As a DJ, I’ve spent countless nights behind the decks, mixing tracks and feeling the energy of the crowd. But lately, I’ve been itching to create something of my own – to craft melodies and lyrics that could move people just as much as the tracks I spin. The problem? I had no idea where to start. That’s when I decided to dive into the world of songwriting courses.
From my years in the music scene, I know that great songs don’t just happen by accident. They’re carefully crafted, blending emotion, structure, and technique.
So, I set out on a mission to find the best songwriting courses that could help me transition from mixing other people’s music to creating my own. Whether you’re a fellow DJ looking to expand your skills, or simply someone with a passion for music and a story to tell, this list of the 11 best songwriting courses is for you.
1. Songwriting Simplified: Music Theory, Melody & Creativity – Udemy
This Udemy course offers a comprehensive introduction to songwriting, focusing on the fundamental elements of music theory, melody creation, and fostering creativity. Designed for beginners and intermediate songwriters, the course breaks down complex concepts into easily digestible lessons. Students can expect to learn essential music theory principles, techniques for crafting memorable melodies, and methods to overcome creative blocks. The self-paced format allows learners to progress at their own speed, making it an ideal choice for those with busy schedules or varying skill levels.
2. Jacob Carter’s Lyrics Writing Course
Jacob Carter’s Lyrics Writing Course offers a comprehensive and engaging 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, each focusing on crucial aspects of lyric writing, including finding inspiration, understanding lyrical structure and style, and developing songwriting depth.
One of the standout features of this course is its emphasis on practical application. Students are provided with numerous writing prompts and exercises throughout the modules, allowing them to immediately apply the concepts they learn. This hands-on approach helps solidify understanding and fosters creativity. Additionally, the course offers valuable industry insights, drawing from Jacob Carter’s decade-long experience in the music industry.
The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of topics, from the basics of finding inspiration to more advanced concepts like genre-specific writing and collaboration skills. Carter’s approach to teaching lyric writing is holistic, incorporating elements of literary analysis, music theory, and industry knowledge. You can read how Jacob Carter analyzes the lyrics meaning of hundreds of songs. This comprehensive coverage ensures that students not only learn how to write lyrics but also understand the deeper aspects of songwriting as an art form.
What sets this course apart is Carter’s background and passion for lyric writing. As a graduate of the University of Oxford with a focus on English Literature, Carter brings a unique perspective to songwriting. His academic background, combined with practical experience as a guitarist in an indie band, allows him to bridge the gap between literary analysis and real-world songwriting application. This blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience makes the course particularly valuable for those looking to develop a well-rounded approach to lyric writing.
The Lyrics Writing Course is more than just an educational program; it’s part of a larger mission to make lyric writing accessible to everyone. Carter’s goal is to transform lyric writing from a niche skill into a common form of expression, allowing people to articulate their feelings and experiences through song. This vision of democratizing lyric writing education adds an inspiring dimension to the course, potentially attracting students who might not have considered themselves capable of songwriting before.
3. Commercial Songwriting Techniques – Berklee Online
Berklee Online’s Commercial Songwriting Techniques course provides a deep dive into the professional world of songwriting. Drawing from Berklee College of Music’s renowned curriculum, this course focuses on developing skills that are highly valued in the commercial music industry. Students learn advanced techniques for creating hooks, structuring songs for maximum impact, and writing lyrics that resonate with listeners. The course also covers important aspects of the business side of songwriting, preparing students for the realities of the music industry. With guidance from experienced industry professionals, participants gain valuable insights into what makes a song commercially successful.
4. The Art of Songwriting – Belmont University
Belmont University’s The Art of Songwriting course offers a unique blend of creative inspiration and practical industry knowledge. This comprehensive program is taught by a roster of accomplished songwriters, including Grammy winners and Hall of Fame inductees. Students learn essential skills such as overcoming writer’s block, applying technical aspects of songwriting, and effectively collaborating with co-writers. The course also emphasizes storytelling through song and maintaining artistic integrity in a commercial industry. With its focus on building a sustainable career, this program is ideal for aspiring songwriters looking to make a lasting impact in the music world. The course’s asynchronous, self-paced format allows for flexibility, making it accessible to songwriters at various skill levels.
5. The Fine Art of Songwriting (Steve Leslie)
Grammy-winning songwriter Steve Leslie offers an in-depth exploration of the craft in this comprehensive 5-week program. Drawing on his 25+ year career writing for artists like Kenny Rogers and George Strait, Leslie provides expert guidance on song structure, melody crafting, and lyric writing. The course features daily training that transforms how students approach songwriting, covering topics like chorus writing, determining if a bridge is needed, and turning ideas into fully-realized songs. While not ideal for complete beginners, this course is excellent for intermediate songwriters looking to elevate their skills to a more professional level. Leslie’s industry experience and teaching background at institutions like Belmont University lend credibility and depth to the material.
