As a middle-aged teacher with a lifelong love for music, I’ve always dreamed of writing my own songs—songs that could capture emotions, tell stories, and maybe even inspire others. But like many of us, I wasn’t sure where to start. Songwriting can feel like an intimidating art form, with its blend of creativity and technical skill. That’s when I started exploring online songwriting courses, and let me tell you—it’s been a game-changer.
Whether you’re a complete beginner like I was or someone looking to refine your skills, there’s a wealth of resources out there to guide you on this creative journey. From crafting heartfelt lyrics to composing catchy melodies, these courses break down the process into manageable steps and provide inspiration along the way.
After diving into the world of songwriting education, I’ve compiled a list of the 10 best songwriting courses that cater to all levels and styles. If you’ve ever wanted to turn your musical ideas into fully realized songs, these courses are an excellent place to start. Let’s explore them together!
1. Toplining 101: Melody & Lyrics in Songwriting (Skillshare)
This course, hosted on Skillshare, delves into the art of toplining—the process of crafting vocal melodies and lyrics over an existing instrumental track. Designed for beginners and experienced musicians alike, Toplining 101 provides practical tools to create memorable melodies and meaningful lyrics that resonate with listeners. The course emphasizes accessibility, requiring only basic tools like a notebook and a recording device, making it ideal for anyone interested in songwriting, regardless of their technical background.
Participants will explore melody building blocks, lyric concepts, and creative techniques to overcome writer’s block. The instructor brings nearly a decade of industry experience, offering insights into the creative process while encouraging students to develop their unique style. With its focus on hands-on learning, this course equips students with foundational skills to consistently create impactful toplines.
2. Lyrics Writing Course by Jacob Carter
The Lyrics Writing Course by Jacob Carter is a comprehensive online program designed to teach aspiring lyricists and songwriters the art of crafting impactful and memorable lyrics. With over 10 years of experience in the music industry, Carter brings his expertise to this six-module course, which covers everything from finding inspiration to mastering lyrical structure, style, and collaboration. This course is ideal for beginners and experienced songwriters alike, offering practical tools to refine their craft and express themselves creatively.
The curriculum begins with helping students discover their unique writing style and inspiration through creative exercises. It then dives into essential songwriting elements such as rhyme schemes, literary devices like metaphor and imagery, and the nuances of genre-specific lyric writing. Students also learn how to analyze famous song lyrics to draw insights from successful songwriting techniques. The final modules focus on developing depth in storytelling and co-writing with other creators, making it a well-rounded program for anyone looking to elevate their lyric-writing skills.
The Lyrics Writing Course is packed with HD video lessons, printable resources, and hands-on tasks that allow students to practice their skills in real-world scenarios. Participants gain lifetime access to the materials, enabling them to learn at their own pace. Additionally, the program offers optional one-on-one mentoring for personalized guidance (at an extra cost). Upon completion, students receive a certificate of achievement, adding a professional touch to their songwriting journey.
3. The New Songwriter’s Workshop (Oli Rockberger)
Oli Rockberger’s The New Songwriter’s Workshop, available through Soundfly, offers a comprehensive exploration of songwriting with a strong emphasis on melody creation. Rockberger, a seasoned pianist and producer with an impressive career collaborating with artists like Laura Mvula and Gregory Porter, brings a wealth of expertise to this course. It is particularly suited for those interested in piano-based songwriting or looking to refine their melodic skills.
The workshop begins with the basics of song structure and quickly transitions into crafting unique melodies. Rockberger encourages students to draw from personal stories for inspiration, helping them connect emotionally with their work. This course is ideal for beginners seeking an entry point into songwriting or intermediate songwriters aiming to expand their approach. With its focus on melody and storytelling, the workshop provides valuable tools for creating compelling songs.
4. The Basics of Pro Songwriting (Tom Worth)
Tom Worth’s The Basics of Pro Songwriting, offered on Udemy, is tailored for aspiring songwriters aiming to break into the commercial music industry. With over 20 years of experience and numerous #1 hits under his belt, Worth shares professional techniques used by industry veterans to craft chart-topping songs. This course covers essential elements like song structure, melody creation, lyric writing, rhyme schemes, and phrasing.
Designed for both beginners and more experienced songwriters, the course provides practical insights into avoiding common songwriting pitfalls and developing commercially viable music. Worth’s engaging teaching style and focus on professional standards make this course an invaluable resource for those looking to elevate their songwriting skills and create music that resonates in today’s competitive market.
