As a passionate music enthusiast, I’ve always been captivated by the magic of songwriting—the way a simple melody and heartfelt lyrics can evoke powerful emotions and tell unforgettable stories. Whether it’s the poetic depth of a ballad or the infectious hook of a pop anthem, great songs have a way of sticking with us, inspiring us, and even shaping our lives.
If you’ve ever dreamed of writing your own songs but didn’t know where to start—or if you’re looking to sharpen your skills and take your craft to the next level—you’re not alone. I’ve been on the same journey, searching for resources that could help me turn my ideas into fully realized songs.
That’s why I’ve put together this list of the 10 best songwriting courses, each offering unique insights and techniques to help aspiring songwriters like us find our voice and create music that resonates. Let’s dive in and explore these incredible opportunities to learn, grow, and unleash our creativity!
1. Writing Song Lyrics: Create and Combine with Melody – City Lit
This six-week online course is designed for songwriters and instrumentalists who find crafting melodies easier than writing lyrics. Taught by Polly Hewett, the program emphasizes the integration of lyrics and melody, guiding students through the process of generating original ideas and structuring songs effectively. Participants analyze songs across genres, collaborate with peers, and work toward recording their compositions. The course also explores advanced techniques in lyric writing, meter, and melody creation, making it an interactive and practical experience for those aiming to refine their songwriting skills. By the end of the course, students will have a deeper understanding of how to combine lyrics with melodies to create cohesive and compelling songs.
2. Lyrics Writing Course by Jacob Carter
The Lyrics Writing Course, created by experienced lyricist Jacob Carter, is a comprehensive online program designed to teach aspiring songwriters the art and craft of lyric writing. With over 10 years of industry experience, Carter brings his expertise to this six-module course, which covers essential topics such as finding inspiration, mastering lyrical structure and style, crafting impactful lyrics, and collaborating effectively with other artists. The course is accessible to beginners and experienced songwriters alike, offering lifetime access to HD video lessons, printable resources, and real-world exercises.
Participants will learn practical techniques for brainstorming ideas, organizing thoughts, and developing lyrics that resonate emotionally with audiences. Modules include guidance on literary tools like imagery and metaphor, insights into genre-specific conventions, and strategies for co-writing. Additionally, students will analyze famous song lyrics to understand how successful songwriters convey meaning and emotion through words.
Jacob Carter’s passion for lyric writing stems from his background in English Literature at the University of Oxford and his hands-on experience as a musician. His teaching approach emphasizes creativity, storytelling, and the development of a unique writing voice. By the end of the Lyrics Writing Course, students will have the confidence to craft polished songs and the skills to bring their musical ideas to life. With a 30-day money-back guarantee and optional one-on-one mentoring available, this course provides a valuable resource for anyone looking to elevate their songwriting abilities.
3. Songwriting: Lyric Writing – Elevate with ICMP
Elevate with ICMP offers a focused course on lyric writing that delves into the art of storytelling through song. Over six modules, participants explore essential aspects of lyric writing, including structure, rhyme schemes, and genre-specific techniques. The course encourages experimentation with creative writing methods like free writing and storyboarding while analyzing influential lyrics for inspiration. Students also write to briefs, honing their ability to craft lyrics from various perspectives. With lifetime access to materials and a flexible learning schedule, this course is ideal for budding lyricists seeking to develop their unique voice and master the intricacies of lyric composition.
4. Toplining 101: Melody & Lyrics in Songwriting (Skillshare)
Toplining 101 on Skillshare focuses on the specialized art of toplining—creating vocal melodies and lyrics for pre-existing instrumental tracks. This course is tailored for songwriters who want to enhance their ability to write catchy melodies that align seamlessly with lyrics. It covers techniques for matching syllabic stress in lyrics to melodic rhythm, ensuring a natural flow between words and music. Through practical exercises, participants learn how to develop memorable hooks and refine their toplining skills. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced songwriter looking to expand your skill set, this course provides valuable insights into crafting compelling toplines that resonate with listeners.
