As a dancer, I’ve always been captivated by the way music moves me, both physically and emotionally. The rhythms, melodies, and lyrics have been my constant companions, guiding my steps and inspiring my performances. Recently, I’ve found myself yearning to explore the other side of this magical equation – the art of creating music itself.
The idea of writing my own songs, of crafting lyrics that could touch others the way my favorite songs have touched me, is both exhilarating and intimidating. As someone who’s spent years perfecting body movements, the thought of channeling my creativity into words and melodies feels like stepping into uncharted territory. But isn’t that what art is all about? Pushing boundaries and exploring new forms of expression?
That’s why I’ve decided to embark on this exciting journey of songwriting. To help me (and you, if you’re in a similar boat) navigate this new world, I’ve researched and compiled a list of the 10 best songwriting courses available online. These courses cater to various skill levels and focus on different aspects of songwriting, from crafting catchy melodies to penning powerful lyrics.
1. The Fine Art of Songwriting (Steve Leslie)
This comprehensive course is taught by Grammy Award-winning songwriter Steve Leslie, who brings over 25 years of industry experience to his lessons. The course consists of 33 daily video lessons covering every aspect of the songwriting process, from crafting memorable choruses to determining if a bridge is necessary. Leslie shares insider knowledge gained from writing hits for artists like Kenny Rogers, George Strait, and Darius Rucker. While not ideal for complete beginners, this course is perfect for intermediate songwriters looking to elevate their craft and write professionally competitive songs. Leslie’s expertise and in-depth curriculum make this an excellent choice for serious songwriters aiming to break into the industry.
2. Lyrics Writing Course by Jacob Carter
Jacob Carter’s Lyrics Writing Course offers a comprehensive and accessible approach to mastering the art of lyric writing. Designed for beginners, songwriters, and singer-songwriters alike, this online course provides a structured path to developing and refining lyrical skills. With over 10 years of experience in the music industry, Carter brings a wealth of knowledge and practical insights to his teaching.
The course is divided into six modules, each focusing on a crucial aspect of lyric writing. Students begin by exploring methods to find inspiration and develop their unique writing style. They then delve into lyrical structure and style, analyzing famous song lyrics to understand effective techniques. You can read how Jacob Carter analyzes the lyrics meaning of hundreds of songs. The course progresses to teach students how to transform ideas into complete song drafts and refine their lyrics for maximum impact.
One of the course’s strengths lies in its emphasis on developing depth in songwriting. Carter guides students through the use of literary tools such as imagery, metaphor, and characterization to create memorable and unique lyrics. The course also covers genre-specific knowledge, helping students tailor their writing to different musical styles. Additionally, students learn valuable collaboration skills, preparing them for co-writing opportunities in the industry12.
What sets this course apart is its practical approach. Students engage in hands-on exercises and real-life applications, allowing them to immediately apply what they’ve learned. The course includes HD video lessons, printable resources, and industry insider hints, providing a comprehensive learning experience. Upon completion, students receive a certificate, with an option for additional one-on-one mentoring.
3. Songwriting and Composing Melodies (Lauren Buchter)
Offered on Skillshare, this concise 30-minute course is taught by film and TV composer Lauren Buchter. The course focuses specifically on melody writing and composition, making it an excellent supplement to broader songwriting courses. Buchter breaks down the process of creating memorable melodies that evoke specific emotions, drawing on her experience in scoring for visual media. The course includes 8 video lessons covering chord progressions, melody writing techniques, and lyric composition. While brief, this course offers valuable insights into the often-overlooked art of melody crafting. It’s suitable for beginners and more experienced songwriters alike who want to strengthen their melodic skills.
4. The Basics of Pro Songwriting (Tom Worth)
This Udemy course, created by experienced songwriter and coach Tom Worth, is designed to teach the fundamentals of commercial songwriting. Worth focuses on the exact methods used by professional songwriters to craft hit songs for pop, country, Christian, and rock charts. The course covers essential topics like song structure, melody writing, lyric composition, and rhyme schemes. What sets this course apart is its emphasis on avoiding common mistakes that can label a songwriter as an amateur. With over 6 hours of video content, this course offers a comprehensive look at professional songwriting techniques. It’s ideal for beginners and intermediate songwriters who want to write radio-friendly, commercially viable songs.
