Top-Rated 11 Songwriting Courses for Aspiring Artists

As someone who’s always been passionate about music and singing, I’ve recently found myself drawn to the idea of becoming a singer-songwriter. There’s something magical about crafting your own lyrics and melodies, pouring your heart and soul into a song that’s uniquely yours. But let’s be honest – songwriting can be intimidating, especially when you’re just starting out. That’s why I’ve spent countless hours researching and compiling this list of the 11 best songwriting courses available today.

Whether you’re a complete beginner like me or an experienced musician looking to refine your craft, these courses offer something for everyone. 

1. The Fine Art of Songwriting (Steve Leslie)

Grammy-winning songwriter Steve Leslie offers a comprehensive masterclass in “The Fine Art of Songwriting.” This course covers a wide range of topics, from song structure to lyric writing and melody composition. Leslie’s extensive experience in the music industry, with songs recorded by artists like Kenny Rogers and George Strait, lends credibility to his teaching. The syllabus is meticulously structured, diving deep into various aspects of songwriting, including rhetorical schemes, chord functions, and the craft of lyric writing. Students can expect to gain insights into both the technical and creative aspects of songwriting, benefiting from Leslie’s decades of professional experience.

2. Lyrics Writing Course by Jacob Carter

Jacob Carter’s Lyrics Writing Course offers a comprehensive approach to mastering the art of lyric writing. This online program is designed to cater to both beginners and experienced songwriters looking to enhance their skills. The course is structured into six modules, covering essential aspects of songwriting from finding inspiration to collaborating with other artists.

At the heart of the course is Jacob Carter, a seasoned lyricist with over a decade of experience in the music industry. His passion for songwriting is evident in the course content, which aims to help students unlock their creativity and develop their unique writing style. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including lyrical structure, effective writing techniques, and genre-specific knowledge.

One of the standout features of this course is its emphasis on practical application. Students engage in hands-on exercises and real-life applications to hone their lyric writing skills. The course also includes analysis of famous song lyrics, helping students understand how professional songwriters convey messages through words. You can also read how Jacob Carter analyzes the lyrics meaning of hundreds of songs. This blend of theory and practice ensures that students not only learn the principles of lyric writing but also gain the confidence to apply them in their own work.

The course is delivered through HD video lessons, accompanied by printable resources and industry insider hints. Students have the flexibility to study at their own pace, with lifetime access to all course materials. Upon completion, students receive a certificate, and there’s an option for one-on-one mentoring for those seeking additional guidance.

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

Oli Rockberger, a professional pianist, producer, and songwriter, leads “The New Songwriter’s Workshop,” a course that stands out for its focus on melody. The program is structured into nine sections, each containing multiple lessons that progressively build the student’s songwriting skills. What sets this course apart is its emphasis on finding and creating unique melodies, an often overlooked aspect of songwriting. Rockberger also explores various approaches to songwriting, broadening students’ perspectives. This course is particularly well-suited for piano-based songwriters but offers valuable insights for musicians of all backgrounds.

4. Songwriting Hit Mastery: Lyric Writing, Music Theory (Udemy)

Udemy’s “Songwriting Hit Mastery: Lyric Writing, Music Theory” course, taught by hit songwriter Melissa Peirce, offers a comprehensive approach to songwriting. The course covers a broad range of topics, including song structures, lyric writing, melody construction, and chord progressions. It also delves into practical aspects of the music industry, such as collaboration techniques and ways to monetize songwriting skills. This course is designed to be accessible for beginners while still offering valuable insights for more experienced songwriters. With its focus on both the creative and business aspects of songwriting, it aims to provide students with a well-rounded education in the craft.

5. Songwriting: Lyric Writing – Elevate with ICMP

Elevate with ICMP’s “Songwriting: Lyric Writing” course offers an in-depth exploration of the art of lyric writing. This comprehensive program is designed to help students analyze and understand the intricacies of crafting impactful lyrics. The course covers a wide range of topics, including song structure, rhyme schemes, storytelling techniques, and genre conventions. Students are guided through the process of finding inspiration, creating lyrical structure and style, and developing their unique voice. The curriculum includes immersive tasks and exercises that allow participants to experiment with various lyric-writing elements while analyzing some of the most influential lyrics in music history. With 15 unique lessons spread across three modules, this course provides a flexible learning experience that can be completed at the student’s own pace.

