As a fellow music enthusiast and aspiring songwriter, I know just how challenging—and rewarding—the journey of crafting the perfect song can be. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, finding the right guidance can make all the difference. That’s why I’ve put together this list of the 11 best songwriting courses available today.

These courses, taught by industry professionals and seasoned songwriters, offer invaluable insights and practical techniques to help you elevate your songwriting game.

So, grab your notebook, tune your guitar, and let’s dive into the world of songwriting together!

1. Commercial Songwriting Techniques – Berklee Online

This 12-week course, authored by multiplatinum songwriter Andrea Stolpe, is designed to equip aspiring songwriters with the skills needed to create hit songs. The course emphasizes a ten-step process to reproduce the traits of successful songs while maintaining a unique voice. Key techniques include using all senses for creativity (destination writing), toggling between details and broader pictures to control audience connection, and streamlining the writing process to create more descriptive songs in less time. By the end of the course, students will have three completed songs and several developed ideas.

2. Lyrics Writing Course by Jacob Carter

Jacob Carter’s Lyrics Writing Course is a comprehensive online program designed to help aspiring lyricists and songwriters enhance their skills and creativity. Led by Jacob Carter, a seasoned lyricist with over 10 years of experience, the course consists of six modules covering essential topics such as finding inspiration, understanding lyrical structure and style, crafting impactful lyrics, and collaborating with others.

The course begins with methods to find inspiration and develop a unique writing style, followed by an exploration of different writing styles, structures, and formats by analyzing famous song lyrics. Students will learn effective lyric writing techniques, including the use of literary tools such as imagery, metaphor, tense, and characterization to create unforgettable and unique lyrics.

Additionally, the course delves into genre-specific knowledge, helping students tailor their lyrics to specific musical styles. You can also read how Jacob Carter analyzes the lyrics meaning of hundreds of songs.

A significant aspect of the course is its focus on practical experience and industry insights. Students engage in hands-on exercises and real-life applications to hone their lyric writing skills, benefiting from Jacob Carter’s extensive industry knowledge. The course also emphasizes collaboration skills, teaching students how to co-write effectively with other artists, songwriters, and teams.

3. The Lyric Writer’s Workroom – Songcraft

The Lyric Writer’s Workroom offers a comprehensive approach to mastering the art of lyric writing. This course is perfect for songwriters looking to refine their skills and discover new techniques. It covers various aspects of songwriting, including finding fresh song ideas, mastering different rhyme schemes, and writing memorable choruses. The course also provides practical exercises to help songwriters decide which skills to focus on improving next, ensuring a well-rounded development in the craft of songwriting.

4. MasterClass: Songwriting with Alicia Keys

In this MasterClass, Grammy-winning artist Alicia Keys shares her personal approach to songwriting. The course covers a wide range of topics, including finding inspiration, developing melodies, and crafting lyrics that resonate. Alicia Keys provides insights into her creative process, offering students a unique opportunity to learn from one of the industry’s most successful songwriters. The course includes practical exercises and assignments to help students apply what they’ve learned and develop their own songwriting style.

5. The New Songwriter’s Workshop (Oli Rockberger)

This workshop, led by acclaimed songwriter and musician Oli Rockberger, focuses on the foundational elements of songwriting. Participants will learn about song structure, melody creation, and lyric writing. The course emphasizes hands-on learning, with students encouraged to write and share their work for feedback. Oli Rockberger’s approach is both practical and inspirational, making this workshop ideal for songwriters at any stage of their career looking to enhance their skills and find their unique voice.

6. The Basics of Pro Songwriting (Tom Worth)

Tom Worth’s course, “The Basics of Pro Songwriting,” is designed for those who want to turn their passion for songwriting into a professional career. The course covers essential topics such as song structure, melody, harmony, and lyric writing. Tom Worth provides practical tips on how to write songs that stand out in the competitive music industry. Students will also learn about the business side of songwriting, including how to pitch their songs to publishers and get their music heard by a wider audience. This course is perfect for aspiring songwriters looking to take their craft to the next level.

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

This course is designed to demystify the songwriting process by providing a comprehensive foundation in music theory, chord progressions, melody writing, and lyric crafting. It is particularly beneficial for beginners who can play basic chords on piano or guitar. The course guides students through the entire songwriting process, ensuring they complete a song by the end. Key features include learning popular chord progressions used in genres like pop, country, and rock, and the ability to transpose songs into any key. The course also offers practical songwriting tips and downloadable resources to enhance learning.

8. Songwriting: Writing the Lyrics (Berklee College of Music)

This Berklee College of Music course focuses on the art of lyric writing. It provides a structured approach to crafting lyrics that effectively convey emotions and ideas. Students learn to define and identify the point of view, form, and narrative elements within a song. The course also covers various rhyming techniques and the use of phrasing to clarify ideas. With no prior experience required, it is ideal for beginners who want to explore lyric writing as a creative outlet.

9. Songwriting: Lyric Writing – Elevate with ICMP

This course by ICMP is tailored for songwriters looking to enhance their lyric writing skills. It covers essential techniques for crafting compelling and meaningful lyrics. Students will explore the relationship between words and music, focusing on how lyrics can enhance a song’s emotional impact. The course is designed to inspire creativity and improve songwriting abilities through practical exercises and feedback from experienced instructors.

10. Songwriting and Composing Melodies (Lauren Buchter)

This course emphasizes the creation of memorable melodies and the integration of these melodies with lyrics. Lauren Buchter guides students through the process of composing melodies that complement lyrical content. The course is suitable for songwriters who want to refine their melodic skills and learn how to create songs that are both musically and lyrically engaging. It includes practical assignments that encourage students to experiment with different melodic ideas and structures.

11. How to Write Your First Song (The University of Sheffield)

This beginner-friendly course is perfect for those new to songwriting. It provides a step-by-step guide to writing a song, from developing initial ideas to crafting lyrics and melodies. Students will learn about song structure, harmony, and the creative process. The course encourages experimentation and creativity, helping students to find their unique voice as songwriters. By the end of the course, participants will have written their first complete song, gaining confidence in their songwriting abilities.