5. Songwriting Hit Mastery: Lyric Writing, Music Theory (Udemy)
This comprehensive Udemy course is ideal for aspiring songwriters who want to master both the creative and technical aspects of songwriting. Taught by an experienced industry professional, the course covers essential topics such as song structure, lyric writing, melody construction, and chord progressions. It also dives into advanced concepts like crafting memorable hooks and understanding the music business, including tips on breaking into the industry and making money as a songwriter. With over 70 video lessons and accompanying PDF exercises, students gain hands-on practice in creating hit-worthy songs. The course is accessible across multiple devices and is structured in an easy step-by-step format, making it suitable for beginners and experienced songwriters alike. This program is perfect for those looking to elevate their songwriting skills while gaining valuable insights into the commercial music industry.
6. Songwriting: Create Lyric Writing Approaches (Academy of Music and Sound Online)
This free online course from the Academy of Music and Sound focuses on innovative approaches to lyric writing. Over four weeks, participants explore various techniques to invigorate their lyrical creativity. The syllabus includes sensory writing, collecting inspiration, storytelling through narrative and metaphor, and refining songs with prosody. Designed for songwriters of all levels, this course encourages students to experiment with their writing style while addressing challenges like writer’s block. Through practical exercises and guided activities, participants learn how to craft authentic lyrics that resonate emotionally with listeners. This flexible program is particularly beneficial for those seeking to refresh their lyrical output or develop a unique songwriting voice without committing to a full-time course.
7. Songwriting Simplified: Music Theory, Melody & Creativity (Udemy)
Another standout offering from Udemy, this course focuses on simplifying the songwriting process by combining music theory with creative techniques. It provides a solid foundation in melody writing, chord progressions, lyric crafting, and song structure. The program emphasizes practical application through exercises designed to help students write songs faster and more efficiently. With engaging video lessons and downloadable resources, participants learn how to create cohesive songs that blend melody and lyrics seamlessly. This course is especially useful for beginners who want to demystify songwriting or experienced musicians looking to refine their creative process. By the end of the program, students will have the tools to confidently develop ideas into complete songs while enhancing their overall musicality.
8. Songwriting: Writing, Arranging, and Producing Music (Berklee College of Music)
This Coursera specialization from Berklee College of Music is a four-course series tailored for aspiring and experienced songwriters looking to refine their craft. The program covers every stage of songwriting, from generating lyrics and composing melodies to arranging and producing polished demos using digital audio workstations like Ableton Live. Taught by Berklee’s award-winning faculty, the courses focus on integrating lyrics with music, creating balanced arrangements, and applying prosody to enhance emotional impact. Students will also develop skills in instrumentation, harmony, and recording techniques. By the end of the program, participants will have completed a professional-quality demo and gained a deeper understanding of how to bring their musical ideas to life.
9. Commercial Songwriting Techniques – Berklee Online
This advanced course, led by Andrea Stolpe, provides a structured ten-step process for writing commercially successful songs while maintaining an individual artistic voice. Through techniques like “destination writing,” which uses sensory details for lyrical inspiration, and “toggling,” which shifts between detailed and broad perspectives, students learn to craft emotionally resonant lyrics. The course also emphasizes efficient songwriting practices, helping participants create fully developed songs in less time. By focusing on different song sections weekly, students build a catalog of three completed songs while gaining tools to streamline their creative process. This course is ideal for songwriters aiming to produce market-ready music without compromising their unique style.
10. The Lyric Writer’s Workroom – Songcraft
The Lyric Writer’s Workroom by Songcraft is an in-depth program dedicated entirely to lyric writing. It offers practical tools and strategies for improving lyrical creativity and storytelling. Participants explore techniques such as sense-bound writing, metaphor creation, and prosody to align lyrics with melody effectively. The course also addresses common challenges like writer’s block while encouraging experimentation with different perspectives and narrative styles. With a focus on crafting lyrics that convey emotion and connect with listeners, this course is suitable for both beginners seeking foundational skills and experienced songwriters looking to refine their lyrical approach.
