A songwriter is an individual who sets words to rhythm, combining fundamental music elements viz. melody, pitch, chord types and progressions, etc to write a song of their own. Songwriters not only work with lyrics but also play music with guitar or piano which includes setting the chords, scales, strumming and picking patterns.
Songwriting Courses are concerned with Music Courses that majorly focusses on lyric writing, chord progressions, rhyming techniques, setting a proper flow to the music, etc. Apart from these, practical knowledge of music instruments are also taught to the students.
Songwriting Courses can be pursued at all levels like Certification, UG, PG, Diploma as well as PhD. A few courses that are popular among Songwriters are Diploma in Music, BA in Music, MA in Music, PhD in Music etc.
There’s no strict eligibility criteria for Songwriting Courses, candidates can get qualified from any stream in their 10+2. For admissions in Postgraduate or Doctorate Music Courses, it is required to possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism or Communication or music related relevant courses from a recognized college/university.
Some of the top universities offering Songwriting courses are Delhi University, Visva Bharati University Birbhum, Goa University, Mumbai University, Savitribai Phule Pune University etc. The average fees of Songwriting Courses ranges from INR 1,500 to INR 4,50,000 in India.
Apart from the regular offline courses, students can also take up Online Songwriting courses offered by popular websites viz. Coursera, Udemy, FutureLearn etc. The eligibility for which requires students to have some basic knowledge about musical concepts and song structure.
There are numerous production houses, music videos, advertisement agencies such as T Series, HMV, Radio Mirchi FM etc. that hire Songwriters to compose music and write lyrics. According to PayScale, the average salary of a Songwriter is INR 3,65,171 per annum in India.
- All About Songwriting Courses
- What is Songwriting?
- Who can pursue Songwriting Courses?
- Types of Songwriting Courses
4.1 Certificate
4.2 Diploma
4.3 Undergraduate
4.4 Postgraduate
6.1 What is the future of Songwriting?
6.2 Is Songwriting a good course?
6.3 Is Songwriting a growing industry?
7.1 Mumbai
7.2 Delhi
7.3 Kolkata
7.4 Pune
7.5 Banglore
9.1 Top Job Profiles
9.2 Top Recruiters
All About Songwriting Courses
A songwriter course offers knowledge on writing and composing music for a song or one specific instrument or writing lyrics for a music recording company or a producer.
- Songwriting Courses fee ranges from INR 1,500 to INR 4,50,000.
- Songwriter course admissions are done both on the basis of merit and on the basis of entrance exams as well
- The various Songwriter or Music entrance exams are: Bhatkhande Music Institute Lucknow Entrance Exam, Banaras Hindu University of Performing Arts Entrance Exam, Indian Institute of Fine Arts Entrance Exam etc.
- Under Graduation in Music and Post Graduation in Music are the most opted courses
- The duration of an Undergraduate degree in Music usually is 3 years and Post graduate in Music courses has a duration of 2 years
- The average salary after completing a Songwriter course is INR 3,65,171 per annum.
What is Songwriting?
The act of setting words to music, time and pitch, working with melody, setting chords and chord progressions and creating music and rhythm of a song, and so on is referred to as songwriting.
- Songwriting includes writing lyrics, working with melody, setting words to rhythm using the concepts of metre and scansion, describing the different chord types and progressions, etc.
- The program's main goal is to teach students how to create musical pieces for one specific instrument or part of a song.
- Though there is no special or certified qualification required to excel in songwriting, there are a number of institutes that offer undergraduate, post graduate and online courses in the field.
- Aspiring songwriting students should be creative and talented with knowledge of musical concepts and song structure.
Who can pursue Songwriting Courses?
The minimum eligibility criteria for pursuing Songwriting courses are mentioned below,
- Candidates have to clear their Class 12 board exams from a recognized board.
- For pursuing an undergraduate degree in songwriting, students must have a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism or Communication or music related courses from a recognized college/university.