5. Songwriting Simplified: Music Theory, Melody & Creativity (Udemy)
This comprehensive Udemy course, created by experienced musician Steve Glazer, offers a beginner-friendly approach to songwriting. The course covers fundamental aspects of music theory, chord progressions, melody writing, and lyric composition. Glazer guides students through a step-by-step process, promising that by the end of the course, participants will have written a complete song. The curriculum includes practical music theory lessons, popular chord progressions used in various genres, and tips for crafting catchy melodies. One of the course’s strengths is its focus on transposition, teaching students how to adapt songs to fit their vocal range. With over 5 hours of on-demand video content and numerous downloadable resources, this course provides excellent value for aspiring songwriters looking to develop a solid foundation in the craft.
6. Songwriting: Writing, Arranging, and Producing Music (Berklee College of Music)
This comprehensive course from the prestigious Berklee College of Music covers the entire songwriting process, from initial concept to final production. Students learn to develop melodies, write harmonies, and structure songs effectively. The course emphasizes modern songwriting practices, including collaboration and production techniques. Taught by Berklee’s world-renowned faculty, the program provides invaluable insights into industry standards and practices. By the end of the course, students will have developed a portfolio of original songs and gained practical skills in arranging and producing their music. This course is ideal for serious songwriters looking to elevate their craft to a professional level and gain a deeper understanding of the music production process.
7. The New Songwriter’s Workshop (Oli Rockberger)
Offered through Soundfly, The New Songwriter’s Workshop is an online course created by professional pianist, producer, and songwriter Oli Rockberger. What sets this course apart is its strong focus on melody writing. The curriculum begins with lessons on song structure basics before delving deep into the art of creating unique and memorable melodies. Rockberger, who has worked with artists like Laura Mvula and Jordan Rakei, brings his extensive industry experience to the course. The program is structured into nine sections, with Rockberger claiming that students will be able to write a simple song after covering just the first two sections. Throughout the course, Rockberger explores various approaches to songwriting, broadening students’ perspectives and creative toolkits. While particularly well-suited for piano-based songwriters, this course offers valuable insights for any musician looking to enhance their melodic skills and explore diverse songwriting strategies.
8. Songwriting: Writing the Lyrics (Berklee College of Music)
This specialized course from Berklee College of Music focuses exclusively on the art of lyric writing. Taught by experienced faculty, it offers a deep dive into the craft of creating impactful and memorable lyrics. The curriculum covers various techniques for generating ideas, structuring verses and choruses, and effectively using literary devices in songwriting. Students explore different genres and styles, helping them develop their unique voice. One of the course’s strengths is the opportunity to receive feedback from experienced songwriters, which can significantly enhance a student’s ability to write lyrics that resonate with listeners. This course is ideal for both beginners looking to develop a strong foundation in lyric writing and experienced songwriters aiming to refine their skills.
9. MasterClass: Songwriting with Alicia Keys
In this MasterClass, 15-time Grammy Award-winning artist Alicia Keys shares her approach to songwriting. The course offers a unique blend of technical instruction and creative inspiration, drawing from Keys’ extensive experience in the music industry. Students learn about Keys’ songwriting process, from finding inspiration to developing melodies and lyrics. The course covers topics such as writing lyrics that tell a story, creating hooks, and collaborating with other musicians. What sets this course apart is Keys’ emphasis on authenticity and emotional connection in songwriting. Her lessons on tapping into personal experiences to create meaningful lyrics are particularly valuable. This MasterClass is suitable for songwriters of all levels who want to gain insights from one of the industry’s most successful artists.
10. Toplining 101: Melody & Lyrics in Songwriting (Skillshare)
This Skillshare course focuses on the art of “toplining” – creating melodies and lyrics for existing musical tracks. Taught by an industry professional with nearly a decade of experience, the course covers the fundamentals of toplining, including crafting memorable melodies and meaningful lyrics. The instructor provides practical steps and creative inspiration for developing a personal writing style. One of the course’s strengths is its emphasis on connecting with listeners through melody and lyrics. The course is designed to be accessible to both beginners and experienced musicians, requiring only basic tools like a way to write down ideas and record audio. This course is particularly valuable for songwriters interested in collaborating with producers or writing for other artists.
