Summer '26 enrollment open (spots limited) · July 27 – Sept 20, 2026
Foundations: An Online Songwriting Course from American Songwriter
Go From Blank Page to a Studio-Produced Song in 8 Weeks
An 8-week online course for songwriters starting out or getting back to the fundamentals.
Enrollment closes July 24, 2026
- Beginner-friendly
- Produced demo included
Beginner Course
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Every Hit Starts with Strong Foundations.
Foundations is an eight-module online course designed to help you grow as a songwriter. With live sessions, hands-on lessons, and guidance from pros, you’ll learn to shape melody, lyrics, and story into songs that resonate.
By the end, you’ll have a professionally produced demo of your own original song. The course also includes:
Industry-Ready Produced Demo
Leave with a studio-quality recording of your own song
8-Module Curriculum
Melody, lyrics, structure & storytelling — idea to finished song
Live Weekly Coaching
Live workshops, Q&A and guest songwriters
1:1 Feedback
Pro critiques on your actual songs
Lifetime Access + Community
Keep every lesson forever; write alongside peers
A Repeatable Workflow
Build habits that make writing second nature
8-Module Songwriting Curriculum
Melody, lyrics, structure & storytelling - idea to finished song
Live Weekly Coaching
Live workshops, Q&A and guest songwriters
1:1 Feedback
Pro critiques on your actual songs
Lifetime Access + Community
Keep every lesson forever; write alongside peers
A Repeatable Workflow
Build habits that make writing second nature
Industry-Ready Produced Demo
Leave with a studio-quality recording of your own song
Foundations Songwriting Course is an immersive, eight-module online program designed to help aspiring and developing songwriters build the skills, confidence, and creative discipline to write songs that connect.
Through hands-on lessons, weekly live workshop sessions, proven songwriting frameworks, and insights from professional songwriters, you’ll master the core elements of great songwriting — melody, lyrics, structure, and storytelling, while developing your own authentic creative voice. As the culmination of the course, every student will leave with a professionally produced, industry-ready demo tape of their original song – a tangible, polished representation of the foundations built in the course.
Whether you’re just starting out or ready to refine your craft, Foundations gives you the tools, structure, and inspiration to create songs that stand out and last.
From songwriters who started where you are
I came into Foundations with zero experience and honestly wasn't sure I'd be able to finish a song. I was pretty nervous at the start, but the process was so supportive and approachable that I ended up completing my first song. It exceeded my expectations and gave me confidence to write another.
"I had written a lot of lyrics but struggled with turning them into complete songs. Foundations helped me move past the blocks that kept me from finishing. I greatly valued the experience and the reliable framework that allowed me to bring my songs to life. Forever grateful!"
"This course gives you the nuts, the bolts and the tools to improve your own songwriting… It also offers invaluable information and advice from multiple working songwriters."
"A great 8-week program where access to pros on a weekly basis is guaranteed. Fantastic content, easy and clear to follow!"
"The American Songwriter Foundations course was a worthwhile, creative, immersive experience expanding me into the world of songwriting through a well-designed curriculum and songwriting process."
Testimonials
From songwriters who started where you are
Course Curriculum Preview
Full-Cycle Songwriting Curriculum – Eight (8) in-depth, hands-on modules from idea to production. Modules are supported by weekly live sessions, plus all live sessions, exercises, and course materials are permanently downloadable for all students. Build your Foundations now, take them with you forever!
- Module 1: Finding Inspiration & Ideas
- Module 2: Lyric Fundamentals
- Module 3: Melody Writing
- Module 4: Harmony & Chord Progressions
- Module 5: Song Structure & Arrangement
- Module 6: Development & Editing
- Module 7: Preparing an Industry-Ready Demo Tape
- Module 8: Next Steps as a Songwriter
Learn from working professional songwriters
Foundations is led by Nashville songwriter Dean Fields and joined by a roster of guest songwriters with Grammy nominations, No. 1 hits, and cuts by some of the biggest names in music.
Dean Fields
Cuts by Lori McKenna & William Clark Green · No. 1 on Texas radio · placements with Disney, Paramount & ABC.
