As a DJ who’s spent years spinning tracks and reading crowds, I’ve always been fascinated by the magic behind the songs that get people moving. There’s something special about a tune that can make an entire dance floor erupt with energy or bring tears to someone’s eyes. After years of playing other people’s music, I’ve decided it’s time to try my hand at creating some of that magic myself. That’s why I’ve embarked on a journey to learn the art of songwriting.
In my quest to transform from DJ to songwriter, I’ve scoured the internet for the best songwriting courses available. Whether you’re a fellow DJ looking to expand your skills, a musician wanting to pen your own hits, or just someone with a story to tell, these courses offer a wealth of knowledge to help you on your songwriting journey. From crafting catchy melodies to penning lyrics that resonate, these 10 courses cover all aspects of songwriting.
So, let’s dive in and explore the top songwriting courses that can help turn your musical ideas into fully-fledged songs.
1. Songwriting: Writing the Lyrics (Berklee College of Music)
This course, offered by the prestigious Berklee College of Music, provides a comprehensive approach to lyric writing. Students learn to craft compelling narratives and express emotions through words, drawing on techniques used by professional songwriters. The curriculum covers various aspects of lyric writing, including rhyme schemes, meter, and storytelling. Participants also explore how to effectively combine lyrics with melodies to create cohesive and impactful songs. With its academic rigor and practical exercises, this course is ideal for those seeking a structured and in-depth approach to lyric writing.
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. Designed for beginners, songwriters, and singer-songwriters alike, this online course provides a structured path to developing and refining lyrical skills. Carter, a seasoned lyricist with over 10 years of experience in the music industry, brings his expertise and passion to the forefront, creating an engaging learning experience for aspiring songwriters.
The course is divided into six modules, each focusing on crucial aspects of lyric writing. From finding inspiration and understanding lyrical structure to developing depth in songwriting and collaborating with others, the curriculum covers a wide range of topics essential for crafting compelling lyrics. Students can expect to learn various creative writing methods, analyze famous song lyrics, and gain insights into genre-specific conventions. You can read how Jacob Carter analyzes the lyrics meaning of hundreds of songs. The course also emphasizes practical application, with hands-on exercises and real-life examples to reinforce learning.
Carter’s background in English Literature from the University of Oxford, combined with his experience as a musician and lyricist, gives him a unique perspective on lyric writing. His mission extends beyond just teaching techniques; he aims to make lyric writing a common skill that anyone can use to express their feelings. This philosophy is reflected in the course’s approach, which balances technical instruction with encouragement for personal creativity and expression.
3. How to Write Lyrics – The Song Foundry
The Song Foundry’s course on lyric writing offers a more flexible and self-paced learning experience. It focuses on helping songwriters develop their unique voice and style while mastering the fundamentals of lyric composition. The course covers topics such as generating ideas, structuring verses and choruses, and using literary devices to enhance lyrical impact. With its emphasis on creativity and personal expression, this course is particularly suitable for beginners and intermediate songwriters looking to refine their skills and find inspiration for their work.
4. MasterClass: Songwriting with Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys’ MasterClass on songwriting and producing offers a unique blend of technical instruction and artistic inspiration. The course consists of 19 video lessons totaling 3 hours and 22 minutes, accompanied by a 15-page workbook. Keys shares her personal approach to songwriting, emphasizing the importance of emotion and connecting with the world around you. Students gain insights into her creative process, including how she develops melodies, writes lyrics, and produces her signature sound. The course also covers vocal arrangements and studio techniques, providing a holistic view of the songwriting and production process. With its focus on purpose and creativity, this MasterClass is particularly valuable for those seeking to infuse their songwriting with authenticity and personal meaning.
5. Songwriting: Writing, Arranging, and Producing Music (Berklee College of Music)
This comprehensive specialization from Berklee College of Music offers a deep dive into the art and craft of songwriting. Consisting of four courses, it covers the entire process from lyric writing to music production. The program begins with courses on writing lyrics and composing melodies, then progresses to arranging and finally producing demos using Ableton Live. Taught by award-winning Berklee faculty, students learn strategies to develop hit songs and bring their musical ideas to life. The specialization is designed for both aspiring and established songwriters, providing practical tools and techniques to enhance creativity and songwriting skills.
6. How to Write Your First Song (The University of Sheffield)
Offered through FutureLearn, this 6-week course is perfect for beginners looking to write their first song. The curriculum covers fundamental aspects of songwriting, including setting words to music, working with melody, chord progressions, and song forms. Students spend 3-4 hours per week learning through video lessons and practical exercises. The course features guidance from professional musician Martin Simpson and insights from experts in music and psychology. By the end, participants will have gone through the process of writing their own song, gaining hands-on experience with the core elements of songwriting.
7. Toplining 101: Melody & Lyrics in Songwriting (Skillshare)
This concise 29-minute course on Skillshare focuses specifically on the art of toplining – creating melodies and lyrics for existing music tracks. Taught by experienced songwriter Clare Dove, the class explores techniques for crafting memorable melodies and meaningful lyrics that connect with listeners. It’s designed to be accessible for beginners while also offering valuable insights for more experienced musicians. The course emphasizes practical, usable steps and creative inspiration to help students develop their own writing style. With its short format and focused content, this class is ideal for those looking to quickly improve their melodic and lyrical skills in songwriting.
8. The Fine Art of Songwriting (Steve Leslie)
This comprehensive course, taught by Grammy-winning songwriter Steve Leslie, offers an in-depth exploration of the songwriting craft. The program consists of five weeks of intensive instruction, covering everything from the songwriter’s mindset to advanced techniques in lyric writing, melody crafting, and song structure. Leslie’s approach combines theoretical knowledge with practical exercises, allowing students to apply what they’ve learned immediately. The course is particularly notable for its focus on both the creative and technical aspects of songwriting, making it suitable for beginners and intermediate songwriters looking to refine their skills.
9. Songwriting Hit Mastery: Lyric Writing, Music Theory (Udemy)
This Udemy course, designed for aspiring hit songwriters, offers a comprehensive look at commercial songwriting techniques. The curriculum covers essential topics such as song structure, melody creation, lyric writing, and basic music theory. What sets this course apart is its focus on writing “radio-friendly” songs, providing students with insights into the current music industry standards. With its practical approach and actionable advice, this course is ideal for songwriters aiming to create commercially viable music and advance their careers in the industry.
10. Songwriting Simplified: Music Theory, Melody & Creativity – Udemy
Taught by professional music coach Steve Glazer, this course is designed for absolute beginners in songwriting. It requires only basic knowledge of piano or guitar, making it accessible to a wide range of aspiring songwriters. The course takes a step-by-step approach, guiding students through the entire process of writing a song from scratch. By the end of the program, participants will have completed their own full song. With its focus on simplifying complex concepts and its hands-on approach, this course is perfect for those just starting their songwriting journey.