As a budding bass guitarist, I’ve always been fascinated by the magic of songwriting. There’s something incredibly powerful about creating music that resonates with people, and I’ve often found myself wondering how to transform the rhythms and melodies in my head into fully-fledged songs. While I’ve been honing my skills on the bass, I realized that to truly express myself musically, I needed to dive into the world of songwriting.
That’s when I embarked on a journey to find the best songwriting courses out there. I wanted to learn from the experts, to understand how to craft lyrics that touch hearts, melodies that stick in people’s minds, and harmonies that complement my bass lines.
After extensive research and conversations with fellow musicians, I’ve compiled a list of the 10 best songwriting courses that cater to various aspects of this beautiful art form.
1. Songwriting: Writing, Arranging, and Producing Music (Berklee College of Music)
Berklee College of Music, renowned for its music education programs, offers a comprehensive songwriting course that covers the entire process of creating a song. This course goes beyond just writing lyrics and melodies, delving into arrangement and production techniques. Students learn from experienced faculty members who have worked in the music industry, gaining insights into professional songwriting practices. The curriculum includes topics such as song structure, harmony, and the use of digital audio workstations (DAWs) for producing demos. With Berklee’s reputation and industry connections, this course provides a solid foundation for aspiring songwriters looking to develop their skills and potentially launch a career in the music industry.
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, providing a structured pathway to enhance their skills and unleash their creativity. The course is divided into six modules, each focusing on crucial 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 background in English Literature from the University of Oxford, combined with his practical experience as a guitarist in an indie band, gives him a unique perspective on songwriting. This blend of academic knowledge and real-world experience forms the foundation of his teaching approach, offering students a well-rounded education in lyric writing.
The course curriculum covers a wide range of topics essential for aspiring lyricists. Students learn various creative writing methods to find inspiration and develop their unique style. They explore different writing styles, structures, and formats by analyzing famous song lyrics. The program also delves into effective lyric writing techniques, teaching students how to turn their ideas into complete song drafts and refine their lyrics to resonate with their audience. Advanced topics include mastering literary tools for depth, understanding genre-specific knowledge, and developing collaboration skills.
One of the standout features of this course is its practical approach. Students engage in hands-on exercises and real-life applications to hone their lyric writing skills. The course includes HD video lessons, suggested tasks, and industry insider hints to help students write songs effectively. Additionally, students receive a printable PDF course pack and lifetime access to all course materials, allowing them to revisit and practice their skills at their own pace.
Priced at $997, the Lyrics Writing Course represents a significant investment for aspiring songwriters. However, considering the depth of content, the expertise of the instructor, and the lifetime access to course materials, many students find it to be a worthwhile investment in their creative journey. For those interested in exploring lyric writing further before committing to the full course, Carter also offers a newsletter with lyric writing tips and analysis insights.
3. Songwriting and Composing Melodies (Lauren Buchter)
Lauren Buchter, an accomplished songwriter and vocal coach, offers a course focused on the melodic aspects of songwriting. This course is particularly beneficial for those who want to improve their ability to create memorable and engaging melodies. Buchter’s approach emphasizes the relationship between lyrics and melody, teaching students how to craft melodies that enhance the emotional impact of their words. The course likely covers techniques for developing hook-laden choruses, creating interesting verse melodies, and understanding the principles of melodic contour. With Buchter’s experience as a vocal coach, students can also expect to gain insights into writing melodies that are vocally appealing and comfortable to sing.
4. How to Write Lyrics (The Song Foundry)
The Song Foundry’s “How to Write Lyrics” course is a comprehensive program designed to help songwriters of all levels improve their lyric writing skills. This course covers essential topics such as generating original ideas, using rhyme effectively, structuring lyrics, and creating prosody – the art of matching words to melody. With over five hours of video content and a 32-page course booklet, students receive in-depth instruction on various lyric writing techniques. The course is particularly strong in teaching practical strategies for developing and refining lyric ideas into polished, impactful songs. It also addresses the importance of writing singable lyrics, a crucial skill for creating songs that resonate with listeners. Created by Ed Bell, an experienced songwriter and educator, this course offers valuable insights and techniques applicable to various musical genres.
5. The Basics of Pro Songwriting (Tom Worth)
Tom Worth’s “The Basics of Pro Songwriting” course offers aspiring songwriters a comprehensive look into the world of commercial songwriting. This course stands out by teaching not just the fundamentals of songwriting, but also the professional techniques used to create hit songs across various genres. Students learn the exact songwriting process that has been used to write numerous chart-topping tracks in pop, country, Christian, and rock music.