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

Berklee College of Music’s “Songwriting: Writing the Lyrics” course is part of their renowned songwriting program. This course focuses specifically on the craft of lyric writing, leveraging Berklee’s extensive experience in nurturing exceptional songwriters. Students learn to craft compelling stories through their music, with an emphasis on developing a unique musical identity. The curriculum covers essential aspects of lyric writing, including rhyme structure, storytelling techniques, and emotional expression through words. Berklee’s approach combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, encouraging students to write and refine their lyrics throughout the course. The program also benefits from guest lectures by accomplished songwriters and industry professionals, providing valuable insights into the professional world of songwriting.

7. The Art of Songwriting (Belmont University)

Belmont University’s “The Art of Songwriting” is a comprehensive 6-module course designed to empower aspiring songwriters. Created by Emily Falvey, a Belmont alumna recognized as “Nashville’s Top New Songwriter” by Forbes magazine, this course covers a broad spectrum of songwriting skills. The curriculum includes lessons on crafting captivating melodies, telling compelling stories through music, and building a resilient career in the music industry. What sets this course apart is its inclusion of esteemed guests, including Hall of Fame songwriters and Grammy-winning artists, who share their expertise and experiences. The course emphasizes both the creative and practical aspects of songwriting, teaching students how to overcome writer’s block, apply technical aspects of songwriting, and navigate the competitive music industry. By the end of the course, participants will have developed a well-rounded skill set that includes lyric writing, melody composition, and industry knowledge.

8. How to Write Lyrics – The Song Foundry

“How to Write Lyrics” by The Song Foundry is a comprehensive online course designed to help songwriters of all levels improve their lyric writing skills. Led by professional songwriter Ed Bell, this course covers a wide range of topics, from generating ideas to crafting compelling narratives. The curriculum is structured to provide a step-by-step approach to lyric writing, focusing on techniques to create memorable hooks, develop strong verses, and write impactful choruses. What sets this course apart is its emphasis on the creative process, helping students overcome writer’s block and find inspiration in everyday experiences. The course also includes practical exercises and assignments to reinforce learning, allowing students to apply the concepts directly to their songwriting practice.

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

Udemy’s “Songwriting Simplified: Music Theory, Melody & Creativity” course, taught by Steve Glazer, offers a comprehensive approach to songwriting that combines music theory, melody writing, and creative techniques. This course is particularly well-suited for beginners, as it doesn’t require prior knowledge of music theory or the ability to read music. The curriculum covers fundamental aspects of songwriting, including chord progressions, melody construction, and lyric writing. What makes this course unique is its focus on practical application – by the end of the course, students will have written a complete song. The course also includes valuable resources such as chord and scale charts for both piano and guitar, making it accessible to a wide range of musicians.

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

The University of Sheffield’s “How to Write Your First Song” is a free online course offered through FutureLearn. This six-week program is designed to guide complete beginners through the process of writing their first song. The course covers essential elements of songwriting, including setting words to music, working with melody, understanding chord progressions, and exploring different song forms. What makes this course stand out is its practical approach – each week, students build up different aspects of a song using specially commissioned lyrics. The course also features insights from world-renowned musician Martin Simpson and includes interviews with experts in music and psychology. This comprehensive yet accessible approach makes it an excellent choice for those new to songwriting.

11. MasterClass: Songwriting with Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys’ MasterClass on songwriting offers a unique glimpse into the creative process of a 15-time Grammy Award-winning artist. This 3-hour and 22-minute course is divided into 19 video lessons, covering various aspects of songwriting and music production. Keys shares her personal experiences and techniques, from finding inspiration to producing tracks. The course includes practical demonstrations, such as Keys workshopping a new song, providing students with a real-time look at her creative process. While the course may not offer as much direct instruction as some others, it provides valuable insights into the world of professional songwriting and music production. This MasterClass is particularly beneficial for those who appreciate anecdotal and experience-led teaching, as well as fans of Alicia Keys who want to understand her approach to music-making.