Nashville-based songwriter, performer, and producer. A Classical Composition graduate of William & Mary, he's played 1,000+ shows nationwide and now mentors emerging writers through American Songwriter.
Adam Wright
Multi-Grammy-nominated · cuts by Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks & Trisha Yearwood.
Multi-Grammy-nominated songwriter recorded by Alan Jackson, Lee Ann Womack, Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Brandy Clark and more. Grammy nods for Best Country Song and Best American Roots Song, plus multiple IBMA Song of the Year nominations — a true songwriter's songwriter.
Sarah Siskind
Covered by Robert Plant, Alison Krauss & Wynonna · 20+ songs on ABC's Nashville.
North Carolina native covered by Robert Plant, Wynonna, Alison Krauss and Randy Travis, and a stage-mate of Bonnie Raitt, Mary Chapin Carpenter and Bon Iver. Over 20 of her songs featured on ABC's Nashville, including the unofficial theme "A Life That's Good."
Thomm Jutz
Grammy-nominated · ten #1 bluegrass hits · IBMA Songwriter of the Year.
Nashville songwriter, producer and guitarist; 2020 Grammy nominee. Recorded by Billy Strings, Del McCoury, John Prine, The SteelDrivers and Nanci Griffith. Ten #1 bluegrass hits, IBMA Songwriter of the Year, and 300+ TV/film placements worldwide.
Ava Suppelsa
Cuts by Keith Urban & Carly Pearce · 350M+ streams · "30 Under 30."
One of Nashville's standout young writers, with cuts by Keith Urban, Carly Pearce, Home Free (Billboard #2 Country Album) and more. 350M+ streams, U.S. and Canadian radio charting, and named to Nashville Briefing's "25 Songwriters to Watch" and "30 Under 30."
Aaron Espe
Songs in Grey's Anatomy & The Voice · campaigns for Target & Honda.
Nashville songwriter and producer known for melodic storytelling and emotional clarity. His work has appeared in Grey's Anatomy, The Voice, and campaigns for Target, Honda and Sainsbury's, bridging pop, folk and Americana.
Andrew Petroff
Co-wrote on Lainey Wilson's 2024 Grammy-winning album · Sheryl Crow, Stevie Nicks, Little Big Town.
Nashville producer, songwriter and musician across many genres. Collaborations with Sheryl Crow, Stevie Nicks, Little Big Town, Lainey Wilson, Molly Tuttle, Katie Pruitt and more. Co-wrote "Grease" on Lainey Wilson's Bell Bottom Country — 2024 Grammy winner for Best Country Album.
Your Instructors
Learn from working professional songwriters
Foundations is an immersive songwriting course led by American Songwriter’s Membership Community Director & professional songwriter, Dean Fields.
He will be joined by #1 songwriters, industry experts, and multi-platinum ‘special guests’.
Summer 2026 – Special Guests to be announced soon…
Pricing
One enrollment, everything included
Foundations Songwriting Course
8-module online course · Summer '26
Questions, answered
Where and when does it happen?
Foundations runs July 27 – September 20, 2026, fully online inside the American Songwriter Membership Hub, with a live session each week. Dates can shift in rare circumstances; enrolled students are notified of any change.
Who is it for?
Songwriters just starting out — or experienced writers who want to rebuild on solid fundamentals. If your goal is to finish real songs, you're in the right place.
Do I need songwriting experience?
No. Foundations starts from the ground up, so complete beginners and returning writers both thrive here.
Do I need to play an instrument?
It helps, but it isn't required. You'll learn the craft of songwriting and can apply it on guitar, piano, or with simple tools.
How does the produced demo work?
After the course, you're paired one-on-one with our production partner, who works directly with you to bring your song to life — staying with you until your demo is complete. It's a personal, collaborative process, not a hand-off.
What's the time commitment?
Plan for about 2–3 hours a week during the course — the weekly live session plus time to work on your song. Lessons are downloadable, so you can move at your own pace around your schedule.
Are there technical requirements?
None beyond a computer or phone with an internet connection for the live video sessions. No special software or recording gear required to take part.