The curriculum covers essential topics such as song structure, melody writing, and lyric composition, while also delving into more advanced concepts like rhyme schemes and phrasing. One of the course’s unique strengths is its focus on helping students avoid common amateur mistakes that can turn off industry professionals. By addressing these pitfalls, Worth aims to elevate participants’ songwriting to a professional level, potentially opening doors in the music industry.
6. Songwriting: Lyric Writing – Elevate with ICMP
The Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP) offers a focused course on lyric writing that aims to enhance storytelling through song. Priced affordably at £19, this course is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of lyric writing techniques and strategies. The curriculum covers various approaches to lyric writing, including free writing and storyboarding, emphasizing the importance of crafting compelling narratives and emotionally resonant lyrics.
A key feature of this course is its practical approach, offering students multiple opportunities to write to brief. This exercise helps develop the ability to write from different perspectives and adapt to various songwriting scenarios. The course’s flexibility allows students to start and pause their learning at their convenience, with lifetime access to all course materials ensuring ongoing reference and practice.
7. The Singer-Songwriter Specialization (Berklee College of Music)
Berklee College of Music’s Singer-Songwriter Specialization is a comprehensive program designed to equip students with all the skills necessary to write, perform, and record original music. This specialization consists of four courses, each focusing on a crucial aspect of the singer-songwriter’s craft.
The program begins with “Guitar for Beginners,” teaching fundamental guitar skills including chords, scales, and various playing techniques. This is followed by “Singing Popular Music,” which focuses on developing vocal techniques and personal style. The third course, “Songwriting: Writing the Lyrics,” delves deep into lyric writing, covering topics such as point of view, form, and various rhyming techniques.
The specialization concludes with “Introduction to Ableton Live,” introducing students to digital audio workstations for recording and producing their music. Throughout the program, students engage in applied learning projects, allowing them to practice and refine their skills in a practical context. This comprehensive approach ensures that graduates are well-rounded singer-songwriters capable of creating, performing, and recording their own original music.
8. Lyric Writing: Tools and Strategies – Berklee Online
Berklee Online’s “Lyric Writing: Tools and Strategies” course offers a deep dive into the craft of lyric writing, drawing on the expertise of Berklee College of Music’s renowned faculty. This course is designed to help songwriters develop their lyrical skills through a variety of techniques and exercises. Students learn to generate ideas, craft compelling narratives, and use literary devices effectively in their lyrics.
The curriculum covers essential topics such as rhyme schemes, meter, and prosody, while also exploring more advanced concepts like metaphor and imagery. One of the course’s strengths is its focus on developing a personal writing voice and style. Students are encouraged to experiment with different approaches to find what works best for them. The course also emphasizes the importance of rewriting and editing, teaching students how to refine their lyrics for maximum impact.
9. How to Write Your First Song (The University of Sheffield)
The University of Sheffield offers a beginner-friendly course titled “How to Write Your First Song,” which is perfect for aspiring songwriters taking their first steps into the world of music creation. This course breaks down the songwriting process into manageable steps, making it less intimidating for newcomers. Students learn the basics of lyric writing, melody composition, and song structure.
A unique aspect of this course is its emphasis on creativity and self-expression. Rather than focusing solely on technical aspects, it encourages students to tap into their emotions and experiences as inspiration for their songs. The course also introduces basic music theory concepts relevant to songwriting, helping students understand how to create harmonies and chord progressions that complement their melodies and lyrics.
10. Toplining 101: Melody & Lyrics in Songwriting (Skillshare)
Skillshare’s “Toplining 101: Melody & Lyrics in Songwriting” course, taught by Clare Dove, offers a focused look at the art of toplining – creating melodies and lyrics over existing instrumental tracks. This course is particularly valuable for those interested in pop songwriting or collaborating with producers.
The curriculum covers the essentials of melody creation and lyric writing, with a specific emphasis on how these elements work together in toplining. Students learn practical techniques for crafting memorable melodies and meaningful lyrics that connect with listeners. The course also provides insights into developing a personal writing style and overcoming creative blocks.
One of the course’s strengths is its practical approach. Students are encouraged to apply the techniques they learn to their own songwriting projects. The instructor, Clare Dove, brings her industry experience to the course, offering valuable insights into professional songwriting practices.
At just 29 minutes long, this course is a concise yet comprehensive introduction to toplining. It’s an excellent choice for beginners or more experienced songwriters looking to refine their skills in this specific area of songwriting.
