Songwriting lessons: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What songwriting lessons is

A songwriting teacher shows you how to structure verses and choruses, write lyrics, craft melodies and develop ideas into finished songs. People book songwriting lessons when they have unfinished song ideas, keep starting songs and never finishing them, or want feedback on lyrics and melody.

Signs you need it

  • You have lots of song starts and none of them reach a chorus
  • Your lyrics rhyme but feel forced or flat when you sing them
  • Your melodies sound fine on their own but do not fit the chords you use
  • You want to write a song for a specific person or occasion and need a structure
  • You want honest feedback on a song you have already written

What the pro does

  • Reviews the song ideas or drafts you bring and identifies what is working
  • Teaches verse, pre-chorus and chorus structure with examples from songs you know
  • Works on lyric writing, including imagery, rhythm and rhyme that sounds natural
  • Shows how to fit a melody to chord changes and lyric stress
  • Helps you finish one song at a time with a set of drafts and revisions

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Teacher experience with the genres you write in, such as pop, country or rock
  • Lesson length and how many lessons you book each week
  • Private lessons compared with group writing workshops
  • Whether the teacher comes to your home or you meet online or in a studio
  • Whether the lessons include reviewing and recording your demos
  • Workbooks, recording software or an instrument you need to buy

What a written quote should spell out

  • The number and length of lessons and whether they are private or shared
  • The songs or drafts the plan will work on
  • The cancellation and makeup policy for missed lessons
  • Whether lessons are in person or online
  • Which tools, software or books you must buy yourself

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Which genres do you write and teach, and what songs have you written?
  • Will you help me finish songs, or only teach the theory?
  • How do you give feedback on lyrics and melody?
  • If the student is a minor, do you run background checks, and what is your policy on parents in the room?
  • Do you own the rights to any songs we write together, and how is that handled?
  • What should I write between lessons?

Red flags

  • Says it will write your song for you and asks for a large cut of the rights
  • Pushes you to buy costly software or courses before the first lesson
  • Only praises your work and never explains what to change
  • Promises a hit song or a record deal

What you can do yourself

You can write a song idea a day, record voice memos of melodies, and finish one short song from start to finish. Hire a teacher when your songs stall at the same point, when you need feedback on lyrics or melody, or when you want a structure for a specific style.

Licenses and permits

No license is usually required to teach songwriting. Check with your state or local licensing agency if you are unsure whether a teaching business needs a registration.

Songwriting lessons questions

Do I need to play an instrument to take songwriting lessons?

No. Many songwriters write with voice or a simple keyboard. Tell the teacher what you play so they can plan the lessons.

Who owns the songs I write in lessons?

Ask the teacher before the first lesson and get the answer in writing. The terms should say who owns the song and any co-writing credit.

How do I book a songwriting teacher on infinibell?

Describe the lessons you want, including your genre, your song ideas and your level. Pick the teachers you want by name. Only the teachers you pick see your request, and it is free for you.

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