11 Songwriting Courses for Creative Minds

As a passionate musician and songwriter myself, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to transform raw emotions and fleeting melodies into fully-fledged songs. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your craft, the right guidance can make all the difference in your songwriting journey. That's why I've compiled this list of the 11 best songwriting courses available today. 

From lyric-writing workshops to comprehensive programs covering melody, harmony, and production, these courses offer something for every aspiring songwriter.

1. The Lyric Writer's Workroom - Songcraft

The Lyric Writer's Workroom by Songcraft is an immersive course dedicated to the art of lyric writing. This course emphasizes the importance of learning, practicing, and improving songwriting skills over time. It provides a wealth of articles and resources that delve into various aspects of lyric writing, from mastering different rhyme schemes to finding fresh song ideas. The course encourages songwriters to capture ideas from their surroundings and transform them into compelling lyrics. Practical tips on writing memorable choruses and melodies make it a valuable resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of lyric writing and improve their songwriting craft.

2. Lyrics Writing Course by Jacob Carter

The Lyrics Writing Course by Jacob Carter offers a comprehensive and practical approach to mastering the art of lyric writing. Designed for both beginners and experienced songwriters, this course provides a deep dive into the intricacies of crafting compelling lyrics across various genres. Jacob Carter, a seasoned lyricist with over a decade of experience, leads students through six in-depth modules that cover essential aspects of songwriting.

The course begins by exploring methods to find inspiration and develop a unique writing style, setting a strong foundation for creative expression. It then delves into the technical aspects of lyrical structure and style, analyzing famous songs and songwriters to understand effective techniques. You can also read how Jacob Carter analyzes the lyrics meaning of hundreds of songs. Students learn how to transform their ideas into complete song drafts and refine their lyrics to create memorable and impactful compositions.

One of the course's strengths lies in its focus on developing songwriting depth. Carter guides participants through the use of literary tools such as imagery, metaphor, and characterization to enhance the emotional resonance of their lyrics. The course also addresses genre-specific conventions, helping students tailor their writing to different musical styles. 

Additionally, it covers the valuable skill of co-writing, preparing students for collaborative songwriting experiences.

Priced at $997, the course offers lifetime access to HD video lessons, printable resources, and real-life exercises. Students can progress at their own pace and receive a certificate upon completion.

3. The Singer-Songwriter Specialization (Berklee College of Music)

Offered by Berklee College of Music on Coursera, the Singer-Songwriter Specialization is a comprehensive program designed to teach students how to write, perform, and record their original music. This four-course series covers the basics of guitar playing, vocal techniques, songwriting tools, and music production. Led by experienced instructors, including Erin Barra, the course helps students transform their ideas and emotions into unique songs. Suitable for beginners, the specialization provides practical skills for creating professional-sounding recordings. By the end of the program, students will have developed the ability to write compelling lyrics, compose melodies, and produce their own music.

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

The New Songwriter’s Workshop, created by Oli Rockberger and offered through Soundfly, is designed to unlock creativity by teaching the art of songwriting. The course covers a range of topics, including the building blocks of songs, active listening, major key triads, major key 7th chords, and writing melodies. It combines theoretical knowledge with creative components specific to Rockberger's processes, helping students generate ideas and overcome creative blocks. The workshop is ideal for songwriters who are just starting out and want to take their skills to the next level3.

5. The Basics of Pro Songwriting (Tom Worth)

Available on Udemy, The Basics of Pro Songwriting by Tom Worth is a course that teaches the foundational elements of professional songwriting. Tom Worth, a professional songwriter and coach, guides students through the essentials of crafting a song, including melody, harmony, and lyrics. The course is designed to help aspiring songwriters develop their skills and create polished, marketable songs. With a high instructor rating and positive reviews, this course is a great starting point for anyone looking to break into the world of professional songwriting.

6. 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 £19, this course aims to provide students with a deep understanding of lyrics and lyric writing, enabling them to tell powerful and emotive stories through song. The course covers various lyric writing strategies, including free writing and storyboarding, and emphasizes the importance of great lyrics and compelling narratives. 

 

Students will have the opportunity to write to brief multiple times, enhancing their ability to write songs from different perspectives. The course is designed to be flexible, allowing students to start and pause their learning at any time, and includes lifetime access to all course materials.

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

Offered through Coursera, this course is part of Berklee's broader Songwriting specialization. Taught by Pat Pattison, a highly-rated instructor, it focuses specifically on lyric writing. The course covers essential skills such as defining point of view, understanding song form, and identifying the "who, what, where, when, and how" in a song. Students learn to use various rhyming techniques, manipulate line lengths, and employ stressed and unstable syllables to evoke specific emotions. With over 128,000 enrollments, this course is suitable for beginners and requires no prior experience.

8. MasterClass: Songwriting with Alicia Keys

This MasterClass course features 15-time Grammy Award-winning artist Alicia Keys sharing her approach to songwriting and producing. Keys offers an honest and soulful perspective on the creative process, guiding students through her methods of writing, recording, and producing music. The course likely covers topics such as finding inspiration, developing melodies, and crafting lyrics that resonate with listeners. Given Keys' success in the industry, this course provides valuable insights from a renowned artist's perspective.

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

This free online course provides a practical introduction to songwriting mechanics. It features established songwriters sharing their experiences and techniques. The course includes video sessions with various songwriters, such as Neil McSweeney and Kate Jackson, discussing their processes and offering tips. Students are guided through the basics of melody creation, chord progressions, and lyric writing. The course also touches on how to get songs heard, with input from radio presenter Tom Ravenscroft.

10. The Art of Songwriting (Belmont University)

Belmont University's course is designed to elevate songwriting skills, drawing on the institution's legacy of producing exceptional songwriters. Priced at $2,499, this 12-hour, self-paced program covers a range of topics including finding inspiration, applying technical aspects of songwriting, and building a sustainable career. The course features input from accomplished songwriters and industry professionals, including Grammy winners Shane McAnally and Emily Weisband. It's suitable for songwriters at various levels, from beginners to more experienced writers looking to refine their craft.

11. Songwriting Simplified: Music Theory, Melody & Creativity (Udemy)

This Udemy course, taught by Steve Glazer, aims to simplify the songwriting process for both pianists and guitarists. It covers fundamentals of music theory, chord progressions, melody writing, and lyric composition. The course promises that students will write a complete song by the end, following five simple steps. It includes practical elements such as transposing songs into different keys and provides charts for piano and guitar chords in all major and minor keys. Designed for beginners, it requires only basic guitar or piano playing experience and doesn't require the ability to read music.