10 Best Songwriting Courses to Write Your First Hit
As a student preparing for music school and diving deeper into my journey with the guitar, I’ve realized that playing an instrument is only part of the equation. The other half? Writing songs that truly resonate. Songwriting feels like this magical blend of storytelling, emotion, and musicality, and I’ve been eager to learn how to bring my ideas to life. Whether it’s crafting lyrics that connect with listeners or creating melodies that stick in their heads, I want to develop the skills to turn my thoughts into music.
That’s why I started exploring songwriting courses—there are so many incredible options out there! From learning how to write my first song to mastering advanced techniques for lyrics and melodies, these courses have something for everyone. If you’re like me and want to take your music beyond just playing chords or riffs, these programs can be a game-changer.
Here’s a list of the 10 best songwriting courses I’ve come across, perfect for anyone looking to grow as a songwriter and create music that truly speaks from the heart.
1. MasterClass: Songwriting with Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys’ MasterClass offers a unique opportunity to learn songwriting and music production from one of the most celebrated artists in the industry. With 15 Grammy Awards and over 40 million albums sold, Alicia Keys brings her expertise and personal insights into crafting music that resonates deeply. This course consists of 19 video lessons spanning 3 hours and 22 minutes, where Alicia shares her creative process, from writing lyrics and melodies to exploring sonic elements. She emphasizes authenticity, encouraging students to draw from their own emotions and experiences to create music that feels genuine. Through breakdowns of her iconic songs like “Fallin’,” participants gain a behind-the-scenes perspective on how she develops her music. This course is ideal for aspiring songwriters, producers, and fans of Alicia Keys who want to learn about her artistic journey and approach to music creation.
2. Lyrics Writing Course by Jacob Carter
The Lyrics Writing Course by Jacob Carter is a comprehensive online program designed to help aspiring lyricists and songwriters master the art of crafting compelling lyrics. With over 10 years of experience in the music industry, Carter brings his expertise to this six-module course, which covers essential topics such as finding inspiration, understanding lyrical structures, creating impactful lyrics, and collaborating with other artists. The course emphasizes practical learning through HD video lessons, printable resources, and real-life exercises, ensuring participants can immediately apply their newfound skills.
Key modules include lessons on developing lyrical depth through literary tools like imagery and metaphor, tailoring lyrics to specific genres, and co-writing techniques. Participants also analyze famous song lyrics to understand storytelling and emotional resonance. Designed for beginners and experienced songwriters alike, the Lyrics Writing Course provides lifetime access to materials, allowing students to learn at their own pace. Upon completion, students receive a certificate and can opt for one-on-one mentoring for additional guidance.
Jacob Carter’s background in English Literature from Oxford University and his hands-on experience as a musician make this course uniquely insightful. It’s ideal for anyone looking to improve their lyric-writing skills, whether for personal expression or professional ambitions. With its focus on creativity, structure, and industry insights, this course equips participants with the confidence and tools to craft memorable songs.
3. The Lyric Writer’s Workroom – Songcraft
The Lyric Writer’s Workroom by Songcraft is a specialized course dedicated to the art of lyric writing. Designed for songwriters at all levels, this course focuses on developing lyrical skills through storytelling techniques, literary devices, and methods for evoking emotion. Participants explore various lyrical styles and approaches while engaging in practical exercises aimed at enhancing their creativity. The course emphasizes capturing inspiration from everyday surroundings and transforming it into compelling lyrics. Additionally, it provides tips on crafting memorable choruses and melodies, making it a valuable resource for those looking to refine their songwriting craft. By concentrating solely on lyrics, this program offers a deep dive into an essential aspect of songwriting, helping participants find their unique voice as lyricists.
4. Toplining 101: Melody & Lyrics in Songwriting (Skillshare)
Toplining 101 on Skillshare introduces students to the concept of toplining—creating vocal melodies and lyrics over existing instrumental tracks. Taught by experienced songwriter Clare Dove, this course is designed for beginners and experienced musicians alike. It covers essential topics such as melody building blocks, structure, lyric development, and overcoming creative blocks. The lessons are highly practical, encouraging students to craft their own toplines while providing tools for consistent creativity. A standout feature of this course is its focus on creating memorable melodies and meaningful lyrics that connect with listeners. Whether you’re a producer, vocalist, or completely new to songwriting, Toplining 101 offers accessible techniques to help you develop your songwriting skills and find inspiration for melody-lyric combinations.