- For pursuing a Postgraduate degree in songwriting, students have to have a Bachelor degree in music or related discipline from a recognized University.
- Candidates with creative skill with an inclination towards musical concepts and song structure will have an edge, considering songwriting majorly deals with creating lyrics, music, and rhythm.
Read More: Career as a Sound Engineer
Why pursue Songwriting Courses?
Just like other jobs come with their own perks, which adds an onus to them, similarly songwriting is creative and challenging as well thus making it less boring and monotonous. Below enlisted are few of the top reasons as to why students should pursue songwriting courses,
- Freedom: Freedom to express one’s emotion, feelings, and thoughts through lyrics or music. A songwriter has the liberty to work on odd hours and not stick to a 9-5 work routine. A songwriter is free to travel to varied places, meet new people to enhance his thoughts, gather experience and express that through lyrics or music. Of course this is earned through years of hard work and determination.
- Relationship: That melancholy chord, the romantic tune of that song can touch thoughts of heart and help build new relationships and strengthen existing ones. No medicine, no therapy, neither money nor power can better strengthen relationships than good music or some meaningful lyrics.
- Work Satisfaction: As a Songwriter, it is the responsibility to set words to rhythm, identify ingredients of an effective melody, combine fundamental music elements to come up with a song of your own and being appreciated by larger audiences gives an immense sense of pride and satisfaction to a songwriter.
- Character Building: The initial years of struggle to mark a foot in the music industry, or your lyrics are put into songs, trying to conjure up some magic, dealing with an enormous rejection, staying current and relevant and tasting success is a long journey a songwriter goes through and this builds some character over time.
Read More: Music Courses
Songwriting Courses Eligibility Criteria
As already discussed, Songwriting is taught across various degrees starting from certifications to diploma courses, Undergraduate courses to PhD Courses. Below mentioned table will discuss the eligibility criteria for each degree that are offered in songwriting courses,
Certificate Courses in Songwriting Eligibility
- Students should have some basic knowledge about musical concepts and song structure.
- A student with a high school pass certificate is eligible to go for such certification.
Diploma Courses in Songwriting Eligibility
- For pursuing Diploma courses in Songwriting, students have to complete 10 years of formal education and must have attained 16 years of age.
Undergraduate Courses in Songwriting Eligibility
- Admissions to Undergraduate courses in Songwriting are done both on the basis of merit as well as entrance exams.
- Students should clear their class 12th board exam from a recognized board.
Post Graduate Courses in Songwriting Eligibility
- For pursuing Master courses in Songwriting, students should have a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism or Communication or music related courses from a recognized college/university
Types of Songwriting Courses
Students are offered with several choices to pursue Songwriting courses, starting from Certificate courses to Doctoral Courses in Songwriting. The eligibility criterion is a major factor in the process of choosing the right Songwriting courses for oneself.
Below mentioned are few of the courses that students can choose from while pursuing Songwriting Courses,
Certificate Courses in Songwriting
- The eligibility criteria for Online Songwriting certificate courses require students to have some basic knowledge about musical concepts and song structure and the duration varies from 15 hours to 6 months.
There are few accredited Certificate courses that one can choose to pursue in Songwriting. Some of the top Songwriting Certificate courses are tabulated below,
| Certificate Name | Average Fees | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| The Basics of Pro Songwriting | INR 3,200 | 6 hours |
| Songwriting Simplified: Music Theory, Melody & Creativity | INR 8,640 | 4.5 hours |
| Complete Beginner Songwriting Course | INR 4,800 | 4 hours |
| Tap Your Songwriting Creativity - Lyric Writing | INR 1,920 | 3.5 hours |
Diploma Courses in Songwriting
- While eligibility for a diploma in Songwriting courses is a high school pass certificate and these courses will add to your resume if you take them after graduation.
- Some popular Diploma in Songwriting courses are Diploma in Songwriting and Production, Diploma in Music, Postgraduate Diploma in Music (PGDipMus), Advanced Diploma in Music etc.
