10 Best Songwriting Courses for Budding Artists

Have you ever found yourself humming a tune or scribbling down lyrics, dreaming of creating a song that truly expresses your thoughts and emotions? As a fellow music enthusiast and hobbyist, I know how exciting—and sometimes daunting—it can be to turn those ideas into fully realized songs. Songwriting is an incredible art form that allows us to tell stories, connect with others, and explore our creativity. But let’s face it: figuring out where to start or how to improve can feel overwhelming.

That’s why I’ve put together this list of the 10 best songwriting courses. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, these courses offer something for everyone. From crafting compelling lyrics and catchy melodies to understanding song structure and production techniques, these programs are designed to help you unlock your potential as a songwriter. So grab your notebook, tune your guitar (or open your DAW), and let’s dive into the world of songwriting together!

1. Songwriting: Create Lyric Writing Approaches (Academy of Music and Sound Online)

This free course, offered by the Academy of Music and Sound through its AMSOnline platform, is designed for songwriters at all levels, from beginners to experienced lyricists seeking fresh inspiration. Spanning four weeks, it provides a structured approach to lyric writing with weekly themes. Participants begin with techniques like journaling and sensory writing in the “Show, Don’t Tell” module, progress to finding inspiration through “Art as Theft & Mining,” delve into storytelling with narrative and metaphor creation, and conclude with prosody and song completion in “Keeping it Real.” The course emphasizes practical activities and creative conversations to help participants overcome writer’s block, develop their unique voice, and refine their lyrical craft. It’s particularly suited for those who want to learn songwriting without committing to a full-time academic program.

2. Lyrics Writing Course by Jacob Carter

The Lyrics Writing Course, led by seasoned lyricist Jacob Carter, is a comprehensive online program designed to teach aspiring songwriters how to craft impactful and memorable lyrics. With over 10 years of experience in the music industry, Carter brings a wealth of knowledge to this six-module course, which covers key aspects of lyric writing such as finding inspiration, mastering lyrical structure and style, and collaborating with other creatives. The course also delves into literary tools like imagery, metaphor, and characterization, enabling students to add depth and uniqueness to their lyrics.

This course is ideal for beginners and experienced songwriters alike, offering practical exercises, HD video lessons, and printable resources that students can access at their own pace. Modules include topics such as analyzing famous song lyrics for inspiration, tailoring lyrics to specific genres, and learning the art of co-writing. By the end of the course, participants will have developed a deeper understanding of songwriting techniques and gained the confidence to create original music.

In addition to its rich content, the course provides lifetime access to materials and offers a certificate upon completion. For those seeking personalized guidance, one-on-one mentoring is available for an additional fee. With its engaging format and actionable insights, the Lyrics Writing Course is a valuable investment for anyone looking to enhance their lyric-writing skills and explore their creative potential.

3. Songwriting: Lyric Writing – Elevate with ICMP

The “Lyric Writing – Elevate” course by the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP) focuses on helping aspiring lyricists develop compelling narratives and emotional depth in their songs. This affordable and flexible program consists of six modules covering essential aspects of lyric writing, such as song structure, rhyme schemes, storytelling techniques, and genre conventions. Students engage in exercises like free writing and storyboarding while analyzing influential lyrics to uncover their unique voice. The course also includes opportunities to write lyrics from different perspectives and refine them through practical assignments. With lifetime access to materials, students can learn at their own pace, making it an ideal choice for those looking to enhance their songwriting skills without time constraints.

4. The Art of Songwriting (Belmont University)

Belmont University’s “The Art of Songwriting” course takes a comprehensive approach to developing well-rounded songwriters. Led by industry professionals like Emily Falvey, this foundational program blends theory with hands-on practice. Students learn key skills such as crafting melodies, employing rhyme schemes, telling personal stories through song, and overcoming writer’s block. The course also emphasizes collaboration and self-reflection as tools for creative growth. Additionally, participants are taught how to organize ideas systematically and cultivate routines for inspiration. This program is ideal for those seeking a structured yet creative environment to explore songwriting as both an art form and a professional craft.