Frequently asked questions
If you’re still deciding whether to enroll, you’re probably wondering how it all works. Here’s everything you need to know before beginning your enrollment process.
Have an additional question? Reach out to us directly below.
The entire 8-week online course is held within the virtual American Songwriter Membership Hub + supported by weekly live sessions via video call. ‘Summer ’26 will run for the following period:
July 27th – September 20th (Enrollment Open Now)
Please note: Course dates are subject to change in the event of unforeseen circumstances. Any updates will be communicated to all enrolled students.
The course is open to anyone 18 and older who wants to learn the craft of songwriting, whether you’re a total beginner or already writing regularly.
July – September 2026
Start/Close Dates to be announced soon
Module 1: Finding Inspiration & Ideas – July 27
Module 2: Lyric Fundamentals – August 3
Module 3: Melody Writing – August 10
Module 4: Harmony & Chord Progressions – August 17
Module 5: Song Structure & Arrangement – August 24
Module 6: Development & Editing – August 31
Module 7: Preparing An Industry Demo – September 7
Module 8: Next Steps as a Songwriter – September 14
$999.99 – Price includes eight guided, downloadable, in-depth songwriting modules supported by weekly live sessions. Every student also receives a finished demo of their original song, an American Songwriter membership, magazine subscription, access to community, and more!
No, this course is designed for songwriters at any stage in their development.
No advanced technical experience is required. You’ll just need access to a computer or tablet and a reliable internet connection to complete the online modules. From there, Foundations is designed to meet you where you are and help you build a lyric-writing workflow you’re proud of.
Not at all. You don’t need to play an instrument to be a songwriter. Foundations gives you the tools and guidance to develop strong ideas, lyrics, melodies, and stories, and you’ll graduate the course with a professionally produced demo of your original song.
Foundations is designed to fit into a busy schedule and will require around 3–5 hours per week. This includes live lessons, completing songwriting exercises, participating in feedback/community, and working on your song. The course is fully structured to be manageable alongside your full-time commitments.
Go From Blank Page to a Studio-Produced Song in 8 Weeks
An 8-week online course for songwriters starting out or getting back to the fundamentals.
Everything you need to finish your first real song
One enrollment covers the full journey — the craft, the coaching, the feedback, and a produced demo to show for it.
Industry-Ready Produced Demo
Leave with a studio-quality recording of your own song.
8-Module Curriculum
Melody, lyrics, structure & storytelling — idea to finished song.
Live Weekly Coaching
Live workshops, Q&A and guest songwriters every week.
1:1 Feedback
Pro critiques on your actual songs, not generic notes.
Lifetime Access + Community
Keep every lesson forever; write alongside peers.
A Repeatable Workflow
Build habits that make writing second nature.
A clear path from idea to finished demo
Learn the craft
Eight modules walk you through melody, lyrics, structure and storytelling.
Write your song
Apply each lesson to a song of your own, week by week.
Get coached
Live weekly sessions plus personal 1:1 feedback from pros.
Leave with a demo
Work one-on-one with a producer to bring your song to life.
One enrollment, everything included
Foundations Songwriting Course
8-module online course · Summer '26
From songwriters who started where you are
I came into Foundations with zero experience and honestly wasn't sure I'd be able to finish a song. The process was so supportive and approachable that I ended up completing my first song. It exceeded my expectations and gave me confidence to write another.
"I had written a lot of lyrics but struggled with turning them into complete songs. Foundations helped me move past the blocks that kept me from finishing. I greatly valued the reliable framework that allowed me to bring my songs to life. Forever grateful!"
"This course gives you the nuts, the bolts and the tools to improve your own songwriting… It also offers invaluable information and advice from multiple working songwriters."
"A great 8-week program where access to pros on a weekly basis is guaranteed. Fantastic content, easy and clear to follow!"
"The American Songwriter Foundations course was a worthwhile, creative, immersive experience expanding me into the world of songwriting through a well-designed curriculum and songwriting process."
Learn from working professional songwriters
Led by Nashville songwriter Dean Fields and joined by guest songwriters with Grammy nominations, No. 1 hits, and cuts by some of the biggest names in music.
