11 Must-Take Songwriting Courses for Aspiring Musicians

If you’ve ever found yourself humming a tune or jotting down lyrics on a napkin, you know the thrill of creating music. Songwriting is a beautiful blend of art and craft, and like any skill, it can be honed with the right guidance. 

Whether you’re a budding songwriter looking to pen your first hit or an experienced lyricist aiming to refine your technique, finding the right course can make all the difference. I’ve scoured the web and explored various programs to bring you a curated list of the 11 best songwriting courses. 

These courses offer a range of approaches and insights, ensuring there’s something for everyone, no matter where you are on your musical journey.

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

“Songwriting Simplified” on Udemy, instructed by Steve Glazer, is a comprehensive course designed for beginners and intermediate songwriters. This course demystifies the songwriting process by teaching fundamental music theory, chord progressions, melody writing, and lyric crafting without requiring students to read music. It caters to both pianists and guitarists, guiding them step-by-step through creating a complete song. The course includes easy-to-read charts for piano and guitar chords and scales, and provides insider tips for writing catchy melodies. By the end of the course, students will have written a full song, equipped with practical skills to transpose it into any key suitable for their vocal range. This course is ideal for anyone interested in songwriting, from singers wanting to write their own songs to musicians looking to expand their theoretical knowledge and creative abilities.

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 and understanding lyrical structure to developing songwriting depth and collaborating with other artists. With over 10 years of experience as a lyricist, Carter brings valuable industry insights and practical knowledge to the table.

The course is structured into six modules, each focusing on different aspects of lyric writing. Students begin by exploring various creative methods to find inspiration and develop their unique writing style. They then delve into the intricacies of lyrical structure, analyzing famous song lyrics and learning about rhyme patterns and traditional song structures.

As the course progresses, participants learn how to refine their ideas into complete song drafts and use literary tools such as imagery and metaphor to create more impactful lyrics.

One of the course’s strengths is its emphasis on practical application. Students engage in hands-on exercises and receive feedback on their finished songs, allowing them to immediately apply the concepts they’ve learned. 

The course also includes analysis of hit songs by renowned artists like The Beatles, Ed Sheeran, and Joni Mitchell, providing real-world examples of effective lyric writing techniques. You can read how Jacob Carter analyzes the lyrics meaning of hundreds of songs.

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

Oli Rockberger’s “The New Songwriter’s Workshop” is an engaging course that dives deep into the modern techniques and creative processes of songwriting. Rockberger, an accomplished songwriter and musician, brings his extensive industry experience to the table, offering insights into the intricacies of melody, harmony, and lyrical content. The workshop emphasizes hands-on learning, encouraging participants to write and refine their songs through collaborative exercises and constructive feedback. This course is particularly beneficial for songwriters looking to enhance their skills in a supportive and interactive environment, providing them with the tools to develop their unique musical voice and produce compelling songs.

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

Berklee College of Music offers “Songwriting: Writing the Lyrics” through its renowned online platform. This course, led by Pat Pattison, focuses exclusively on the art of lyric writing. It covers essential topics such as developing song ideas, understanding song structure, and using prosody to match lyrics with melody. The course includes various multimedia resources, quizzes, and peer reviews to ensure a comprehensive learning experience. Students will explore different lyrical techniques and styles, learning how to create compelling narratives and emotional connections through their words. By the end of the course, participants will have a deeper understanding of how to craft lyrics that resonate with listeners and enhance their overall songwriting prowess.

5. The Art of Songwriting (Belmont University)

Belmont University’s “The Art of Songwriting” course is a prestigious program that offers aspiring songwriters the opportunity to learn from industry professionals. The course covers a wide range of topics, including overcoming writer’s block, crafting melodies, and structuring songs for commercial success. It emphasizes storytelling through music and effective collaboration in co-writing scenarios. Esteemed guest instructors, such as Grammy-winning songwriters and top publishing executives, provide invaluable insights and mentorship. This course is designed to help songwriters at various levels refine their craft, maintain artistic integrity, and build sustainable careers in the music industry. Participants will leave with the skills to create impactful songs and navigate the complexities of the music business.

