carter

Jacob Carter’s Lyrics Writing Course is a comprehensive online program designed to help aspiring lyricists and songwriters enhance their skills and creativity. With over 10 years of experience in the industry, Carter brings a wealth of knowledge to this course, which is structured into six detailed modules. These modules cover essential topics such as finding inspiration, understanding lyrical structure and style, crafting impactful lyrics, and collaborating with others.

The course is packed with HD video lessons, printable resources, and real-life exercises, providing a hands-on learning experience. Students will delve into the art of lyric writing by studying influential lyrics from artists like The Beatles, Ed Sheeran, and Joni Mitchell. You can also read how Jacob Carter analyzes the lyrics meaning of hundreds of songs.

Throughout the course, Jacob Carter’s love for music and lyric writing shines through. He highlights the significance of comprehending literary elements like imagery, metaphor, and characterization in order to craft lyrics that deeply resonate with listeners. Additionally, the course delves into genre conventions, equipping students with the ability to adapt their lyrics to fit specific musical styles. Valuable advice on co-writing, a crucial skill for any lyricist, is also provided.

3. Songwriting: Lyric Writing – Elevate with ICMP

ICMP Elevate’s course “Songwriting: Lyric Writing” is dedicated solely to the craft of lyric writing. This comprehensive course delves into the intricacies of the lyric-writing process, encompassing topics such as structure, rhyming schemes, storytelling techniques, and genre norms. Through the analysis of influential lyrics and engaging in immersive tasks, students will nurture their individuality and develop their own distinct voice. The course offers flexible learning, enabling students to advance at their preferred speed. By successfully completing the course, students will receive a certificate and may opt for additional personalized guidance through one-on-one mentoring.

4. The Fine Art of Songwriting (Steve Leslie)

Steve Leslie offers a subscription-based course called “The Fine Art of Songwriting,” which is a comprehensive resource covering various aspects of songwriting. The course curriculum includes in-depth lessons on topics such as song structure, chord functions, melody writing, and the art of lyric writing. As a Grammy-winning songwriter, Leslie shares valuable insights into both the creative and technical aspects of songwriting. Moreover, the course provides video lessons, downloadable resources, and interactive assignments, making it an ideal choice for aspiring songwriters looking for a comprehensive learning experience.

5. The New Songwriter’s Workshop (Oli Rockberger)

Oli Rockberger’s “The New Songwriter’s Workshop” offered by Soundfly aims to assist songwriters in unleashing their creativity. The workshop delves into essential aspects like song structure, melody writing, and harmonic strategies. Drawing from his own experience as a seasoned musician and songwriter, Rockberger imparts his personal techniques and processes to aid students in generating ideas and overcoming creative obstacles. The course also incorporates practical exercises and showcases examples from Rockberger’s own work, offering valuable real-world insights.

6. Songwriting Simplified: Music Theory, Melody & Creativity – Udemy

The course titled “Songwriting Simplified” on Udemy is designed for beginners and provides a comprehensive understanding of music theory, chord progressions, melody writing, and lyric writing. It follows a structured approach that guides students through the entire songwriting process, starting from basic chords and leading to the creation of complete songs. In addition, it offers practical advice and techniques for crafting memorable melodies and adapting songs to different keys. With downloadable resources included, this course serves as a valuable tool for aspiring songwriters seeking to enhance their skills.

7. Songwriting: Writing, Arranging, and Producing Music (Berklee College of Music)

Berklee College of Music offers a comprehensive course that guides students through the entire process of songwriting, starting from the initial concept and concluding with the final production. Throughout the course, students will acquire the skills to create captivating melodies, craft harmonies, and effectively structure songs. Emphasizing contemporary songwriting practices, such as collaboration and production techniques, the course also benefits from the expertise of Berklee’s esteemed faculty who provide valuable insights into industry standards and practices. Upon completion, students will have not only built a portfolio of original songs but also acquired practical skills in arranging and producing their music.

8. Songwriting: Writing the Lyrics (Berklee College of Music)

This Berklee course is dedicated to the art of writing lyrics, exploring the techniques required to craft powerful and unforgettable words. Students will gain knowledge in generating ideas, organizing verses and choruses, and employing literary devices effectively in songwriting. With a focus on various genres and styles, the course fosters the development of each student’s distinct voice. Additionally, participants will receive valuable feedback from experienced songwriters, further enhancing their aptitude in creating lyrics that deeply connect with listeners.

9. MasterClass: Songwriting with Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys, a 15-time Grammy Award winner, presents her MasterClass on songwriting and producing. The course delves into Keys’ creative process, encompassing everything from discovering inspiration to refining melodies and lyrics. Students will learn to harness their emotions, create genuine narratives, and produce their own songs. Keys also shares valuable insights on collaborating with fellow artists and navigating the music industry. This MasterClass presents an exclusive chance to learn from one of the most accomplished songwriters of our era.

10. Songwriting and Composing Melodies (Lauren Buchter)

Lauren Buchter’s Skillshare course is designed for aspiring songwriters and composers who want to create memorable melodies and songs that have a storytelling element. With her background as a film and TV composer, Buchter shares valuable insights and techniques for crafting melodies that evoke specific emotions, including heroism, romance, and sadness. The course also offers a practical project where students can apply their learning by creating a custom piece of music based on a “creative brief,” which simulates real-world composing scenarios. While some prior musical knowledge is beneficial, beginners are also welcomed to join the course.

11. How to Write Your First Song (The University of Sheffield)

The University of Sheffield is offering a free online course that provides a hands-on introduction to songwriting. Led by experienced songwriters, the course delves into the essential elements of songwriting, such as melody creation, chord progressions, and lyric composition. Participants will have the chance to interact with established songwriters and gain valuable insights into their creative methods. The course is comprised of video lessons, practical exercises, and the opportunity to receive feedback on your work. It caters to beginners who are taking their initial steps in songwriting, as well as experienced writers seeking to enhance their skills with useful tips.

11 Essential Songwriting Courses for Every Musician