10 Outstanding Songwriting Classes

As a violinist of three years, I’ve found myself increasingly drawn to the art of songwriting. There’s something magical about creating melodies that dance off my strings, but I’ve always felt that my compositions were missing a crucial element – lyrics. That’s why I’ve embarked on a journey to explore the world of songwriting, seeking courses that could help me transform my instrumental musings into fully-fledged songs.

In my quest to blend my violin skills with the craft of songwriting, I’ve discovered a wealth of online courses catering to aspiring songwriters like myself. Whether you’re a fellow instrumentalist looking to expand your creative horizons or a complete beginner in the world of music, these courses offer invaluable insights into the art of crafting memorable tunes and compelling lyrics.

From industry giants to independent experts, the following list of the 10 best songwriting courses covers a wide range of approaches to help you find your unique voice. Join me as we explore these courses that promise to unlock the songwriter within us, turning our musical dreams into reality – one verse, chorus, and bridge at a time.

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

This comprehensive Udemy course offers a solid foundation in songwriting fundamentals. Taught by experienced musician Gareth Green, it covers essential music theory concepts, melody writing techniques, and creative exercises to spark inspiration. The course is designed for beginners and intermediate songwriters looking to enhance their skills. With over 6 hours of on-demand video content, students can learn at their own pace and apply the lessons to their songwriting practice immediately.

2. Lyrics Writing Course by Jacob Carter

The Lyrics Writing Course, created by experienced lyricist Jacob Carter, offers a comprehensive online program designed to help aspiring songwriters and lyricists hone their craft. With over 10 years of experience in the music industry, Carter has developed a course that covers all aspects of lyric writing, from finding inspiration to collaborating with other artists.

The course is structured into six modules, each focusing on a crucial aspect of lyric writing. Students begin by exploring various creative writing methods to find inspiration and develop their unique style. They then delve into lyrical structure and style, analyzing famous song lyrics to understand different writing techniques. The course progresses to teach students how to turn their ideas into complete song drafts and refine their lyrics for maximum impact. 

One of the standout features of this course is its emphasis on developing depth in songwriting. Students learn to master literary tools such as imagery, metaphor, and characterization to create unforgettable and unique lyrics. The course also covers genre-specific knowledge, helping students tailor their lyrics to specific musical styles. Additionally, it teaches collaboration skills, preparing students for co-writing opportunities in the industry.

Jacob Carter’s background in English Literature from the University of Oxford, combined with his experience as a guitarist in an indie band, gives him a unique perspective on lyric writing. This blend of academic knowledge and practical experience informs his teaching style, making the course both informative and relatable.

3. The Lyric Writer’s Workroom – Songcraft

For those focused on honing their lyric-writing abilities, The Lyric Writer’s Workroom by Songcraft is an excellent choice. This course delves deep into the craft of lyric writing, offering practical techniques to improve storytelling, word choice, and emotional impact. Led by professional songwriters, it provides a structured approach to lyric development, including exercises and feedback opportunities. The Lyric Writer’s Workroom is particularly beneficial for songwriters looking to elevate the poetic and narrative aspects of their songs.

4. MasterClass: Songwriting with Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys, a 15-time Grammy Award-winning artist, shares her unique approach to songwriting and producing in this MasterClass course. Over 3 hours and 22 minutes of video content, Keys offers insights into her creative process, from finding inspiration to crafting melodies and lyrics. The course covers a wide range of topics, including connecting with the world through music, vocal arrangements, and collaboration. While it may be more subjective and focused on Keys’ personal methods, it provides valuable inspiration and behind-the-scenes looks at how hit songs are created. This MasterClass is ideal for fans of Alicia Keys and aspiring songwriters seeking inspiration from a successful artist’s perspective.

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

This Skillshare course, taught by experienced songwriter Clare Dove, focuses on the art of toplining – creating melodies and lyrics for existing instrumental tracks. The course covers essential aspects of songwriting, including what toplining is, how to craft memorable melodies, and techniques for writing meaningful lyrics that connect with listeners. Designed for beginners and experienced musicians alike, the class provides practical, step-by-step guidance to help students develop their own writing style. With over 15 lessons across multiple modules, participants learn to approach songwriting systematically and find consistent inspiration for their work.

6. Songwriting: Lyric Writing – Elevate with ICMP

Offered by the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP), this comprehensive online course delves deep into the lyric-writing process. Over six modules, students explore various elements of lyric writing, including song structure, rhyme schemes, storytelling techniques, and genre conventions. The course analyzes influential lyrics throughout music history while helping participants develop their unique voice through immersive tasks and exercises. Created by industry experts, the program allows flexible, self-paced learning and includes HD video lessons, downloadable guides, and a certificate upon completion. It’s an excellent choice for aspiring songwriters looking to strengthen their lyrical skills and bring more depth to their compositions.

7. The Fine Art of Songwriting (Steve Leslie)

Grammy-winning songwriter Steve Leslie offers this in-depth course on the craft of songwriting. Drawing from his 25+ year career writing for renowned artists like Kenny Rogers and George Strait, Leslie provides expert guidance on various aspects of songwriting. The course covers an extensive range of topics, including song structure, lyric writing, melody composition, and unconventional songwriting approaches. Leslie emphasizes concepts like prosody, the emotional-narrative line, and the balance between expectation, surprise, and inevitability in songwriting. With its focus on both technical skills and creative expression, this course is particularly suitable for intermediate songwriters looking to elevate their craft to a professional level.

8. Lyric Writing: Tools and Strategies – Berklee Online

Berklee Online offers this comprehensive course focusing on the craft of lyric writing. Designed for both experienced songwriters and beginners, the course provides practical tools and strategies to enhance lyrical skills. Students explore various techniques for finding and developing song ideas, organizing concepts effectively, and applying the principle of prosody. The curriculum covers essential elements such as line structure, rhyme schemes, rhythm, titling, and phrasing. Participants learn to critique their own work and that of others, developing the ability to revise lyrics for maximum impact. With its emphasis on practical application and industry-standard techniques, this course is ideal for those looking to refine their lyric writing skills under the guidance of Berklee’s renowned faculty.

9. The Art of Songwriting (Belmont University)

Belmont University’s The Art of Songwriting course offers a unique opportunity to learn from some of the industry’s most accomplished songwriters. This 12-hour, self-paced program is designed for songwriters at various levels, from beginners to more experienced writers seeking to refine their craft. The course covers essential skills such as finding inspiration, overcoming writer’s block, and applying technical aspects of songwriting including rhyme, song structure, and commercial melodic structure. Students also learn about effective storytelling through song, collaboration techniques, and maintaining integrity in the music industry. With contributions from Hall of Fame songwriters and Grammy winners, this course provides invaluable insights into building a sustainable songwriting career.

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

This Udemy course, taught by experienced instructors Erich Andreas and Melissa Peirce, offers a comprehensive approach to songwriting. With over 70 video lessons totaling more than 3.5 hours, the course covers both creative and technical aspects of songwriting. Students learn professional techniques for creating song ideas, writing common themes, understanding song structure, and crafting compelling lyrics and melodies. The course also delves into music business topics, including collaboration strategies, industry networking, and revenue streams for songwriters. Designed for beginners through experienced songwriters, this course provides a step-by-step approach to elevating one’s songwriting skills, complemented by insider industry tips and practical exercises.