10 Industry-Approved Songwriting Courses

As someone who’s been strumming away on my electric guitar for a while now, I’ve reached that exciting point where I’m itching to create my own music. But let’s face it, transforming those random riffs and melodies floating around in my head into full-fledged songs is no easy feat. That’s why I’ve decided to dive into the world of songwriting courses.

After hours of research and sifting through countless options, I’ve compiled a list of what I believe are the 10 best songwriting courses out there. 

Whether you’re a fellow guitar enthusiast like me, a seasoned musician looking to sharpen your lyrical skills, or a complete beginner with a passion for music, there’s something here for everyone.

1. Songwriting and Composing Melodies (Lauren Buchter)

Lauren Buchter’s “Songwriting and Composing Melodies” course on Skillshare offers a concise yet comprehensive introduction to melody creation and songwriting. This 30-minute course, consisting of 8 video lessons, is ideal for beginners looking to quickly grasp the fundamentals of songwriting. Buchter, a professional film and TV composer, brings her expertise in creating emotive scores to the course, teaching students how to craft melodies that evoke specific emotions such as heroism, romance, or sadness. The course covers essential topics like chord progressions, melody writing, and lyric composition. A unique feature of this course is its practical project, where students create a custom piece of music based on a “creative brief,” simulating real-world composing scenarios.

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. The course covers a wide range of topics, from finding inspiration to mastering lyrical structure and style. With over 10 years of experience in the music industry, Carter brings valuable insights and practical knowledge to his students.

The course is structured into six modules, each focusing on a crucial aspect of lyric writing. Students learn about creative writing methods, analyzing famous song lyrics, and developing their unique style. You can read how Jacob Carter analyzes the lyrics meaning of hundreds of songs. The curriculum also covers important literary tools such as imagery, metaphor, and characterization, helping students create depth in their songwriting. Additionally, the course explores genre-specific knowledge and collaboration skills, preparing students for real-world songwriting scenarios.

One of the course’s strengths is its flexibility and accessibility. Students can learn at their own pace, with lifetime access to all course materials, including HD video lessons and printable resources. The course is suitable for beginners and experienced songwriters alike, offering a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical exercises. Upon completion, students receive a certificate and have the option for one-on-one mentoring for an additional fee.

Carter’s passion for lyric writing is evident in his approach to teaching. He founded the Lyrics Writing Course with the mission of making lyric writing a common skill accessible to anyone interested in expressing themselves through song. His background in English Literature from the University of Oxford, combined with his experience as a musician, provides a well-rounded perspective on the art of songwriting.

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

Steve Glazer’s “Songwriting Simplified” course on Udemy is an all-encompassing program designed for beginners and intermediate songwriters alike. This course guides students through the entire songwriting process, from basic chords to complete song creation. It covers fundamental aspects of songwriting, including practical music theory, chord progressions, melody writing, and lyric composition. One of the course’s strengths is its promise that students will write a complete song by the end of the program, following five simple steps. The course also includes valuable resources such as downloadable PDFs, chord and scale charts for both piano and guitar, and tips for writing catchy melodies and transposing songs into different keys.

4. Lyric Writing: Tools and Strategies – Berklee Online

Berklee Online’s “Lyric Writing: Tools and Strategies” course, authored by renowned songwriter Pat Pattison, is a comprehensive 12-week program designed to enhance lyric writing skills. This course is suitable for both beginners and experienced songwriters, focusing 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. A unique aspect of this course is its emphasis on daily object writing activities, which help students develop their creative writing skills. By the end of the course, participants will have developed a robust set of skills to craft vivid and emotionally resonant lyrics, with many of Pattison’s students going on to win Grammys and write number one songs.

5. MasterClass: Songwriting with Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys, a 15-time Grammy Award winner, shares her approach to songwriting and producing in this comprehensive MasterClass. The course, consisting of 19 lessons totaling 3 hours and 22 minutes, covers Keys’ creative process from finding inspiration to developing melodies and lyrics. Students learn how to tap into their emotions, craft authentic narratives, and produce their songs. Keys provides valuable insights into collaborating with other artists and navigating the music industry. The course is particularly beneficial for those new to the music industry and music-making, offering a unique opportunity to learn from one of the most successful songwriters of our time. While the course is heavily focused on Keys’ personal process, which may make it somewhat subjective, it succeeds in inspiring and encouraging young songwriters to pursue their dreams.

6. Writing Song Lyrics: Create and Combine with Melody – City Lit

This online course offered by City Lit is designed for songwriters and instrumentalists who find creating melodies easy but struggle with writing lyrics. The six-week program, led by instructor Polly Hewett, focuses on generating original ideas, understanding melody structure, and mastering lyric-writing techniques. Students learn about themes, subjects, and perspective in songwriting, as well as analyzing the work of singer-songwriters across various genres. The course emphasizes practical work and collaborations, with participants working towards recording their songs by the end of the program. It’s suitable for songwriters at various levels, though some knowledge of music theory is helpful. The course aims to help students create original lyrics, develop their own writing style, and effectively structure and edit their ideas.

7. The Art of Songwriting (Belmont University)

Belmont University’s “The Art of Songwriting” course is a comprehensive program 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 12-hour, self-paced course covers a wide range of topics. Students learn to glean inspiration, push through writer’s block, apply technical aspects of songwriting, tell effective stories through song, and collaborate in co-writing scenarios. The course also addresses industry-specific challenges, such as maintaining integrity in a secular industry and building a sustainable career. Notable guest contributors include Hall of Fame songwriters Allen Shamblin and Pat Alger, as well as Grammy-winning songwriters Shane McAnally and Emily Weisband. Priced at $2,499, this foundational course is suitable for songwriters at various levels, from beginners to experienced writers looking to refine their craft.

8. Songwriting: Lyric Writing – Elevate with ICMP

Elevate with ICMP’s “Songwriting: Lyric Writing” course is a focused program dedicated entirely to the art of lyric writing. Priced at £20, this course provides students with a deep understanding of lyrics and lyric writing, enabling them to tell powerful and emotive stories through song. The curriculum is divided into three packed modules containing 15 unique lessons, covering various lyric writing strategies, including free writing and storyboarding. Students will analyze influential lyrics and participate in immersive tasks to develop their unique voice. The course emphasizes the importance of great lyrics and compelling narratives, offering students the opportunity to write to brief multiple times, enhancing their ability to write songs from different perspectives. Designed for flexible learning, students can progress at their own pace and have lifetime access to all course materials.

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

This free online course from the University of Sheffield offers a practical introduction to songwriting. Led by experienced songwriters, the course covers the fundamental mechanics of songwriting, including melody writing, chord progressions, and lyric composition. Students have the opportunity to meet established songwriters and gain insights into their creative processes. The curriculum includes video lessons, practical exercises, and the chance to receive feedback on their work. It’s designed to help beginners take their first steps in songwriting while also providing valuable tips for more experienced writers looking to refine their skills. This course is particularly beneficial for those new to songwriting, offering a comprehensive overview of the craft without any financial commitment.

10. Toplining 101: Melody & Lyrics in Songwriting (Skillshare)

Toplining 101 on Skillshare focuses on the art of creating melodies and lyrics over existing instrumental tracks. This course is particularly relevant for modern pop songwriting, where producers often create backing tracks for songwriters to add melodies and lyrics. The curriculum likely covers techniques for crafting catchy melodies, writing lyrics that fit the mood and genre of the instrumental, and understanding the structure of popular songs. Students can expect to learn about rhythm, phrasing, and how to match lyrics to melodies effectively. This course is ideal for songwriters looking to collaborate with producers or those interested in writing for other artists in the pop music industry.

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