As a budding drummer with a growing passion for music, I’ve recently found myself yearning to express more than just rhythms. The desire to create complete songs, to weave melodies and lyrics that resonate with others, has been tugging at my creative heartstrings. But let’s face it, transitioning from keeping time to crafting timeless tunes isn’t exactly a cakewalk.
That’s why I’ve embarked on a quest to find the best songwriting courses out there. Whether you’re a fellow drummer looking to expand your musical horizons, or a guitarist, pianist, or even a shower singer with dreams of penning the next chart-topper, this list is for you. I’ve scoured the internet, compared countless courses, and compiled what I believe to be the top 10 songwriting courses available today.
1. MasterClass: Songwriting with Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys’ MasterClass offers a unique opportunity to learn from one of the most successful artists in the music industry. This 3-hour and 22-minute course consists of 19 video lessons covering various aspects of songwriting and music production. Keys shares her personal experiences and insights, focusing on emotion-led songwriting rather than technical theory. The course provides valuable case studies of her popular songs, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how hits like “Fallin'” were created.
While the course excels in providing inspiration and high-level concepts, it may lack specific, actionable techniques for beginners. However, it compensates with its high production value and Keys’ engaging storytelling. The course also touches on important topics such as connecting with the world through music and using empathy in songwriting, making it particularly suitable for those interested in creating meaningful, socially conscious music.
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. With over 10 years of experience in the music industry, Carter brings a wealth of knowledge and practical insights to the course.
The course is structured into six modules, covering essential aspects of lyric writing. These include finding inspiration, understanding lyrical structure and style, developing effective writing techniques, and even exploring the nuances of co-writing. Each module is packed with HD video lessons, suggested tasks, and industry insider hints, providing students with a well-rounded learning experience.
One of the course’s strengths lies in its focus on developing depth in songwriting. Students learn to use literary tools such as imagery, metaphor, and characterization to create unforgettable and unique lyrics. The course also delves into genre-specific knowledge, helping writers tailor their lyrics to specific musical styles.
Carter’s approach goes beyond just teaching techniques; he aims to instill confidence in his students. By the end of the course, participants are expected to have a deeper understanding of how lyrics work, an arsenal of effective writing strategies, and the courage to express themselves through their songs.
The Lyrics Writing Course is part of a larger mission to make lyric writing a common skill accessible to anyone. Carter believes that lyric writing shouldn’t be limited to professional lyricists but should be a means for ordinary people to express their feelings and experiences in their daily lives.
3. Songwriting: Create Lyric Writing Approaches (Academy of Music and Sound Online)
This Udemy course, offered by the Academy of Music and Sound Online, is designed to cater to both beginners and experienced songwriters looking to revitalize their lyrical output. The course focuses on creative approaches to lyric writing, aiming to help students develop their unique voice and style.
While specific details about the course content are limited in the provided information, Udemy courses typically offer a mix of video lectures, downloadable resources, and practical exercises. This course likely covers various lyric writing techniques, rhyme schemes, and storytelling methods to help students craft compelling lyrics. The platform’s lifetime access and self-paced learning model make it a flexible option for those balancing songwriting with other commitments.
4. Songwriting: Lyric Writing – Elevate with ICMP
The International College of Music Production (ICMP) offers this comprehensive online course focused exclusively on lyric writing. Spanning 15 unique lessons across three packed modules, the course is created by practicing industry experts, ensuring students receive up-to-date, relevant information.
The course covers a wide range of topics, including finding inspiration, exploring different creative writing techniques, and uncovering one’s unique lyrical identity. It also delves into the technicalities of lyrical structure and style, examining rhyme schemes, classic structures, and melodic math. The final module focuses on turning ideas into workable song drafts, teaching students how to craft and edit lyrics effectively.
One of the standout features of this course is its immersive, interactive learning approach. It includes HD video lessons, suggested tasks, and industry insider hints. Upon completion, students receive a certificate, with the option for additional one-on-one mentoring at an extra cost. The course’s flexible, self-paced structure and lifetime access make it an attractive option for aspiring songwriters looking to develop their lyrical skills.
5. Writing Song Lyrics: Create and Combine with Melody – City Lit
City Lit offers this practical 6-week online course designed for songwriters and instrumentalists who find creating melodies easier than writing lyrics. Taught by Polly Hewett, an experienced multi-instrumentalist and composer, the course focuses on generating original lyrical ideas, structuring melodies, and using advanced techniques in lyrics and meter.
The course emphasizes collaboration and practical work, with students working together to create and refine their songs. Participants analyze songs from various genres, helping them develop a broader understanding of lyric writing across different styles. By the end of the course, students aim to record their own songs, providing a tangible outcome for their efforts.
Key topics covered include generating original ideas from everyday experiences, understanding melody structure, and exploring themes and perspectives in songwriting. The course also delves into basic and advanced techniques in lyrics, metre, rhythm, scanning, and emphasis. This comprehensive approach helps students find their own lyric writing style while improving their ability to create and edit ideas effectively.