6. The Fine Art of Songwriting (Steve Leslie)

“The Fine Art of Songwriting,” taught by Grammy-winning songwriter Steve Leslie, is a robust online course offered by Indie Music Academy. Spanning five weeks, this course provides daily lessons that delve into the core principles of great songwriting, regardless of genre. Leslie’s approach focuses on storytelling and connecting with listeners on a deeper level. Students will learn to craft songs that resonate emotionally and commercially, with practical exercises and real-world examples. The course promises to elevate participants’ songwriting skills significantly, backed by Leslie’s extensive experience and success in the industry. This course is ideal for songwriters who are passionate about their craft and ready to take their music to the next level.

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

The “Songwriting: Writing, Arranging, and Producing Music” specialization from Berklee College of Music is a comprehensive program designed to take aspiring and established songwriters through every step of the songwriting process. This four-course series covers writing compelling lyrics, crafting melodies, arranging songs, and producing polished demos using Ableton Live. Each course is taught by Berklee’s award-winning faculty, ensuring a high-quality learning experience. Students will engage in practical projects, such as creating thought-provoking lyrics, constructing evocative melodies, and arranging songs with complete accompaniment. The final project involves producing a demo, providing hands-on experience with one of the most popular digital audio workstations. This specialization is ideal for those looking to refine their songwriting skills and produce professional-quality music.

8. The Basics of Pro Songwriting (Tom Worth)

Tom Worth’s “The Basics of Pro Songwriting” on Udemy is tailored for those who aspire to write songs at a professional level. With over 20 years of experience as a successful songwriter in New York and Nashville, Worth shares his insider knowledge and practical techniques. The course covers essential aspects of professional songwriting, such as understanding song structures, crafting memorable hooks, and writing lyrics that resonate with listeners. Worth’s teaching style is straightforward and accessible, making complex concepts easy to grasp. This course is perfect for beginners who want to learn the fundamentals of songwriting and for intermediate songwriters looking to polish their skills.

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

The University of Sheffield offers “How to Write Your First Song,” a free online course that provides a practical introduction to songwriting. This course is designed for beginners and covers the mechanics of songwriting, including melody, harmony, and lyrics. Participants will learn from established songwriters and engage in various songwriting exercises. The course includes video sessions with musicians and songwriters who share their experiences and insights, offering a real-world perspective on the songwriting process. By the end of the course, students will have written their first song, equipped with the foundational skills needed to continue developing their songwriting abilities.

10. Songwriting: Lyric Writing – Elevate with ICMP

“Songwriting: Lyric Writing” by Elevate with ICMP is a focused course dedicated to the art of lyric writing. Over six modules, students will explore various elements of lyric writing, including structure, rhyme schemes, and storytelling techniques. The course is designed to help aspiring lyricists find their unique voice and develop their creative skills. It includes analysis of influential lyrics and practical exercises to apply learned techniques. The flexible, self-paced format allows students to study at their convenience, making it accessible for those with busy schedules. This course is ideal for anyone looking to enhance their lyric writing abilities and create powerful, emotive songs.

11. Songwriting and Composing Melodies (Lauren Buchter)

Lauren Buchter’s “Songwriting and Composing Melodies” on Skillshare is a short course that focuses on creating memorable melodies and songs that tell stories. Buchter, a composer for film and TV, shares techniques for crafting melodies that evoke specific emotions, such as heroism, romance, sadness, or upliftment. The course includes a project where students create a custom piece of music using a “creative brief,” similar to the process used by professional composers. This course is suitable for beginners and those with some prior knowledge of music, offering valuable insights into melody composition and storytelling through music. Participants will learn practical skills that can be applied to songwriting and composing for various media.