6. MasterClass: Songwriting with Alicia Keys
In this MasterClass, 15-time Grammy Award winner Alicia Keys shares her approach to songwriting and producing. The course offers a unique blend of creative inspiration and practical industry knowledge through 19 video lessons. Keys covers essential skills such as overcoming writer’s block, applying technical aspects of songwriting, and effectively collaborating with co-writers. She also provides insight into her personal creative process, using examples from her own hit songs to illustrate key concepts. While the course is somewhat subjective and focused on Keys’ individual style, it offers valuable inspiration and behind-the-scenes glimpses for aspiring songwriters. The high production value and Keys’ engaging teaching style make this an entertaining and informative option for fans and songwriters alike.
7. Songwriting Hit Mastery: Lyric Writing, Music Theory (Udemy)
This comprehensive Udemy course, taught by hit songwriter Melissa Peirce, covers both the creative and technical aspects of songwriting. With over 70 video lessons totaling more than 3.5 hours, the course delves into crafting tools and practices used by professional songwriters. Topics include creating song ideas, writing common themes, understanding song structure, basic hit chord progressions, and crafting elevated lyrics and melody. The course also explores music business topics like collaboration, breaking into the industry, and how songwriters make money. Peirce’s 20+ years of industry experience, including writing #1 Billboard hits, lends credibility to the material. With its step-by-step layout and insider industry tips, this course is suitable for beginners through experienced songwriters looking to elevate their craft and gain practical industry knowledge.
8. The New Songwriter’s Workshop (Oli Rockberger)
Oli Rockberger, a professional pianist, producer, and songwriter, offers a comprehensive course in The New Songwriter’s Workshop. This program is structured into nine sections, each focusing on different aspects of songwriting. The course begins with the basics of song structure, promising that students will be able to write a simple song after completing just the first two sections. What sets this workshop apart is its strong emphasis on melody creation and exploration of various songwriting approaches. Rockberger’s expertise as a pianist makes this course particularly valuable for those who write songs on piano, though it’s beneficial for all musicians looking to expand their songwriting toolkit. The course is accessible through a Soundfly subscription, offering students access to a wealth of additional musical resources beyond just this workshop.
9. Songwriting: Writing the Lyrics (Berklee College of Music)
Berklee College of Music, renowned for its music education, offers this specialized course focusing on lyric writing. The program delves deep into the craft of creating impactful lyrics, covering essential topics such as the hallmarks of great songs, key lyric writing strategies, and advanced techniques. Students learn about writing lyric hooks, exploring various rhyming schemes, and understanding the principles of prosody. The course also includes a unique breakdown of singable vowels and consonants, providing practical insights into the musicality of language. Taught by Ed Bell, a well-respected songwriting educator, the course includes a valuable 32-page downloadable course pack and a bonus module that analyzes the lyrics of a popular song. This comprehensive approach makes it an excellent choice for aspiring lyricists looking to hone their craft.
10. Toplining 101: Melody & Lyrics in Songwriting (Skillshare)
Toplining 101 on Skillshare offers a focused exploration of melody and lyric creation in songwriting. This course is designed to be accessible to a wide range of students, from complete beginners to experienced producers and instrumentalists. It provides practical, usable steps and creative inspiration to help develop a personal writing style. The instructor emphasizes the importance of creating memorable, meaningful lyrics and melodies that connect with both the songwriter and the listener. The course covers the concept of ‘toplining’ and offers techniques to consistently find great melody and lyric combinations. With minimal equipment requirements – just a writing tool and a recording device – this course is an excellent starting point for those looking to dive into the world of songwriting or enhance their existing skills.
11. Songwriting: Create Lyric Writing Approaches (Academy of Music and Sound Online)
The Academy of Music and Sound Online offers this free course, “Songwriting: Creative Lyric Writing Approaches,” designed to invigorate the lyrical output of songwriters at all levels. The course is structured over four weeks, each focusing on different aspects of lyric writing. Week 1 covers “Show, Don’t Tell” techniques, including journaling and sensory writing. Week 2 explores “Collecting Inspiration” through art as theft and mining. Week 3 delves into “Storytelling” with narrative and metaphor creation. Finally, Week 4 focuses on “Keeping it Real” with prosody and finishing a song. This course is particularly beneficial for songwriters experiencing writer’s block or those seeking to learn more about the craft without committing to a full-time program. The practical, creative conversations and activities provided aim to help students grow as songwriters and communicators.
