Discover the 10 Best Songwriting Courses Online

As an aspiring oboist with a growing passion for music, I’ve recently found myself drawn to the art of songwriting. There’s something magical about creating melodies and lyrics that can touch people’s hearts, and I’ve been eager to explore this new dimension of my musical journey. However, as I delved into the world of songwriting, I quickly realized that crafting a great song is no easy feat. It requires a unique blend of creativity, technical skill, and emotional depth that can seem daunting to newcomers like myself.

Determined to improve my songwriting abilities, I set out to find the best courses available. After extensive research and countless hours sifting through reviews and testimonials, I’ve compiled a list of what I believe to be the 10 best songwriting courses out there. These courses cater to various skill levels and focus on different aspects of songwriting, from lyric writing to melody composition and even the business side of the craft.

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

Berklee College of Music offers a comprehensive course on lyric writing that provides students with fundamental tools and techniques to craft impactful lyrics. The course covers various aspects of lyric writing, including generating concepts, prosody, literary devices, and the shape of language. Students explore different song forms, story development, and current trends in lyric writing. The course emphasizes developing skills to identify and formulate emotional expression in lyrics, with weekly assignments allowing students to apply their knowledge and refine their skills. This course is ideal for aspiring songwriters looking to hone their lyrical abilities under the guidance of experienced instructors from one of the world’s most prestigious music institutions.

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. This online program is designed to cater to a wide range of aspiring songwriters, from complete beginners to those looking to refine their existing skills. The course is structured around six in-depth modules that cover essential aspects of lyric writing, including finding inspiration, understanding lyrical structure and style, developing effective writing techniques, and exploring genre-specific knowledge.

One of the course’s key strengths is its focus on practical application. Students are encouraged to engage in hands-on exercises and real-life applications, allowing them to immediately put their newfound knowledge into practice. The course also emphasizes the development of a unique writing style, helping participants find their own voice in the world of songwriting. Carter’s extensive experience in the music industry, including his background in English Literature from the University of Oxford and his time as a performer in an indie band, lends credibility and depth to the course content.

The Lyrics Writing Course goes beyond just teaching technical skills. It aims to foster creativity and self-expression, helping students unlock their potential as lyricists. The course covers important literary tools such as imagery, metaphor, and characterization, enabling participants to create more profound and impactful lyrics. Additionally, the program includes lessons on collaboration and co-writing, preparing students for the realities of the modern music industry.

Carter’s teaching approach is both informative and inspiring, as evidenced by the glowing testimonials from past students. The course is delivered through HD video lessons, accompanied by printable resources and industry insider hints. This multimedia approach ensures that students with different learning styles can benefit from the program. Furthermore, the course offers lifetime access to materials, allowing students to revisit lessons and continue refining their skills long after completing the initial program.

3. MasterClass: Songwriting with Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys, a multi-Grammy award-winning artist, offers an inspiring and insightful songwriting course on MasterClass. The course primarily focuses on Keys’ personal songwriting process, providing students with a unique opportunity to learn from her experiences and techniques. Through 19 lessons spanning over 3 hours, Keys covers topics such as finding inspiration, writing lyrics and melodies, and working in the music industry. She shares anecdotes from her career, explains her creative process behind hit songs, and encourages students to develop their unique voice. While the course may not offer as many practical tips as some other songwriting classes, it provides valuable insights into the creative process of a successful artist and is particularly beneficial for fans of Keys and aspiring songwriters seeking inspiration.

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

Oli Rockberger, a professional pianist and producer, offers The New Songwriter’s Workshop through Soundfly. This online course stands out for its strong focus on melody, making it particularly well-suited for pianists and those looking to improve their melodic skills. The workshop begins with lessons on song structure basics, with Rockberger claiming that students will be able to write a simple song after covering the first two sections. The course then delves into finding and creating unique melodies, exploring various approaches to songwriting. Rockberger’s expertise in piano-based songwriting provides a valuable perspective for aspiring songwriters. With its emphasis on melody crafting and broadening students’ perspectives on different songwriting approaches, this course offers a unique learning experience for both beginners and intermediate songwriters.