5. The Singer-Songwriter Specialization (Berklee College of Music)
Offered through Coursera, the Singer-Songwriter Specialization by Berklee College of Music is a four-course series designed for aspiring singer-songwriters who want to write, perform, and record their own music. This beginner-friendly program covers essential skills such as guitar playing, vocal techniques, songwriting, and music production. Participants will learn to create professional-quality recordings using tools like Ableton Live while mastering lyrical phrasing, rhyme schemes, and stressed syllables in songwriting.
The specialization emphasizes hands-on learning through applied projects. For instance, students will perform songs, write original lyrics, and produce their music using both MIDI and real instruments. Led by Erin Barra, the course combines technical training with creative development, making it ideal for those seeking a comprehensive introduction to songwriting and performance.
6. Songwriting Hit Mastery: Lyric Writing, Music Theory (Udemy)
This Udemy course is a deep dive into professional songwriting techniques, led by Melissa Peirce, a #1 hit songwriter. Songwriting Hit Mastery covers everything from generating song ideas to crafting elevated lyrics and melodies. It provides practical lessons on song structures, chord progressions, and dynamic melody construction while also addressing the business side of songwriting, including networking and monetization strategies.
With over 70 video lessons and downloadable resources, the course is structured in an easy-to-follow format suitable for beginners and experienced songwriters alike. Students will gain insider tips on breaking into the music industry while learning how to write well-crafted songs efficiently. This comprehensive course is perfect for anyone looking to sharpen their creative skills and navigate the commercial music landscape.
7. Songwriting: Create Lyric Writing Approaches (Academy of Music and Sound Online)
The Songwriting: Create Lyric Writing Approaches course by the Academy of Music and Sound Online focuses specifically on lyric writing techniques. It offers a detailed exploration of storytelling in songwriting, helping participants craft compelling narratives that connect emotionally with listeners. The course emphasizes practical exercises to develop unique lyrical styles while teaching students how to refine their words for maximum impact.
This program is ideal for lyricists or songwriters looking to enhance their storytelling abilities. By focusing on the nuances of lyrical phrasing and structure, it provides valuable tools for creating memorable songs that stand out in today’s competitive music industry.
8. Songwriting and Composing Melodies (Lauren Buchter)
Lauren Buchter’s Songwriting and Composing Melodies, available on Skillshare, is a concise yet impactful course designed for beginners and intermediate songwriters. As a seasoned film and TV composer, Buchter brings her professional expertise to the classroom, teaching students how to craft memorable melodies and songs that tell compelling stories. The course uses a “creative brief” approach, simulating real-world scenarios composers face in industries like film, TV, and advertising.
The curriculum covers essential topics such as chord progressions, melody composition, and lyric crafting. Students also explore how to evoke specific emotions—like romance or heroism—through their music. With its practical exercises and focus on storytelling, this 30-minute course is perfect for those seeking a quick but productive introduction to songwriting and melodic composition.
9. How to Write Lyrics (The Song Foundry)
The How to Write Lyrics course by The Song Foundry is a comprehensive program designed to help lyricists develop polished, impactful lyrics across any genre. With over five hours of HD video lessons and a 32-page course booklet, this course covers key aspects of lyric writing, including rhyme schemes, prosody (fitting lyrics seamlessly to melodies), and creating singable lyrics.
The course takes a structured approach through seven modules that guide students from brainstorming ideas to refining complete song lyrics. Participants learn practical strategies for generating lyrical hooks, using metaphor and imagery effectively, and avoiding common pitfalls like “cringey” phrasing. This course is well-suited for beginners and intermediate songwriters looking to enhance their lyrical skills with actionable techniques.
10. Songwriting: Lyric Writing – Elevate with ICMP
Offered by the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP), the Songwriting: Lyric Writing – Elevate course focuses on developing advanced lyric-writing techniques. This program is ideal for songwriters who want to elevate their storytelling abilities by crafting lyrics that are both emotionally resonant and commercially viable.
The course emphasizes the use of literary tools such as metaphor, symbolism, and character development to create vivid imagery in songs. Students also learn how to structure lyrics effectively within various musical formats, from verses and choruses to pre-choruses and bridges. With its industry-relevant focus, this course is particularly beneficial for those aiming to refine their craft for professional songwriting opportunities.
