10 Best Songwriting Courses to Master the Basics

Discovering new hobbies in retirement can be one of the most rewarding ways to embrace this exciting chapter of life. For many, songwriting offers the perfect blend of creativity, self-expression, and mental stimulation. Whether you’ve always dreamed of writing your own songs or simply want to try something fresh and fulfilling, learning to craft melodies and lyrics can be a deeply satisfying experience. The beauty of songwriting is that it doesn’t require prior musical expertise—just a willingness to explore your thoughts, emotions, and stories through music.

To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best songwriting courses tailored for beginners and enthusiasts alike. These programs are designed to guide you step by step, teaching you everything from writing heartfelt lyrics to creating catchy melodies. Whether you’re looking for a fun way to pass the time or hoping to leave behind a creative legacy for loved ones, these courses offer all the tools you need to turn your ideas into songs. Let’s dive in and find the perfect course to spark your musical journey!

1. The Fine Art of Songwriting (Steve Leslie)

Steve Leslie’s The Fine Art of Songwriting is a comprehensive course designed for aspiring songwriters at beginner and intermediate levels. Created by a Grammy-winning songwriter with over 25 years of experience, the course offers a deep dive into the craft of songwriting. It features 33 detailed video lessons covering essential topics such as melody writing, lyric crafting, song structure, and chord progressions. Leslie also incorporates case studies of classic and contemporary songs, enabling students to understand the principles behind successful compositions.

The course emphasizes practical tools like the Nashville Number System and chord functions, making it particularly useful for those interested in commercial songwriting. Students also benefit from assignments, quizzes, and interactive workshops to hone their skills. With its structured approach and insights from a seasoned professional, this course is ideal for anyone looking to elevate their songwriting abilities, whether for personal growth or a professional career.

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 develop their skills and creativity. Led by Carter, a seasoned lyricist with over 10 years of experience, the course focuses on teaching students how to craft impactful lyrics through six in-depth modules. Topics covered include finding inspiration, mastering lyrical structure and style, crafting compelling lyrics, and collaborating effectively with other artists.

This Lyrics Writing Course emphasizes practical learning through HD video lessons, printable resources, and hands-on exercises. Students explore literary tools like imagery, metaphor, and characterization to add depth and uniqueness to their lyrics. Additionally, the program delves into genre-specific songwriting techniques and co-writing strategies, making it suitable for those interested in creating music across various styles. Participants can study at their own pace with lifetime access to course materials, and upon completion, they receive a certificate to mark their achievement.

Designed for beginners, songwriters, and singer-songwriters alike, the course provides a structured yet flexible approach to lyric writing. Jacob Carter’s background in English Literature from Oxford University and his practical experience as a musician ensure that students gain both technical knowledge and creative inspiration. With its focus on real-world application and industry insights, this course is ideal for anyone looking to elevate their songwriting abilities and confidently express themselves through music.

3. How to Write Your First Song (The University of Sheffield)

Offered through FutureLearn by the University of Sheffield, How to Write Your First Song is an accessible six-week course tailored for beginners. Requiring only three hours of study per week, it introduces participants to the foundational elements of songwriting, including melody, rhythm, chord progressions, and song structure. The course is entirely online and allows learners to engage with the material at their own pace.

Guided by experts in music and psychology, students explore concepts such as setting words to rhythm using metre and scansion, creating effective melodies, and arranging songs. By the end of the course, participants will have written their own song while gaining a deeper understanding of musical composition. The free-to-audit format makes it an excellent starting point for those new to songwriting or those looking to refine their skills without financial commitment.

4. Commercial Songwriting Techniques (Berklee Online)

Berklee Online’s Commercial Songwriting Techniques is a specialized program aimed at those seeking to create music for mainstream audiences. As part of Berklee College of Music’s renowned curriculum, this course focuses on crafting commercially viable songs that resonate with listeners. Topics include writing compelling hooks, developing memorable melodies, and structuring songs for maximum impact.

Students learn industry-standard techniques for lyric writing and melody creation while exploring how to tailor their work for specific genres like pop, rock, or country. The course also delves into the business side of songwriting, providing insights into publishing and licensing opportunities. With its emphasis on practical application and industry relevance, this program is ideal for aspiring songwriters who aim to break into the competitive world of commercial music production.

