Songwriting Lessons

Finding songwriting lessons can be a bit harder than finding a voice or instrument teacher.

Many people like to focus on singing and piano lessons, but learning how to write music is a challenging yet rewarding skill to have under your belt.

You can always learn the basics if you need to start from scratch as a writer. You could also start a little further, depending on your past journey as a songwriter. 

Finding songwriting lessons can be much easier when you don't know where to look. There are four main things you want to consider for your search. Once you figure out these things, you can find what's the best fit for your individual needs.

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Your Availability 

You first need to decide how much time you have to set aside for consistent lessons or classes.

Do you have a day each week you can set aside for sure? Can you do it multiple days a week? Or are you more interested in learning at random and at your own pace?

Your Location and Travel Options 

Secondly, are you able to travel to a teacher or class? Would you prefer this to be done virtually or in person? Do you live in an area where it may be hard to find music teachers that can help you? What are you most comfortable with?

Your Budget For Songwriting Lessons

Lastly, what can you afford? Are you able to budget enough for a well-known music teacher to teach you in their studio weekly?

Are you looking for someone who can help you at a more discounted rate? Are you worried you can't afford a songwriting teacher or any courses?

Find A School That Offers Classes

Finding a local or online school that offers songwriting courses is optimal for those looking to learn how to write music as an adult. It's my top recommendation for getting effective results and being able to use the completion of these courses to your advantage. 

Pros:

• This is the best option for those living in an area with access to several classes that they can choose from.
• It's also a great choice for those with a large budget to do lessons or classes over a long period.
• School is also a good idea for someone who can consistently meet with their teacher every week to work on their musical skill. 
• A local or online teacher can get to know you personally and work with your individual needs in person. 
• You can network with other classmates that are interested in writing music. 

Cons:

• This can be the most costly option and not a good choice for those with a very tight budget. 
• This may seem like a large step for someone who is very shy and uncomfortable with creating music collaboratively. 
• You will be one of many students instead of getting one-on-one attention. 

Where To Start

You can find music classes at schools like Berklee College of Music and Fullsail University. Places like these also have online courses available for students who are not able to travel to campus. 

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Find A Virtual Songwriting Teacher 

Finding a virtual songwriting teacher is a great choice for those who are also learning to write music. It's a great choice if you find yourself unable to meet with a teacher in person.

Pros:

• This is the best option for those who are living in an area that has limited access to teachers and classes that they can choose.
• It's also a great choice for those with a large budget to do songwriting lessons over a long period.
• A virtual teacher is also a good idea for someone who can consistently meet with their teacher every week to work on their musical skill, but you can be a little less strict with your meeting times. 
• A private virtual teacher can get to know you personally and work with your individual needs. 

Cons:

• This can be costly and not a good choice for those with a very tight budget. 
• This may seem like a large step for someone who is very shy and uncomfortable with singing or writing music on camera. 
• You may have an overwhelming number of choices to go through to find a good fit when choosing from online options. 
• Sound delays from wifi and other technical aspects can often interrupt lessons. 

Where To Start

You can find a local songwriting teacher through a service like TakeLessons. Sites like these sites allow you to find professionals online that are currently available for new clients. 

Go To A Songwriting Workshop

If you're in a popular city, you may be able to find local workshops that have hundreds or thousands of songwriters that gather to learn from each other and network. 

Pros:

• This is a great choice for intermediate and advanced songwriters who are looking for motivation and great learning experiences. 
• A workshop is also a good idea for someone who can't consistently meet with a teacher every week and can only dedicate a few weeks to a few months total. 
• It's a great choice for those who don't have a large budget set aside to do songwriting lessons over a long period of time.
• You can network with other creatives that are interested in writing music. 

Cons:

• This may seem like a large step for someone who is very shy and uncomfortable with singing or writing music around others. 
• You will be one of many students instead of getting one-on-one attention. 
• This is not available to those who are not in popular city areas like New York City and Austin, TX, and aren't willing to travel. 

Where To Start

You can find beneficial songwriting workshops through companies like ASCAP and schools like NYU. Programs like these are often welcoming to almost anyone of age who has the money to cover the fees. 

Related Post: A Songwriting Template To Get You Started

Follow A Songwriting Training Course 

Finding a virtual songwriting teacher to provide you with a prerecorded training program is a solid choice for those who are also learning to write music.

It's a great choice if you find yourself unable to afford a private teacher or local class to go to. 

Pros:

• It's a great choice for those who don't have a large budget set aside to do songwriting lessons over a long period of time.
• A virtual songwriting course is also a good idea for someone who can't consistently meet weekly with a teacher to work on their musical skill.
• It's a good choice for someone who isn't yet comfortable writing and singing around people and wants to train alone first. 

Cons:

• You may have an overwhelming number of choices to go through to find a good fit when choosing from online options. 
• A prerecorded virtual songwriting program can not get to know you personally and work with your individual needs. This is a big con, so don't be fooled by this shorter con list here! 

Where To Start

You can find a good songwriting lesson program through a service like Singorama Songwriter. Programs like this allow you to find professionals online that are currently available for anyone.