11 Comprehensive Songwriting Programs

As a rapper who’s been spitting rhymes for years, I’ve always felt like there was something missing in my game. Sure, I could freestyle with the best of them, but when it came to crafting those chart-topping hits, I knew I needed to level up my songwriting skills. That’s when I decided to dive headfirst into the world of songwriting courses.

Let me tell you, fam, it’s been a wild ride. From dissecting lyrics of the greats to learning the nitty-gritty of melody and structure, I’ve discovered there’s so much more to writing a banger than just having a sick flow. Whether you’re a seasoned MC looking to polish your craft or a newbie trying to find your voice, these courses can be a game-changer.

After scouring the internet and testing out more programs than I can count, I’ve put together this list of the 11 best songwriting courses that’ll help you take your lyrics from the notebook to the Billboard charts. Trust me, if you’re serious about making waves in the music industry, you’ll want to check these out. 

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 focuses on the fundamental elements of crafting effective lyrics, including point of view, form, and the “who, what, where, when, and how” of a song. Students learn to identify stable and unstable lyrics through line lengths, stressed syllables, and melody. The course also covers various rhyming techniques and how to use them to evoke specific emotions. With its emphasis on phrasing and clarity of ideas, this course provides a solid foundation for aspiring songwriters looking to hone their lyrical skills.

2. Jacob Carter’s Lyrics Writing Course

Jacob Carter’s Lyrics Writing Course offers a comprehensive online program designed to help aspiring songwriters and lyricists hone their craft. The course, priced at $997, provides students with lifetime access to six in-depth modules covering various aspects of lyric writing. From finding inspiration to understanding genre-specific conventions, the curriculum is carefully structured to guide learners through the intricacies of songwriting.

The course creator, Jacob Carter, brings over 10 years of experience as a lyricist to the table. A graduate of the University of Oxford with a background in English Literature, Carter combines his academic knowledge with practical experience gained from playing in an indie band during his university days. This unique blend of theoretical understanding and hands-on experience informs the course content, providing students with both scholarly insights and industry-relevant skills.

The Lyrics Writing Course aims to make lyric writing accessible to everyone, not just professional songwriters. Carter’s mission is to popularize lyric writing education and help at least 5,000 students worldwide develop their songwriting skills. The course covers a wide range of topics, including creative writing methods, lyrical structure and style, effective lyric writing techniques, and the use of literary tools to add depth to songs. You can read how Jacob Carter analyzes the lyrics meaning of hundreds of songs. Additionally, students learn about genre-specific knowledge and collaboration skills, which are crucial in the modern music industry. 

One of the course’s strengths is its practical approach. Students engage in hands-on exercises and real-life applications, allowing them to immediately apply what they’ve learned. The course also includes HD video lessons, printable resources, and industry insider hints to enhance the learning experience. Upon completion, students receive a certificate, and they have the option to pursue one-on-one mentoring for an additional fee.

3. MasterClass: Songwriting with Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys, a multi-Grammy award-winning artist, shares her songwriting expertise in this MasterClass course. The 19-video lesson series offers a unique insight into the world of a pop star, covering topics such as musical foundations, song construction, and vocal arrangements. Keys provides rare glimpses into the creation of her greatest hits and emphasizes the importance of connecting to the world around you through music. While some may find the anecdotal approach less direct than traditional teaching methods, the course offers valuable lessons on creativity, purpose, and the emotional aspects of songwriting. This MasterClass is particularly beneficial for those interested in understanding the thought processes behind hit songwriting.

4. The Fine Art of Songwriting (Steve Leslie)

Grammy-winning songwriter Steve Leslie presents “The Fine Art of Songwriting,” a comprehensive five-week course designed for beginners and intermediate-level songwriters. Drawing from his 25-year career writing for renowned artists like Kenny Rogers and George Strait, Leslie offers expert guidance on various aspects of songwriting. The course covers essential topics such as chorus writing, melody crafting, and determining the necessity of a bridge. With daily training sessions, students learn to transform their ideas into fully-written songs and gain a deeper understanding of song structure. While not suitable for complete novices, this course is an excellent choice for those looking to elevate their songwriting skills to a more professional level.

