10 Best Songwriting Courses to Learn the Fundamentals

As a music student with a deep passion for songwriting, I know how exciting—and sometimes overwhelming—it can be to turn raw ideas into fully realized songs. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your craft, finding the right guidance can make all the difference. 

Songwriting is an art that blends creativity, technique, and emotion, and learning from experts can help unlock your potential. That’s why I’ve explored some of the best songwriting courses out there—programs designed to teach everything from lyric writing and melody creation to commercial techniques and emotional storytelling. 

In this article, I’ll share my top picks for the 10 best songwriting courses that can help you take your music to the next level. Whether you dream of writing chart-topping hits or simply want to express yourself through song, there’s something here for everyone. Let’s dive in!

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

The New Songwriter’s Workshop, led by acclaimed songwriter and musician Oli Rockberger, is a comprehensive online course offered through Soundfly. This workshop is designed to guide songwriters at various levels, from beginners to those looking to refine their skills. With a focus on melody, harmony, and lyric strategies, the course equips participants with essential tools to craft impactful songs. Rockberger, known for his collaborations with artists like John Mayer and Gloria Gaynor, shares his expertise in creating memorable melodies and exploring harmonic progressions. One of the standout features of this course is its flexibility; students can learn at their own pace and even opt for personalized mentorship for tailored feedback. By the end of the program, participants will have a solid understanding of song forms, effective melodies, and how to integrate lyrics with music seamlessly. This workshop is perfect for those seeking a structured yet creative approach to songwriting.

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 how to craft compelling and impactful 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 and collaborating with others. The course is packed with HD video lessons, printable resources, writing prompts, and real-life exercises, making it an engaging and hands-on learning experience.

The curriculum begins by helping students discover their unique writing style through creative methods and inspiration techniques. It then delves into the technical aspects of lyric writing, such as rhyme schemes, song structures, and literary tools like imagery and metaphor. Students also gain insights into tailoring lyrics for specific genres and learn the art of co-writing with other artists. By the end of the course, participants will have developed a deeper understanding of lyric writing and gained practical strategies to create polished, meaningful songs.

Designed for beginners, singer-songwriters, and anyone passionate about lyric writing, this course offers lifetime access to all materials, allowing students to learn at their own pace. Additionally, participants receive a certificate upon completion and can opt for one-on-one mentoring for personalized guidance. With its focus on both creativity and technical skill, the Lyrics Writing Course is an excellent resource for anyone looking to elevate their songwriting abilities.

3. How to Write Lyrics – The Song Foundry

Created by Ed Bell, How to Write Lyrics is a specialized course offered by The Song Foundry that focuses solely on the art of lyric writing. Spanning over five hours of HD video lessons across seven modules, this course provides a deep dive into crafting lyrics that are both singable and impactful. Topics covered include rhyme schemes, prosody (fitting lyrics to melody), structuring lyrics, and advanced techniques like metaphor and alliteration. The course also emphasizes practical strategies for brainstorming ideas and rewriting drafts to refine lyrical content. With lifetime access to materials and a 32-page booklet included, this program is ideal for beginner to intermediate songwriters who want to develop their lyrical voice and confidence. Its focus on theory combined with real-world applications makes it an invaluable resource for lyricists across genres.

4. Songwriting: Lyric Writing – Elevate with ICMP

Offered by the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP), Songwriting: Lyric Writing is part of their broader songwriting curriculum aimed at developing well-rounded songwriters. This program introduces students to the foundational elements of lyric writing while encouraging creative exploration through weekly tasks and collaborative sessions. Participants analyze popular songs to understand structure, harmony, melody writing, and genre conventions. A unique feature of this course is its emphasis on peer feedback through songwriter circles, where students present their material for critique. Additionally, the program fosters networking opportunities among aspiring songwriters. By the end of the course, students will have expanded their repertoire with original songs and gained deeper insights into crafting meaningful lyrics that align with their artistic identity. This hands-on approach makes it an excellent choice for those who thrive in interactive learning environments.

