10 Songwriting Courses for Aspiring Artists

As a drummer, I’ve always been fascinated by the rhythmic backbone of music. But lately, I’ve found myself yearning to contribute more to the creative process. The idea of crafting entire songs, not just beats, has been tugging at my musical heartstrings. That’s why I’ve decided to explore the world of songwriting, and let me tell you, it’s been quite the journey!

After hours of research and conversations with fellow musicians, I’ve compiled a list of what I believe are the 10 best songwriting courses available today. 

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

1. Songwriting: Lyric Writing – Elevate with ICMP

Elevate with ICMP offers a focused and comprehensive course on lyric writing priced at £20. This program is designed to help students develop their skills in crafting powerful and emotive lyrics. Over six modules, participants explore various aspects of lyric writing, including finding inspiration, understanding lyrical structure and style, and learning how to turn ideas into complete song drafts. The course emphasizes practical application, with students engaging in multiple writing exercises and analyzing influential lyrics throughout history. With its flexible learning format and lifetime access to materials, this course is ideal for both beginners and experienced songwriters looking to refine their lyrical abilities.

2. Lyrics Writing Course by Jacob Carter

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 both beginners and experienced songwriters looking to enhance their skills and unleash their creativity. The course is structured into six modules that cover essential aspects of lyric writing, from finding inspiration to collaborating with other artists.

At the heart of this course is Jacob Carter, a seasoned lyricist with over 10 years of experience in the music industry. Carter’s passion for songwriting shines through in his teaching, as he shares valuable insights and practical techniques gained from his extensive career. His background in English Literature from the University of Oxford adds depth to his understanding of contemporary poetry and song lyrics, making him uniquely qualified to guide students through the intricacies of lyric writing.

The course curriculum is thoughtfully designed to provide a well-rounded education in lyric writing. Students can expect to learn about various creative writing methods, lyrical structure and style, effective lyric writing techniques, and the use of literary tools to add depth to their songs. You can read how Jacob Carter analyzes the lyrics meaning of hundreds of songs. The program also delves into genre-specific knowledge and collaboration skills, ensuring that participants are well-equipped to tackle diverse songwriting challenges.

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

Available through Soundfly, The New Songwriter’s Workshop is an online course created by professional pianist and producer Oli Rockberger. This program stands out for its strong focus on melody crafting, making it particularly valuable for pianists and those aiming to improve their melodic skills. The course begins with lessons on basic song structure before delving into various approaches to finding and creating unique melodies. Oli’s expertise in piano-based songwriting provides students with insights into both the creative and technical aspects of composing. With its comprehensive coverage of songwriting elements and emphasis on melodic development, this course offers a well-rounded learning experience for aspiring songwriters.

4. The Basics of Pro Songwriting (Tom Worth)

Tom Worth’s “The Basics of Pro Songwriting” is a video course designed to drastically improve songwriting skills for both beginners and experienced writers. Priced at $4.00, this 6-hour course covers not only the fundamentals of songwriting but also advanced techniques used by professional songwriters. Worth, with over 10 years of industry experience, shares the exact methods used to write commercial songs that have topped charts. The course addresses common mistakes that can hinder a songwriter’s success and provides expert advice on writing hit songs. By focusing on both basic and advanced concepts, this course aims to equip students with the skills necessary to write songs like professionals and increase their chances of success in the music industry.

5. The Lyric Writer’s Workroom – Songcraft

The Lyric Writer’s Workroom by Songcraft offers a unique and focused approach to songwriting, emphasizing the craft of lyric writing. This course is designed to help songwriters develop their skills over time through continuous learning and practice. It provides a wealth of articles and resources covering various aspects of lyric writing, from mastering different rhyme schemes to finding fresh song ideas. The course encourages writers to draw inspiration from their surroundings and transform everyday observations into compelling lyrics. With practical tips on crafting memorable choruses and melodies, this program is an invaluable resource for songwriters looking to deepen their understanding of lyric writing and elevate their craft.

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

Songwriting Hit Mastery, available on Udemy, is a comprehensive course taught by experienced instructors Erich Andreas and Melissa Peirce. This program covers both the creative and technical aspects of songwriting through over 70 video lessons totaling more than 3.5 hours. Students learn professional songwriting tools and practices for creating great song ideas, writing common themes, understanding song structure, and crafting elevated lyrics and melodies. The course also delves into basic hit chord progressions and explores music business topics such as collaboration, industry networking, and revenue streams for songwriters. With its step-by-step layout and insider industry tips, this course is suitable for beginners and experienced songwriters alike who are looking to enhance their skills and gain valuable industry insights.

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

Berklee College of Music’s “Songwriting: Writing the Lyrics” course, offered through Coursera, is a detailed program designed to help aspiring songwriters hone their lyric-writing skills. Authored by Pat Pattison, this 12-week course is suitable for both beginners and seasoned songwriters. The curriculum covers essential techniques such as rhyme structure, notating rhyme schemes, and creating forward motion with rhyme. Students engage in daily object writing activities to stimulate creativity and learn to create effective contrasts between song sections to enhance emotional impact. The course aims to help participants generate better ideas, find the right words, and organize rhythms and rhymes into compelling verses, choruses, and bridges. By the end of the program, students will have developed a robust set of skills to craft vivid and emotionally resonant lyrics.

8. The Singer-Songwriter Specialization (Berklee College of Music)

The Singer-Songwriter Specialization, offered by Berklee College of Music through Coursera, is a comprehensive 5-month program designed to develop well-rounded singer-songwriters. This specialization covers various aspects of music creation, including guitar playing, singing, songwriting, and music production. The course is divided into modules, each focusing on a specific skill set. In the “Guitar for Beginners” module, students learn chords, scales, strumming patterns, and fingerpicking techniques. The “Singing Popular Music” section helps participants explore their voice and develop their unique style while learning proper vocal techniques and breathing support. The songwriting module focuses on lyric writing, teaching students about stress and unstressed syllables, rhyme schemes, and other essential songwriting tools. By the end of the specialization, participants will have gained a holistic understanding of the singer-songwriter craft, from creating original music to recording and producing their songs.

9. Lyric Writing: Tools and Strategies – Berklee Online

Berklee Online’s “Lyric Writing: Tools and Strategies” is a comprehensive 12-week course designed to enhance lyric writing skills for both beginners and experienced songwriters. Authored by Pat Pattison, a renowned lyricist and professor, this course delves deep into the intricacies of lyric writing. The curriculum covers essential techniques such as rhyme structure, notating rhyme schemes, and creating forward motion with rhyme. Students engage in daily object writing activities to stimulate creativity and learn to create effective contrasts between song sections to enhance emotional impact. The course aims to help participants generate better ideas, find the right words, and organize rhythms and rhymes into compelling verses, choruses, and bridges. By the end of the program, students will have developed a robust set of skills to craft vivid and emotionally resonant lyrics.

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

Toplining 101: Melody & Lyrics in Songwriting is a concise yet informative course available on Skillshare. This 29-minute class explores the art of toplining, which involves creating melodies and lyrics for existing instrumental tracks. The course is designed for beginners but can benefit songwriters at various skill levels. It covers the fundamentals of melody creation and lyric writing, teaching students how to craft memorable and meaningful songs that connect with listeners. The instructor provides practical, usable steps and creative inspiration to help students develop their own writing style. The course emphasizes the importance of melody and lyrics as the most crucial elements of a song. Students only need basic tools like a writing device and a way to record ideas, making it accessible to aspiring songwriters with limited resources.

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