Top 10 Songwriting Programs to Unleash Your Inner Lyricist
As a piano teacher, I’ve always been fascinated by the art of songwriting. There’s something magical about creating a piece of music from scratch, weaving together melodies, harmonies, and lyrics to express emotions and tell stories. While I’m comfortable teaching others how to play the piano, I’ve often felt a desire to expand my own musical horizons and learn the craft of songwriting.
That’s why I’ve embarked on a journey to explore the world of songwriting courses. As someone who’s passionate about music education, I understand the value of structured learning, even for creative pursuits. I’ve researched and compiled a list of the 10 best songwriting courses available, each offering unique perspectives and techniques to help aspiring songwriters hone their skills.
Whether you’re a beginner like me, looking to write your first song, or an experienced musician aiming to refine your craft, there’s something in this list for everyone.
1. Songwriting: Writing the Lyrics (Berklee College of Music)
Berklee College of Music offers a comprehensive course on lyric writing as part of their Songwriting specialization on Coursera. This course delves deep into the craft of lyric writing, covering essential topics such as point of view, song form, and the “who, what, where, when, and how” of storytelling in songs. Students will learn to identify stable and unstable lyrics through line lengths, stressed syllables, and melody. The course also explores various rhyming techniques and how to use them effectively to evoke specific emotions. With its focus on prosody and practical exercises, this Berklee offering provides a solid foundation for aspiring lyricists.
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 aspiring songwriters, musicians, and lyricists of all levels, from beginners to those looking to refine their skills. The course is structured into six in-depth modules that cover essential aspects of lyric writing, including finding inspiration, understanding lyrical structure and style, developing songwriting depth, and even exploring collaborative writing techniques.
One of the standout features of this course is its focus on practical application. Students are provided with numerous writing prompts, exercises, and real-world examples to help them immediately put their newfound knowledge into practice. The course also emphasizes the importance of developing a unique writing style, encouraging students to explore various creative writing methods and find their own voice.
Jacob Carter, the course creator, brings a wealth of experience and academic background to the program. With a degree in English Literature from the University of Oxford and hands-on experience as a musician in an indie band, Carter combines theoretical knowledge with practical insights. His passion for lyric analysis and songwriting is evident throughout the course, providing students with a well-rounded perspective on the craft.
3. The New Songwriter’s Workshop (Oli Rockberger)
Available on Soundfly, The New Songwriter’s Workshop by Oli Rockberger offers an in-depth exploration of the songwriting process from a professional’s perspective. Rockberger, an acclaimed songwriter, shares his methods for selecting harmonic progressions and composing memorable melodies. The course is designed with flexibility in mind, allowing students to learn at their own pace. One of its standout features is the option for personalized mentorship, providing students with tailored guidance as they develop their craft. This workshop is particularly well-suited for songwriters looking to expand their technical knowledge and refine their skills under expert guidance.
4. Toplining 101: Melody & Lyrics in Songwriting (Skillshare)
Offered on Skillshare, Toplining 101: Melody & Lyrics in Songwriting is a concise yet comprehensive introduction to the art of toplining. The course, which runs for approximately 29 minutes, explores the concept of toplining and provides practical tools for creating memorable melodies and meaningful lyrics. Designed for beginners and experienced musicians alike, the class offers step-by-step guidance on developing a unique writing style. The instructor emphasizes the importance of emotional connection in songwriting and provides techniques for consistently generating strong melody and lyric combinations. With its focus on practical application and creative inspiration, this course serves as an excellent starting point for those looking to dive into the world of toplining.
5. The Art of Songwriting (Belmont University)
Belmont University’s “The Art of Songwriting” course offers a comprehensive journey into the world of professional songwriting. Created by Emily Falvey, a Belmont alumna recognized as “Nashville’s Top New Songwriter” by Forbes magazine, this 6-module course is designed to empower songwriters at various levels. The program features contributions from esteemed guests, including Hall of Fame songwriters and Grammy winners, providing students with invaluable industry insights. Covering topics such as overcoming writer’s block, applying technical aspects of songwriting, and navigating the music industry, this course equips students with the skills needed to craft captivating melodies and build a sustainable career in music. With its blend of creative instruction and practical industry knowledge, this course is ideal for both beginners and experienced songwriters looking to refine their craft.
6. Lyric Writing: Tools and Strategies – Berklee Online
Berklee Online’s “Lyric Writing: Tools and Strategies” is part of their Professional Certificate in Lyric Writing program. This course focuses on generating more and better lyric ideas, teaching students to express themselves in compelling and original ways through their songs. As a level 2 course, it delves deeper into the craft of lyric writing, building on foundational knowledge. Students learn key methodologies and strategies for writing impactful lyrics, enhancing their ability to express themselves effectively through their music. The course is designed to be both practical and inspiring, encouraging songwriters to explore new techniques and push their creative boundaries. By the end of the course, participants will have developed a stronger toolkit for lyric writing, enabling them to create more engaging and emotionally resonant songs.
7. The Singer-Songwriter Specialization (Berklee College of Music)
The Singer-Songwriter Specialization, offered by Berklee College of Music through Coursera, is a comprehensive four-course series designed to help aspiring singer-songwriters write, perform, and record original music. This specialization covers a wide range of skills, including guitar basics, vocal techniques, songwriting tools, and music production using Ableton Live. Each course in the series focuses on a different aspect of the singer-songwriter craft, from learning to play guitar and developing vocal styles to writing original songs and producing professional recordings. The program includes practical projects that allow students to apply their learning, such as playing a song, honing vocal techniques, completing an original composition, and producing a polished recording. With its holistic approach to music creation and performance, this specialization is particularly well-suited for beginners with a passion for music who want to develop a comprehensive skill set in songwriting and performance.
8. How to Write Lyrics – The Song Foundry
The Song Foundry offers a comprehensive course on lyric writing that caters to songwriters of all levels. This course focuses on developing a strong foundation in lyric writing techniques, covering topics such as finding inspiration, crafting memorable hooks, and telling compelling stories through song. The program emphasizes practical exercises and real-world applications, allowing students to immediately put their newfound knowledge into practice. With its user-friendly approach and focus on creativity, this course is particularly well-suited for those looking to unlock their lyrical potential and develop a unique songwriting voice.
9. Writing Song Lyrics: Create and Combine with Melody – City Lit
City Lit’s “Writing Song Lyrics: Create and Combine with Melody” course offers a hands-on approach to songwriting that integrates lyric writing with melody creation. This program is designed to help students develop their skills in both areas simultaneously, fostering a holistic understanding of the songwriting process. The course covers various techniques for generating lyrical ideas, structuring songs, and matching words to melodies effectively. With its focus on the interplay between lyrics and melody, this course is ideal for songwriters looking to create more cohesive and impactful compositions.
10. How to Write Your First Song (The University of Sheffield)
The University of Sheffield’s “How to Write Your First Song” is a free online course that provides a practical introduction to the mechanics of songwriting. This course is particularly beneficial for beginners, offering a step-by-step guide to crafting an original song. Students have the opportunity to learn from established songwriters and gain insights into various aspects of the songwriting process. The course includes video lessons, practical exercises, and opportunities for peer feedback, creating a supportive learning environment for aspiring songwriters. By the end of the course, participants will have developed the skills and confidence to write their first complete song.