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

Toplining 101, taught by Clare Dove on Skillshare, is a concise yet impactful course that introduces students to the art of creating vocal melodies and lyrics over instrumental tracks—a process known as “toplining.” This course is suitable for all levels, from beginners to experienced musicians, and focuses on crafting memorable melodies and meaningful lyrics that resonate with listeners. The curriculum covers essential topics such as melody building blocks, lyric concepts, and overcoming creative blocks. With practical steps and creative exercises, students are encouraged to develop their own toplines by the end of the course. A standout feature is its accessibility; participants only need basic tools like a notebook and a recording device. Clare Dove’s engaging teaching style and her decade-long experience in the music industry make this a valuable resource for anyone looking to enhance their songwriting skills, especially in modern pop and commercial music contexts.

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

This free online course, offered by AMSOnline, is tailored for songwriters of all levels who want to invigorate or refine their lyric-writing abilities. Spanning four weeks, the program delves into key aspects of lyric writing through weekly themes such as sensory writing (“Show, Don’t Tell”), gathering inspiration (“Art as Theft & Mining”), storytelling techniques, and prosody (the alignment of lyrics with melody). Each week includes practical exercises and creative discussions designed to help participants grow as songwriters. The course is particularly useful for those battling writer’s block or seeking fresh approaches without committing to a full-time academic program. By focusing on both the technical and emotional aspects of lyricism, this course equips students with tools to craft authentic and impactful songs while fostering creativity in a structured format.

7. The Art of Songwriting (Belmont University)

Offered by Belmont University, The Art of Songwriting is an immersive program designed for aspiring songwriters aiming to master both the creative and technical aspects of songwriting. This course emphasizes commercial songwriting techniques, helping students create songs that are not only artistically meaningful but also market-ready. Participants explore various genres while learning about melody creation, lyrical phrasing, song structure, and melodic repetition—all essential elements of crafting memorable songs. The curriculum balances theoretical knowledge with practical application, encouraging students to develop their unique voice while adhering to industry standards. Ideal for beginners and intermediate writers alike, this program is particularly beneficial for those looking to break into the competitive world of professional songwriting.

8. MasterClass: Songwriting with Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys’ MasterClass offers a unique and personal approach to songwriting, blending her wealth of experience as a Grammy-winning artist with her creative philosophies. The course focuses on emotional authenticity, encouraging students to draw from their own lives and feelings to craft meaningful music. Keys emphasizes journaling, improvisation, and freestyling as foundational tools for generating ideas, while also sharing insights into melody creation and lyric writing. Through case studies of her iconic songs like Fallin’, she demonstrates how simple musical elements can evoke profound emotions. Additionally, the course explores broader themes such as songwriting with empathy and connecting with the world around you. While the lessons are more anecdotal than technical, they provide invaluable inspiration for songwriters looking to embrace their unique voice and artistic vision. This course is ideal for those who value creativity and emotional depth in their music.

9. Commercial Songwriting Techniques – Berklee Online

The Commercial Songwriting Techniques course from Berklee Online is a practical program designed to help songwriters create music that resonates with mainstream audiences while retaining their individuality. Taught by Andrea Stolpe, a seasoned songwriter for artists like Faith Hill, the course introduces a structured ten-step process for crafting hit songs. Key techniques include “destination writing,” which uses sensory details to enhance lyrics, and toggling between detailed and broad perspectives to control emotional impact. Each week focuses on different song sections, enabling students to streamline their writing process and produce polished, memorable tracks. By the end of the course, participants will have completed three fully written songs and developed ideas for future projects. This program is perfect for aspiring professionals who want to balance artistic expression with commercial appeal.

10. Lyric Writing: Tools and Strategies – Berklee Online

Berklee Online’s Lyric Writing: Tools and Strategies course provides an in-depth exploration of lyrical techniques under the guidance of renowned instructor Pat Pattison. The curriculum covers essential concepts such as rhyme schemes, phrasing, line stability, and emotional resonance. Students learn how to manipulate lyrics to evoke specific feelings and align them seamlessly with melodies. The course also delves into advanced strategies like using unstressed syllables or varying line lengths to create dynamic effects in songs. With its systematic approach, this program equips songwriters with practical tools to overcome creative blocks and refine their craft. Ideal for beginners and experienced lyricists alike, it offers a structured yet flexible framework for developing compelling lyrics that leave a lasting impact.