Undergraduate Courses
- You can apply for BA (Musicology) / BA (Music Vocal) / BA (Hons) (Instrumental Music) courses if you have completed 12th grade with at least 50% in 10+2.
- Many institutes rely on marks secured in entrance examinations namely Indian Institute of Fine Arts Entrance Exam, Bangalore University Entrance Exam, Annamalai University Entrance Exam, etc.
Postgraduate Courses
- To apply for these courses, you must have achieved at least 60% of the overall grades upon completion.
- A student who has completed BA (Musicology) / BA (Music Vocal) / BA (Hons) (Instrumental Music) or in relevant discipline is eligible to apply for such courses.
There are a lot of course structures that one can choose from when they plan to pursue a Songwriting course. Some of the top courses that are frequently attempted are given below:
| Course Name | Type of Course | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma in Songwriting and Production | Diploma Course | 18 months |
| BA (Musicology) | Graduate Degree Course | 3 years |
| BA (Music Vocal) | Graduate Degree Course | 3 years |
| BA (Hons) (Instrumental Music) | Graduate Degree Course | 3 years |
| BA Hons (Music) | Graduate Degree Course | 3 years |
| MA (Music) | Post Graduate Degree Course | 2 years |
| Diploma in Music | Diploma Course | 3 months to 3 years |
Songwriting Courses After 12th
- Many students in India pursue songwriting courses after completing 10th or 12th grades.
- Anyone interested in a career in songwriting must possess a variety of qualities, including a creative mind, ability to create melody, writing chords and playing musical instruments, and so on.
- Following the completion of the 12th grade, students have a plethora of opportunities in various fields after 12th and in considering the songwriting course, there is a vast scope and freedom in this growing community and let's take a look at the songwriting courses to pursue after 12th.
Bachelor’s in Songwriting Courses After 12th
- BA Hons in Music
- BA Musicology
- BA (Hons) Instrumental Music
- BA Music Vocal
Diploma in Songwriting Courses After 12th
- Diploma in Songwriting and Production
- Diploma in Music
- Postgraduate Diploma in Music (PGDipMus)
- Advanced Diploma in Music
Master’s in Songwriting Courses After 12th
- MA Music
- Master of Performing Arts in Music
Online Songwriting Courses
Apart from the above-mentioned courses, there are several online courses that are available in Songwriting. Some of them are tabulated below along with the course duration and the platform offering these courses:
| Course Name | Provider | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| The Singer Songwriter Specialization | Coursera | 5 months |
| Songwriting: Writing, Arranging, and Producing Music Specialization | Coursera | 4 months |
| How to Write Your First Song | Future Learn | 6 weeks |
| Garageband for Songwriting and Music Production | Udemy | 7 hours |
| The Basics of Pro Songwriting | Udemy | 6 hours |
| Songwriting Simplified: Music Theory, Melody & Creativity | Udemy | 4.5 hours |
Steps to Become a Songwriter
Inorder to build a successful career into Songwriting, one should follow the mentioned steps to get a hasslefree result:
Complete your Bachelor’s Degree
- Before you start your songwriting profession, it is very important to have a certain amount of knowledge about the profession.
- An Undergraduate degree in Songwriting namely BA Music Vocal, BA (Hons) Instrumental Music etc. would help you understand the subject as well as give you brief outlines of what actually happens in the industry.
- Once you complete the course you will be at an edge to those professionals who do not have a degree in the field.
Get Hands-on Experience
- Once you are done with the degree, you are ready to face the world.
- However before joining the industry an internship will give you an insight of what goes behind all the events that you have witnessed so far.
- During an internship you will get to learn the real Songwriting industry, with things and people, who manage it.
Learn Industry Technology
- Songwriting is expected to Master a few things like Generating lyrics, Basics of playing the guitar, Proper Breathing and Vocal techniques, Basic songwriting tools and techniques etc that are used in the industry for a better grip at the profession.