6. Commercial Songwriting Techniques – Berklee Online
Berklee Online’s Commercial Songwriting Techniques course, authored by Andrea Stolpe, a multiplatinum songwriter, offers a unique blend of theory and practical skill-building. The course focuses on creating patterns of content that help craft memorable melodies and lyrics, aiming to forge an emotional connection with listeners.
This course introduces a ten-step process for reproducing traits of successful songs while maintaining the songwriter’s unique voice. Key concepts include “toggling” – moving between detailed and broader perspectives – and “destination writing,” which uses all senses as springboards for creativity. These techniques aim to enhance descriptive skills and give songwriters greater control over the intensity of the experience they create through lyrics.
The course structure is designed to streamline the writing process, with each week focusing on a different song section. By the end of the course, participants will have completed three full songs and developed ideas for many more. The curriculum also covers important aspects such as combining lyrics with music effectively and discovering one’s unique writing style.
7. How to Write Lyrics – The Song Foundry
The Song Foundry’s “How to Write Lyrics” course, created by Ed Bell, is marketed as “The Last Lyric Writing Course You’ll Ever Need.” This comprehensive program aims to teach songwriters how to craft great-sounding lyrics that capture attention and leave a lasting impact on audiences.
The course is structured into seven modules, offering over five hours of HD video lessons and a 32-page course booklet. It covers essential topics such as using rhyme, structuring lyrics, writing singable lyrics, and understanding prosody – the art of fitting lyrics seamlessly to a melody. Each module is designed to provide valuable ideas and techniques, along with real-life applications for various songwriting styles.
Key features of the course include in-depth explorations of lyric writing strategies, methods for developing and refining lyric ideas, and techniques for creating catchy, well-structured lyrics. The course also aims to boost participants’ confidence in expressing themselves and developing song ideas with style. Additionally, it provides guidance on finishing lyric projects consistently.
This course is suitable for beginners to intermediate-level songwriters and offers lifetime access to all materials, making it a valuable resource for ongoing reference and skill development.
8. The Basics of Pro Songwriting (Tom Worth)
Tom Worth’s “The Basics of Pro Songwriting” is a comprehensive video course designed to drastically improve your songwriting skills, regardless of your experience level. This 6-hour course covers both the fundamentals and advanced techniques used by professional songwriters in the industry.
The course is structured into several modules, including an introduction, commercial songwriting fundamentals, the craft of songwriting, and a practical demonstration of the instructor writing a song. Worth, who has over 10 years of industry experience, shares the exact methods used to write commercial songs that have topped the charts.
One of the course’s key strengths is its focus on avoiding common mistakes that can hinder a songwriter’s success. By addressing these pitfalls, Worth aims to help students present themselves as professionals to industry insiders. The course also delves into essential topics such as song structure, melody and lyric writing, rhyme schemes, and phrasing.
9. Songwriting Hit Mastery: Lyric Writing, Music Theory (Udemy)
This Udemy course offers a comprehensive approach to songwriting, covering everything from lyric writing to music theory. The course is designed to be the ultimate resource for both novice and experienced songwriters looking to enhance their skills.
The curriculum is extensive, covering crucial aspects of songwriting such as generating and developing song ideas, understanding song themes, and mastering various parts of a song structure. It also delves into the technicalities of chord progressions, lyric crafting, and melody construction.
A unique feature of this course is its focus on industry insider secrets and tips that typically take years to learn. It also provides guidance on breaking into the music industry and offers insights into the business side of songwriting, including methods for monetizing your work. The course includes practical exercises throughout, ensuring students can apply what they’ve learned.
10. The Fine Art of Songwriting (Steve Leslie)
Steve Leslie’s “The Fine Art of Songwriting” is a five-week intensive course designed for beginners and intermediate-level songwriters. Leslie, a Grammy-winning songwriter with over 25 years of experience writing for renowned artists like Kenny Rogers and George Strait, brings a wealth of industry knowledge to this program.
The course is structured to provide daily training, transforming how students approach song structure and turn ideas into fully-written songs. It covers essential topics such as chorus writing, melody crafting, and determining when a bridge is necessary. Leslie’s approach is particularly beneficial for those looking to write more polished, professional-level songs.
One of the course’s strengths is its comprehensive nature, covering 33 video lessons that explore various aspects of songwriting. It begins by addressing the songwriter’s mindset before delving into more concrete topics like song structure, lyric writing, chord selection, and melody building. The course also includes several case studies and practical music tips, making it valuable even for experienced writers looking to refine their skills.
While it may not be ideal for absolute beginners, this course is an excellent choice for intermediate songwriters aiming to elevate their craft to a professional level. Leslie’s extensive experience in the industry provides students with invaluable insights into the commercial aspects of songwriting.