5. Songwriting and Composing Melodies (Lauren Buchter)
Lauren Buchter’s Songwriting and Composing Melodies course is an insightful offering for those looking to craft memorable melodies and tell compelling musical stories. Available on Skillshare, this concise 30-minute course is designed for both beginners and individuals with some musical background. Buchter, a seasoned film and TV composer, employs a “creative brief” approach, simulating real-world practices used by professional composers. The course covers essential techniques such as using scales, modes, and harmonic structures to create impactful melodies. Students engage in practical exercises that enhance their ability to develop melodic ideas while learning how to evoke specific emotions—whether heroic, romantic, or uplifting. With its focus on storytelling through music, this course is ideal for aspiring songwriters and composers seeking a quick yet effective lesson in melody creation.
6. The Singer-Songwriter Specialization (Berklee College of Music)
The Singer-Songwriter Specialization from Berklee College of Music is a comprehensive program tailored for aspiring singer-songwriters. This multi-course specialization offers an immersive experience, covering topics such as lyric writing, melody creation, chord progressions, and song structure. Participants also explore music production techniques and stage performance skills. The program emphasizes collaboration, with opportunities to work with bands or other musicians, and includes genre-specific workshops for pop, R&B, EDM, hip-hop, and even songwriting for TV and film. With Berklee’s industry-renowned faculty providing feedback and guidance, students gain both technical expertise and practical insights into the music business. Spanning several months of study, this specialization is perfect for those looking to refine their craft while preparing for a career in the music industry.
7. Songwriting Hit Mastery: Lyric Writing, Music Theory (Udemy)
Songwriting Hit Mastery: Lyric Writing, Music Theory on Udemy is an all-encompassing course designed to help songwriters at any level develop their craft. This program offers over 70 video lessons totaling more than 3.5 hours of content and includes downloadable PDFs for continued practice. Taught by an experienced industry professional, the course covers a wide range of topics such as lyric writing techniques, melody construction, chord progressions, and popular song structures. In addition to creative skills, students learn insider tips on breaking into the music industry and monetizing their songwriting talents. With its step-by-step approach and emphasis on commercial success, this course caters to those aiming to create radio-ready hits while understanding the business side of songwriting.
8. How to Write Your First Song (The University of Sheffield)
This beginner-friendly course, hosted by FutureLearn and created by The University of Sheffield, offers a comprehensive introduction to songwriting. Over six weeks, participants dedicate 3–4 hours per week to learn the fundamentals of creating a song. The curriculum covers essential topics such as setting words to rhythm using metre and scansion, crafting effective melodies, exploring chord progressions, and understanding popular song structures. By the end of the course, students will have written their own song, combining elements like melody, harmony, and lyrics. The course also features insights from professional musicians and psychologists to explore what makes a song successful. With its practical and theoretical approach, this program is ideal for complete beginners or those looking to refine their foundational songwriting skills.
9. The New Songwriter’s Workshop (Oli Rockberger)
Led by acclaimed songwriter Oli Rockberger and offered through Soundfly, The New Songwriter’s Workshop is designed for aspiring songwriters eager to elevate their craft. This course focuses on key aspects of songwriting, including melody creation, harmonic progressions, and lyric development. Rockberger’s extensive experience as a musician and collaborator with artists like John Mayer and Gloria Gaynor ensures students receive expert guidance. A standout feature of this workshop is its flexibility—students can learn at their own pace while benefiting from personalized mentorship options. Through a mix of video tutorials, downloadable resources, and practical exercises, participants gain valuable tools to craft impactful songs. This course is particularly suited for beginners or intermediate songwriters looking to expand their creative techniques and refine their musical voice.
10. Lyric Writing: Tools and Strategies (Berklee Online)
Offered by Berklee Online, this course delves into the art of lyric writing with a focus on storytelling techniques and emotional resonance. Participants learn how to use literary devices like rhyme schemes, metaphor, and prosody to craft compelling lyrics that fit seamlessly with melodies. The curriculum also explores how phrasing and line structure can clarify ideas and enhance the emotional impact of a song. Designed for beginners through advanced lyricists, the course includes practical assignments that allow students to apply new skills immediately. With Berklee’s reputation for excellence in music education, this program provides both creative inspiration and technical expertise for those looking to master the craft of lyric writing.