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

Toplining 101: Melody & Lyrics in Songwriting, taught by Clare Dove on Skillshare, is a concise yet impactful course that focuses on the art of creating vocal melodies and lyrics over instrumental tracks, a process known as “toplining.” This beginner-friendly class covers essential topics such as melody building blocks, lyric concepts, and melody structure. It emphasizes practical application, encouraging students to write their own toplines while providing tools to overcome creative blocks. With just 28 minutes of video lessons, the course is short but packed with actionable insights, making it perfect for newcomers and experienced songwriters alike.

Clare Dove brings nearly a decade of experience in the music industry to this course, offering relatable teaching methods and creative inspiration. Students only need basic tools like a notebook and a recording device to participate. The course’s affordability and accessibility make it an excellent choice for those seeking to develop their songwriting style without a significant time or financial commitment.

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

The Academy of Music and Sound’s Songwriting: Creative Lyric Writing Approaches is a free, four-week course aimed at songwriters of all levels. The program provides structured weekly lessons covering key aspects of lyric writing, including sensory writing, storytelling, and prosody. Each week introduces practical exercises designed to inspire creativity and help participants refine their lyrical skills. For example, students explore techniques like journaling in Week 1 and metaphor creation in Week 3.

This course is particularly helpful for songwriters experiencing writer’s block or those looking to reinvigorate their lyrical output. With no prior experience required, it caters to beginners while also offering fresh perspectives for seasoned writers. The Academy’s expert instructors ensure high-quality guidance throughout the program. This free course is an excellent opportunity for anyone looking to sharpen their lyric-writing abilities without committing to a full-time program.

7. Songwriting: Lyric Writing – Elevate with ICMP

The Songwriting: Lyric Writing – Elevate course from the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP) offers an advanced exploration of lyric writing techniques. Designed for songwriters seeking to elevate their craft, this program focuses on enhancing lyrical depth and emotional resonance. Students learn how to create compelling narratives, use literary devices effectively, and align lyrics with musical phrasing.

ICMP’s reputation as a leading music education institution ensures that participants receive top-tier instruction from experienced professionals. The course also emphasizes real-world application, preparing students for challenges in professional songwriting environments. 

8. Lyric Writing: Tools and Strategies (Berklee Online)

Berklee Online’s Lyric Writing: Tools and Strategies, taught by renowned lyricist Pat Pattison, is a 12-week course designed to refine the craft of lyric writing. This program focuses on generating compelling ideas, finding the right words, and organizing rhythms and rhymes into effective song structures. Students learn techniques such as object writing, balancing and unbalancing sections, and using rhyme schemes to enhance emotional impact. The course also emphasizes creating contrasts between song sections to heighten a listener’s experience.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced songwriter, this course equips you with tools to brainstorm freely, craft vivid lyrics, and structure songs effectively. By the end of the program, participants gain confidence in their ability to write lyrics that resonate emotionally while maintaining technical precision. With Berklee’s reputation for excellence in music education, this course is ideal for anyone looking to elevate their lyric-writing skills.

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

Offered through Soundfly, The New Songwriter’s Workshop by Oli Rockberger is a versatile program tailored for aspiring songwriters looking to refine their craft. This course covers essential songwriting elements such as melody creation, harmonic progressions, and lyric strategies. Rockberger, a seasoned musician who has worked with artists like John Mayer and Gloria Gaynor, provides practical insights into crafting impactful songs.

The workshop includes 10 video tutorials, six video challenges, and downloadable resources. A standout feature is the option for personalized mentorship, allowing students to receive one-on-one feedback from Rockberger himself. Designed for flexibility, participants can learn at their own pace while exploring creative approaches to songwriting. This course is particularly beneficial for beginners seeking foundational skills or intermediate songwriters aiming to expand their repertoire with professional guidance.

10. The Art of Songwriting (Belmont University)

Belmont University’s The Art of Songwriting offers a foundational yet comprehensive approach to mastering the craft of songwriting. Led by Emily Falvey and other industry professionals based in Nashville—a global hub for music—the course combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice. Students explore key aspects of songwriting such as melody composition, lyrical storytelling, rhyme techniques, and song structure.

Beyond creative skills, the program emphasizes practical strategies like overcoming writer’s block, cataloging ideas systematically, and cultivating routines for inspiration. With its focus on both artistic expression and real-world application, this course is ideal for those aiming to develop as well-rounded songwriters. Belmont’s strong ties to the music industry further enhance the learning experience by providing insights into commercial songwriting trends and professional opportunities.