Create a Portfolio
- No matter what you are doing or when you want to switch or start working as a freelancer, always be ready with a portfolio of all your achievements.
Check: Top Music Colleges in India
What Jobs Can You Do with Songwriting?
A lyricist is an example of a job where your degree would be useful.
- Music Producer.
- Performing Songwriter.
- Staff Writer.
- Songwriter for other artists.
- Jingle Writer.
- Composer for film/ TV
What is the Future of Songwriting?
- Songwriter job growth is expected to be 68% between 2016 and 2026.
- In comparison to the economy's overall job growth of 7%, this indicates that the music industry is expanding.
Is Songwriting a Good Course?
- It is a good career choice because it does not require a large investment and provides a lot of flexibility and independence to work.
- If you enjoy composing music and have a creative mind, you can make a successful career in the field of songwriting.
Is Songwriting a Growing Industry?
- In 2026, the demand for Songwriters is expected to expand by 68% and there might be an enormous jump in salary of songwriters who would be paid an average salary of INR 12,00,000 per annum.
- Songwriters gain exposure in the music industry through their music composition and writing and gain foothold through contacts and connections.
Read More: PhD Music
Top Songwriting Colleges in India
Some of the top colleges where one can choose to apply for a prestigious degree in Songwriting are tabulated below:
Top Songwriting Colleges in Mumbai
| College Name | Average Fees |
|---|---|
| Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies | INR 4,52,000 |
| Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey Women’s University | INR 13,355 |
| Mumbai University | INR 4,000 |
Top Songwriting Colleges in Delhi
| College Name | Average Fees |
|---|---|
| Miranda House | INR 14,160 |
| Ramjas College | INR 13,495 |
| Daulat Ram College | INR 15,890 |
Top Songwriting Colleges in Kolkata
| College Name | Average Fees |
|---|---|
| Rabindra Bharati University | INR 5,945 |
| Deshbandhu College for Girls | INR 4,830 |
| Hiralal Mazumdar Memorial College for Women | INR 6,380 |
Top Songwriting Colleges in Pune
| College Name | Average Fees |
|---|---|
| Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth | INR 40,000 |
| Savitribai Phule Pune University | INR 26,090 |
| Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University | INR 40,000 |
Top Songwriting Colleges in Bangalore
| College Name | Average Fees |
|---|---|
| Bangalore University | INR 13,840 |
| St. Joseph’s College | INR 4,000 |
| Christ University | INR 11,000 |
Songwriting Courses Syllabus
The Songwriting Syllabus consists of topics covering parts of music, writing as well as music instruments. Below mentioned stable will give a brief detail about the subjects that are taught in the Songwriting courses:
| Welcome to Songwriting: Writing the Lyrics | Setting words to music |
| Time and pitch | Working with melody |
| Chords and chord progressions | Sonic GPS—Mapping Your Song with Rhyme |
| The Journey of the Song | Promoting Your Music |
Read More: Music Courses After 12th
Skills Required for Songwriting Courses
- Songwriting requires people to have a creative mind to write unique lyrics, compose music and play instruments. Thus, having a creative mind is the most vital skill required for becoming a successful Songwriter.
- Basic knowledge of music and music instruments viz. guitar and piano help an individual to strike the right chord in composing the right music having the right composition of rhythm and melody.
- Songwriters must be capable enough to choose the right song for a demo which must be compelling enough for recording and draw the attention of the audience.
| Creativity | Inclination towards music |
| Play musical instruments | Good command in any of the language |
| Writing Skill | - |
Scope of Songwriting Courses
After successfully completing your desired degree in Songwriting, you can choose to start your career as a Staff Writer, Jingle Writer, Performing Songwriter, Music Producer etc.
- A fresher Songwriter’s salary ranges between INR 2,00,000 and INR 3,00,000 per annum.
