Songwriter U: Learn Songwriting Online with American Songwriter
A real songwriting education, not just another masterclass.
Songwriter U is live, guided education from American Songwriter. You learn the craft directly from working hit songwriters, get personal feedback on your own songs, and follow a clear path built for wherever you are, from your first finished song to writing in professional co-writing rooms.
Learn from Professional Songwriters
Taught by working hit songwriters, not talking heads.
Adaptable Online Modules & Assignments
Structured lessons and hands-on assignments you can fit around your life.
Live, Guided Lessons & Feedback
Real-time sessions and direct feedback on the songs you're writing now.
Access to the #1 Songwriting Community
Plug into American Songwriter's membership community and network of writers.
Wherever you are as a songwriter, there's a next step.
Start where you are. Keep building from there.
Three courses, three levels. One clear path forward. Each is designed and led by working hit songwriters, for writers at a specific stage.
Learn the fundamentals from pro songwriters, from your first blank page all the way to a professionally produced demo of your own song.
A hands-on lyric intensive. Break down a core element of lyric writing each week and apply it in real time with live feedback and guided rewrites.
A real-time collaboration lab. Get matched into a curated room, co-write with other writers each week, and build the skills that make co-writing work.
Why we're building more
Songwriter U graduates are already writing songs they couldn't before. Here's what they have to say about learning with American Songwriter:
"The lessons and information are priceless. All of the instructors & guest singer-songwriters graciously offer their wisdom, authentic & highly inspirational while being educational & encouraging."
"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."
"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!"
"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 would wholeheartedly recommend Foundations to anyone, whether just starting or a seasoned musician. It will get you on the right track and give you different ways of songwriting… definitely a thumbs up."
Learn from working hit songwriters
A chance to learn the real processes, tools, and instincts behind the songs you know, taught by writers, for writers.
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.
Sarah Siskind
Cuts by Robert Plant, Alison Krauss & Wynonna · 20+ songs on ABC's Nashville.
Maia Sharp
Cuts by Bonnie Raitt, The Chicks, Cher & Art Garfunkel · adjunct professor at NYU.
Ava Suppelsa
Cuts by Keith Urban & Carly Pearce · 350M+ streams · "30 Under 30."
Thomm Jutz
Grammy-nominated · ten #1 bluegrass hits · IBMA Songwriter of the Year.
Aaron Espe
Songs in Grey's Anatomy & The Voice · campaigns for Target & Honda.
Andrew Petroff
Co-wrote on Lainey Wilson's 2024 Grammy-winning album · Sheryl Crow, Stevie Nicks.
Questions, answered
What is Songwriter U?
Songwriter U is online education by American Songwriter: a set of guided, live courses that build on each other so you can keep growing at the right level, from your first finished song to writing in professional co-writing rooms.
Which course should I start with?
If you're new or have written only a handful of songs, start with Foundations. Writers comfortable with the fundamentals who want to sharpen lyrics will want Skill Lab: Lyrics, and experienced writers ready to collaborate belong in Co-Writing Rooms. Skill Lab: Lyrics is enrolling now. For the others, join the waitlist and we'll email you as soon as dates open.
When does Skill Lab: Lyrics start?
Sessions run Wednesdays at 3pm ET: October 28, November 4, November 11, and November 18. Enrollment closes Monday, October 26.
When does the next Foundations session start?
The summer session is closed. Foundations returns for a winter session, and dates will be announced soon. Waitlist members hear first and get the first window to enroll before it opens publicly.
Can I take more than one course?
Yes, the courses are designed as a path. Many writers move from Foundations into Skill Lab: Lyrics, then into Co-Writing Rooms as they grow.
Are the courses live, self-paced, or both?
Both. Each course pairs guided lessons you can work through on your schedule with weekly live sessions for real-time learning, feedback, and community.
How do I know if I'm ready for Skill Lab: Lyrics?
You're ready if you can write lyrics and melodies, finish a draft, and bring unfinished work into a workshop for feedback. Completing Foundations also prepares you well.
How do I know if I'm ready for Co-Writing Rooms?
It's for writers who already finish songs independently, understand song structure, and can contribute ideas in real time. Enrollment may be curated to build balanced co-writing rooms.
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.