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

This Udemy course offers a comprehensive approach to songwriting, focusing on the essential elements of music theory, melody creation, and fostering creativity. The course is designed to be accessible to beginners while still providing valuable insights for more experienced songwriters. Students learn fundamental music theory concepts, including chord progressions, scales, and song structure, which are crucial for creating well-crafted compositions. The course also delves into techniques for generating and developing melodies, helping students unlock their creative potential. With a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical exercises, this course equips aspiring songwriters with the tools they need to transform their ideas into fully-formed songs. The self-paced nature of the course allows students to learn at their own speed, making it an excellent option for those with busy schedules.

6. Songwriting: Create Lyric Writing Approaches (Academy of Music and Sound Online)

The Academy of Music and Sound Online offers this specialized course focusing on various approaches to lyric writing. The course is designed to help songwriters develop their unique voice and style while exploring different techniques for crafting compelling lyrics. Students learn about various lyrical devices, storytelling methods, and ways to evoke emotion through words. The course emphasizes the importance of authenticity in songwriting, encouraging students to draw from personal experiences and observations. Through a series of guided exercises and assignments, participants have the opportunity to experiment with different lyrical styles and receive feedback on their work. This course is particularly beneficial for those looking to strengthen their lyrical skills and diversify their songwriting toolkit.

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

This Udemy course takes a holistic approach to songwriting, combining lyric writing techniques with essential music theory knowledge. The course is designed to help aspiring songwriters create commercially viable songs by understanding the elements that contribute to hit songs. Students learn about song structure, chord progressions, and melody writing, as well as techniques for crafting memorable hooks and choruses. The course also covers lyric writing, focusing on storytelling, emotional resonance, and the use of literary devices in songwriting. One of the unique aspects of this course is its emphasis on analyzing successful songs across various genres, helping students understand what makes a song commercially appealing. With its comprehensive curriculum and focus on creating hit songs, this course is ideal for songwriters aiming to write for the commercial music industry.

8. Toplining 101: Melody & Lyrics in Songwriting (Skillshare)

Toplining 101 is an engaging Skillshare course that focuses on the essential elements of songwriting: melody and lyrics. The course, taught by an experienced songwriter, introduces students to the concept of “toplining” – the process of creating vocal melodies and lyrics over an existing instrumental track. Through a series of practical lessons, students learn techniques for crafting memorable melodies and meaningful lyrics that connect with listeners. The course covers various aspects of songwriting, including melody building blocks, melody structure, and lyric concept development. It’s designed to be accessible for beginners while still offering valuable insights for more experienced songwriters. One of the course’s strengths is its emphasis on practical application, encouraging students to create their own toplines and providing a platform for feedback and improvement.

9. The Lyric Writer’s Workroom – Songcraft

The Lyric Writer’s Workroom, offered by Songcraft, is a specialized course that focuses intensively on the craft of lyric writing. This course is designed to help songwriters of all levels develop their lyrical skills and find their unique voice. The curriculum likely covers a range of topics, including storytelling techniques, use of literary devices in lyrics, and methods for evoking emotion through words. Students can expect to engage in various writing exercises and receive constructive feedback on their work. The course may also explore different lyrical styles and approaches, helping participants expand their creative toolkit. By concentrating specifically on lyrics, this course offers a deep dive into an essential aspect of songwriting, making it particularly valuable for those looking to strengthen their lyrical abilities.

10. The Art of Songwriting (Belmont University)

Belmont University, known for its strong music and entertainment industry programs, offers The Art of Songwriting course. This course likely provides a comprehensive overview of songwriting, combining academic rigor with practical industry insights. Students can expect to learn about various aspects of songwriting, including melody composition, lyric writing, song structure, and the business side of songwriting. The course may also cover different genres and styles of songwriting, helping students develop versatility in their craft. Given Belmont’s location in Nashville, a hub for the music industry, this course potentially offers unique perspectives on commercial songwriting and industry trends. The curriculum might include guest lectures from industry professionals, providing students with valuable real-world insights. This course is particularly suited for those considering a career in professional songwriting or looking to gain a well-rounded understanding of the craft within the context of the music industry.