In this course, you'll begin by exploring traditional and contemporary forms, including 12-bar blues, 32-bar AABA, pop, narrative, and strophic forms, while learning approaches to lyric writing. The course also introduces rhythm, meter, and home music production. We'll cover production in a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), mixing, and effects like reverb and delay. You'll also learn to bring energy to your rhythm through syncopation, backbeats, changing tempos, and odd meters. By the end, you'll have the tools to write, record, and produce songs.
Songwriting Craft and Practice: Form, Lyrics & Production
Build in-demand skills with a full year of Coursera Plus, now $239. Save now.
Songwriting Craft and Practice: Form, Lyrics & Production
This course is part of Songwriting Craft and Practice Specialization
Instructor: Alexander Wand
Included with Learn more
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level
Recommended experience
2 weeks to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
What you'll learn
Design complete song architectures utilizing standard forms such as AABA, pop, blues, and strophic styles.
Write lyrics that apply prosody, rhyme schemes, and narrative techniques to complement musical themes.
Utilize DAW production tools and manipulate meter, backbeats, and syncopation to create demos and enhance arrangements.
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Recently updated!
October 2026
Taught in English
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
Build your subject-matter expertise
This course is part of the Songwriting Craft and Practice Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
- Learn new concepts from industry experts
- Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
- Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
- Earn a shareable career certificate
There are 2 modules in this course
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.
Instructor
Offered by
Explore more from Music and Art
University of California, Santa Cruz
University of California, Santa Cruz
Berklee
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