- Some aspirants, after gaining sufficient experience in the respective field, can even work as a freelancer, which can provide you with higher returns.
Check: Music Certificate Courses
Top Job Profiles
- Songwriting is one of the most pursued non conventional fields of study.
- Although it comes with its own challenges and uncertain future, it has been gaining market share and creating a plethora of job opportunities for aspirants.
- A degree in Songwriting can land some of the most interesting and exciting job opportunities as compared to other professional industries.
Tabulated below are few of the top job profiles along with their description in the field of Songwriting:
| Job Profiles | Job Description |
|---|---|
| Performing Songwriter | These are individuals who write new songs, record them, release them and go for publicity to support and sell them |
| Jingle Writer | These are individuals who create catchy, memorable tunes and lyrics for TV or radio commercials to sell a product or reinforce a brand name in the minds of consumers |
| Composer for film/ TV | These are individuals who write, direct and create music for various genres namely theatre, film, television along with recording of film score |
| Music Producer | These are experts who runs recording sessions, arrange compositions including managing recording budgets |
| Staff Writer | These are individuals who work in close collaboration with other writers to provide content for television, film, or other entertainment sources along with conducting research on various topics to compile necessary content for writeups |
Top Recruiters
| Augmented Sound and Recording Studios | Desi Radio Records |
| Radio Mirchi FM Channel | K V Production |
| HMV | T Series |
Check: Diploma in Sound Engineering
Salary of a Songwriter in India
Songwriting Salary depends on the type of job profile that one is working for. Different job profiles offer different salary structures. Below mentioned table will discuss the difference in salaries of a Songwriter.
Job Profile Wise Salary
| Job Profile | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Performing Songwriter | INR 3,00,000 to INR 5,00,000 |
| Jingle Writer | INR 1,00,000 to INR 3,00,000 |
| Composer for film/ TV | INR 5,00,000 to INR 6,50,000 |
| Music Producer | INR 4,50,000 to INR 7,00,000 |
| Staff Writer | INR 4,80,000 to INR 6,85,000 |
Songwriting Courses: FAQs
Ques. What are the fees of the Songwriter course?
Ques. What are the primary eligibility criteria for pursuing Postgraduate Diploma in Music (PGDipMus)?
Ques. What key skills a jingle writer must possess?
- Musical talent
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Promotional skills
- Knowledge of Advertising and Composition concepts
Ques. What are the common entrance examinations for admission into MA in Music for colleges in India?
- BHU PET
- DUET
- MGU CAT
- Kerala University Entrance Exam
Ques. What is the course content of Songwriting for Complete Beginners by Udemy?
Ques. What are the core modules of the Songwriting Diploma course?
- The Art of Songwriting
- Genres
- Music Technology
- Melody
- Harmony
- Rhythm
- Lyrics
- Copyright
- Collaboration
- Making Money from your Music
- Promoting Your Music
Ques. What are the benefits of Songwriting?
- Health Benefits: Reduces Stress, Lowers blood pressure, Improves immune system, Improves short-term memory etc.
- Emotional Benefits: Improves mood, Improves overall psychological well-being, Lessens depressive/anxiety symptoms, Reduces post-traumatic intrusions etc.
- Social Benefits: Quicker re-employment after job loss, Altered social and linguistic behavior etc.
Ques. What are the key contents of BA Music (Vocal)?
Ques. Does Udemy offer any course on Songwriting?
- The Basics of Pro Songwriting
- Songwriting Simplified: Music Theory, Melody & Creativity
- Songwriting - A Way of Life
- Complete Beginner Songwriting Course
- The Birth and Journey of a Song: A Songwriting Masterclass
- Tap Your Songwriting Creativity - Lyric Writing
Ques. What are the job responsibilities of a songwriter?
- Writing and composing music for a particular song or instrument
- Work in close association with a team of professionals to compile a song or a music video for a producer or music recording company
- Creating music and rhythm of a song
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