Songwriting Courses

How to Write Your First Song

162 reviews

Get a practical introduction to the mechanics of songwriting and meet established songwriters with this free online course

• FutureLearn
• 3 hours a week, 6 weeks long
• Self paced
• Free Online Course (Audit)

• Best of All Time

Songwriting: Writing the Lyrics

25 reviews

There’s a songwriter lurking somewhere inside you, peeking around corners, wondering if it’s safe to come out. Now it is. This course is an invitation to let your inner songwriter step into the sunlight. All it takes is a simple “yes” and you’ll be climb…

• Coursera
• 17 hours worth of material, 5 weeks long
• 3 weeks from now (18th Jul)
• Free Online Course (Audit)

• Best of All Time

Songwriting: Writing the Music

If your notebook is full of unused lyrics and you’re struggling to find inspiration for the music, this course is for you. Whether you are an experienced songwriter looking for new ideas or a beginning songwriter learning to read music, this course will…

• Coursera
• 12 hours worth of material, 4 weeks long
• Tomorrow
• Free Online Course (Audit)

Microcredential

Songwriting: Writing, Arranging, and Producing Music

1 review

This specialization will provide aspiring and established songwriters with the strategies and practices to develop hit songs. The award-winning Berklee Songwriting Faculty have selected four comprehensive courses, each one devoted to a different song ele…

• Coursera
• 3 hours a week, 17 weeks long
• Paid Course
• 3 courses

Microcredential

The Singer Songwriter

Do you have a song in your heart that you want to share it with others? In the Singer/Songwriter specialization, you will learn all the skills you need to write, perform, and record your own original music. You’ll begin by learning how to play the guitar…

• Coursera
• 4 hours a week, 22 weeks long
• Paid Course
• 4 courses

Songwriting Techniques with Chords

Learn about writing songs with chords, and how altering chords can add depth to your music. Discover many ways to use chords from harmonizing a melody to forming an entire song.

• LinkedIn Learning
• 2 hours worth of material
• Self paced
• Free Trial Available

Learning Songwriting: GarageBand

Learn how to write, record, and mix a song in GarageBand in 9 simple steps.

• LinkedIn Learning
• 1-2 hours worth of material
• Self paced
• Free Trial Available

Write Think and Act Like a Professional Songwriter

Want to know how to become a songwriter? Cliff Goldmacher shows what it takes to make it in the music business as a professional songwriter.

• LinkedIn Learning
• 1-2 hours worth of material
• Self paced
• Free Trial Available

Introduction to Songwriting

Find out what it takes to become a successful songwriter. Learn about the skills you need and the jobs available in songwriting.

• LinkedIn Learning
• Less than 1 hour of material
• Self paced
• Free Trial Available

The Songwriter's Toolkit: New Perspectives

Learn songwriting techniques to look at tunes through a different lens. Discover how to play with melody, form, and chords to gain a fresh perspective when a song has you stuck.

• LinkedIn Learning
• 1-2 hours worth of material
• Self paced
• Free Trial Available

27 Practical Tips for Songwriters

Join professional songwriter Cliff Goldmacher as he explores the craft and business of songwriting. Explore practical solutions to common problems, in short self-contained lessons.

• LinkedIn Learning
• 1-2 hours worth of material
• Self paced
• Free Trial Available

Learning Songwriting: Ableton Live

Learn how to capture your musical ideas quickly and turn them into great songs with Ableton Live.

• LinkedIn Learning
• 1-2 hours worth of material
• Self paced
• Free Trial Available

The Business of Songwriting: First Steps

Get started in the business of songwriting. Learn about all of the major organizations, rights, and procedures that songwriters have to deal with in the music business.

• LinkedIn Learning
• 1-2 hours worth of material
• Self paced
• Free Trial Available

The Dos and Don'ts of Songwriting Collaboration

Join professional songwriter Cliff Goldmacher as he explains best practices for songwriting collaboration, from planning the song promotion to keeping the co-write moving forward.

• LinkedIn Learning
• Less than 1 hour of material
• Self paced
• Free Trial Available

20 Unofficial Rules of Songwriting

Professional songwriter Cliff Goldmacher reveals 20 unofficial songwriting rules that can make your songs more engaging and memorable.

• LinkedIn Learning
• Less than 1 hour of material
• Self paced
• Free Trial Available