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

Berklee College of Music offers a comprehensive Songwriting specialization on Coursera, consisting of four courses that cover various aspects of the songwriting process. This specialization is designed for both aspiring and established songwriters, providing strategies and practices to develop hit songs. The courses focus on lyric writing, music composition, arranging, and song production using Ableton Live. Students learn to generate effective lyrics, create melodies and accompaniments, develop balanced arrangements, and produce song demos. The specialization is taught by award-winning Berklee Songwriting Faculty and offers a hands-on approach, with applied learning projects throughout the courses.

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

The Academy of Music and Sound Online presents a free course titled “Songwriting: Creative Lyric Writing Approaches” on Udemy. This four-week course is suitable for beginners through to experienced songwriters who wish to invigorate their lyrical output. The curriculum covers various aspects of lyric writing, including journaling and sensory writing, collecting inspiration, storytelling techniques, and prosody. Each week focuses on different areas of lyric writing, providing practical, creative conversations and activities to help students grow as songwriters and communicators. The course aims to equip participants with writing techniques and creative tools to inspire and commit to their writing aspirations.

7. Songwriting Hit Mastery: Lyric Writing, Music Theory (Udemy)

Udemy offers a comprehensive course called “Songwriting Hit Mastery: Lyric Writing, Music Theory” taught by Melissa Peirce, a #1 hit songwriter. This course is designed to be a one-stop resource for those new to songwriting, covering topics such as song structures, lyric writing, melody construction, and chord progressions. With over 70 video lessons and 3.5 hours of content, the course provides insider industry tips and secrets typically learned over decades. Students learn crafting tools and practices used in professional songwriting, including creating great song ideas, understanding song structure, and developing elevated lyrics and melodies. The course also covers music business topics for songwriters, such as collaboration, industry networking, and monetization strategies.

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

Udemy offers a comprehensive course called “Songwriting Simplified: Music Theory, Melody & Creativity” designed for beginners and intermediate songwriters. This course focuses on demystifying the songwriting process by breaking it down into manageable components. Students learn essential music theory concepts, including chord progressions, scales, and song structure. The course also covers techniques for crafting memorable melodies and developing creative ideas. With practical exercises and real-world examples, participants gain hands-on experience in applying these concepts to their own songwriting. This course is particularly beneficial for those looking to build a strong foundation in songwriting fundamentals while exploring their creativity.

9. Commercial Songwriting Techniques – Berklee Online

Berklee Online presents “Commercial Songwriting Techniques,” a course that delves into the art of writing commercially viable songs. Drawing from Berklee College of Music’s renowned songwriting program, this course teaches students how to craft songs that appeal to both listeners and industry professionals. The curriculum covers various aspects of commercial songwriting, including lyric writing, melody creation, and song structure. Students learn to analyze hit songs, understand market trends, and develop their unique voice within commercial constraints. This course is ideal for songwriters aiming to create music that resonates with a wide audience while maintaining artistic integrity.

10. The Singer-Songwriter Specialization (Berklee College of Music)

Berklee College of Music offers a comprehensive Singer-Songwriter Specialization designed to develop students’ skills in both songwriting and performance. This program combines courses in lyric writing, melody composition, and arranging with vocal performance techniques. Students learn to express their unique artistic vision through their songs while honing their performance skills. The specialization covers various genres and styles, allowing students to explore different musical directions. With guidance from Berklee’s experienced faculty, participants develop a portfolio of original songs and gain insights into the music industry. This specialization is particularly suited for those who aspire to become well-rounded singer-songwriters.

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

Skillshare offers “Toplining 101: Melody & Lyrics in Songwriting,” a course taught by experienced songwriter Clare Dove. This class focuses on the art of toplining, which involves creating melodies and lyrics over existing instrumental tracks. Students learn practical techniques for crafting memorable melodies and meaningful lyrics that connect with listeners. The course covers various aspects of songwriting, including creative inspiration, overcoming writer’s block, and developing a unique writing style. With hands-on projects and personalized feedback from the instructor, participants gain valuable experience in applying these skills to their own songwriting. This course is suitable for songwriters of all levels, from beginners to experienced artists looking to refine their toplining skills.