Dean Fields
Cuts by Lori McKenna & William Clark Green · No. 1 on Texas radio · placements with Disney, Paramount & ABC.
Nashville-based songwriter, performer, and producer. A Classical Composition graduate of William & Mary, he's played 1,000+ shows nationwide and now mentors emerging writers through American Songwriter.
Adam Wright
Multi-Grammy-nominated · cuts by Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks & Trisha Yearwood.
Multi-Grammy-nominated songwriter recorded by Alan Jackson, Lee Ann Womack, Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Brandy Clark and more. Grammy nods for Best Country Song and Best American Roots Song, plus multiple IBMA Song of the Year nominations — a true songwriter's songwriter.
Sarah Siskind
Covered by Robert Plant, Alison Krauss & Wynonna · 20+ songs on ABC's Nashville.
North Carolina native covered by Robert Plant, Wynonna, Alison Krauss and Randy Travis, and a stage-mate of Bonnie Raitt, Mary Chapin Carpenter and Bon Iver. Over 20 of her songs featured on ABC's Nashville, including the unofficial theme "A Life That's Good."
Thomm Jutz
Grammy-nominated · ten #1 bluegrass hits · IBMA Songwriter of the Year.
Nashville songwriter, producer and guitarist; 2020 Grammy nominee. Recorded by Billy Strings, Del McCoury, John Prine, The SteelDrivers and Nanci Griffith. Ten #1 bluegrass hits, IBMA Songwriter of the Year, and 300+ TV/film placements worldwide.
Ava Suppelsa
Cuts by Keith Urban & Carly Pearce · 350M+ streams · "30 Under 30."
One of Nashville's standout young writers, with cuts by Keith Urban, Carly Pearce, Home Free (Billboard #2 Country Album) and more. 350M+ streams, U.S. and Canadian radio charting, and named to Nashville Briefing's "25 Songwriters to Watch" and "30 Under 30."
Aaron Espe
Songs in Grey's Anatomy & The Voice · campaigns for Target & Honda.
Nashville songwriter and producer known for melodic storytelling and emotional clarity. His work has appeared in Grey's Anatomy, The Voice, and campaigns for Target, Honda and Sainsbury's, bridging pop, folk and Americana.
Andrew Petroff
Co-wrote on Lainey Wilson's 2024 Grammy-winning album · Sheryl Crow, Stevie Nicks, Little Big Town.
Nashville producer, songwriter and musician across many genres. Collaborations with Sheryl Crow, Stevie Nicks, Little Big Town, Lainey Wilson, Molly Tuttle, Katie Pruitt and more. Co-wrote "Grease" on Lainey Wilson's Bell Bottom Country — 2024 Grammy winner for Best Country Album.
Questions, answered
Where and when does it happen?
Foundations runs July 27 – September 20, 2026, fully online inside the American Songwriter Membership Hub, with a live session each week. Dates can shift in rare circumstances; enrolled students are notified of any change.
Who is it for?
Songwriters just starting out — or experienced writers who want to rebuild on solid fundamentals. If your goal is to finish real songs, you're in the right place.
Do I need songwriting experience?
No. Foundations starts from the ground up, so complete beginners and returning writers both thrive here.
Do I need to play an instrument?
It helps, but it isn't required. You'll learn the craft of songwriting and can apply it on guitar, piano, or with simple tools.
How does the produced demo work?
After the course, you're paired one-on-one with our production partner, who works directly with you to bring your song to life — staying with you until your demo is complete. It's a personal, collaborative process, not a hand-off.
What's the time commitment?
Plan for about 2–3 hours a week during the course — the weekly live session plus time to work on your song. Lessons are downloadable, so you can move at your own pace around your schedule.
Are there technical requirements?
None beyond a computer or phone with an internet connection for the live video sessions. No special software or recording gear required to take part.
Your first finished song starts here.
Join Foundations this summer and leave with a song you're proud of — professionally produced and ready to share.
Enroll Now — Summer 2026Looking for a different course? Explore all Songwriter U courses →
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