5. The Fine Art of Songwriting (Steve Leslie)

Steve Leslie’s The Fine Art of Songwriting is a comprehensive course designed for beginner and intermediate songwriters aiming to refine their craft. Taught by Grammy-winning songwriter Steve Leslie, the course offers 33 video lessons that delve into essential aspects of songwriting, such as melody crafting, lyric writing, and song structure. Leslie also incorporates case studies and practical exercises to help students create emotionally resonant songs. With a focus on commercial songwriting, the course emphasizes techniques for writing radio-ready hits across various genres. It is ideal for those looking to step up their songwriting skills or break out of creative ruts. The one-time fee provides lifetime access, making it a flexible and valuable resource for aspiring songwriters.

6. Lyric Writing: Tools and Strategies (Berklee Online)

Berklee Online’s Lyric Writing: Tools and Strategies course is a 12-week program designed to help songwriters generate impactful lyric ideas and express them in compelling ways. Authored by Pat Pattison, a renowned lyric writing expert, the course teaches tools like sense-bound writing, metaphor creation, and prosody to align lyrics with melody and emotion. Students learn to craft verses, choruses, and bridges with precision while exploring rhyme schemes and rhythmic patterns. This Level 2 course is part of Berklee’s professional certificate programs but can also be taken independently. It is particularly suited for those who want to enhance their lyrical creativity and refine their songwriting techniques under the guidance of a seasoned educator.

7. Commercial Songwriting Techniques (Berklee Online)

The Commercial Songwriting Techniques course from Berklee Online equips students with the skills needed to write songs that resonate with both audiences and the music industry. This program focuses on aligning melodic, harmonic, and lyrical elements to create cohesive and emotionally engaging compositions. Students explore advanced concepts like modal interchange, harmonic rhythm, and melodic contour while learning how to craft hooks that capture attention. The course also emphasizes the importance of prosody—ensuring every element of a song supports its central theme. With its rigorous curriculum, this course is ideal for aspiring professional songwriters seeking to master the art of creating commercially viable music.

8. Songwriting: Writing, Arranging, and Producing Music (Berklee College of Music)

This comprehensive specialization from Berklee College of Music, available through Coursera, is ideal for aspiring and experienced songwriters looking to refine their craft across all stages of the songwriting process. The program consists of four courses that cover essential elements such as lyric writing, melody creation, arrangement, and music production. Students learn to craft lyrics that convey emotion, develop melodies that complement their words, and arrange songs for live or recorded performances. The final course focuses on producing polished demos using digital audio workstations (DAWs) like Ableton Live. With a beginner-friendly approach, this program is perfect for those seeking a structured and practical pathway to creating professional-quality songs.

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

Toplining 101 is a Skillshare course that introduces students to the art of toplining—creating vocal melodies and lyrics over pre-existing instrumental tracks. Designed for beginners and intermediate songwriters, this course emphasizes practical application, guiding participants through crafting memorable melodies and meaningful lyrics that resonate with listeners. Topics include melody structure, lyric concept development, and aligning lyrics with melodies. The course’s hands-on approach encourages students to create their own toplines while receiving constructive feedback. Its accessible format makes it a great choice for anyone interested in learning how to write compelling vocal parts for modern music.

10. How to Write Lyrics – The Song Foundry

How to Write Lyrics by The Song Foundry is a focused course tailored to lyricists aiming to elevate their writing skills. This program explores the nuances of crafting impactful lyrics through storytelling techniques, emotional expression, and the use of literary devices. Students engage in creative exercises designed to help them find their unique voice while learning how to write lyrics that connect with audiences on a deeper level. The course also covers different lyrical styles and approaches, making it suitable for songwriters across genres. With its emphasis on creativity and personal expression, this course is ideal for those looking to strengthen their lyrical abilities and develop a distinctive songwriting style.