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How to Write Your First Song

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more Whether you’re a complete novice who has never written a song in their life, a budding amateur looking to develop further skills or an accomplished professional brushing up on the basics, this course will deliver comprehensive practical and theoretical knowledge to help set you on your path. While it will be useful to have access to a musical instrument this is not a requirement, you can participate in the course just using your voice or with freely available music software. You can use the hashtag #FLSong to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

Setting words to music
Time and pitch
Working with melody
Chords and chord progressions
Song forms
Arranging your song

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Reviews summary

Introduction to songwriting fundamentals

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation for absolute beginners looking to write their first song. Students particularly praise the way the course breaks down complex concepts into manageable steps, covering essential topics like melody, chords, and song structure. Many find the approach inspiring and practical, equipping them with the tools needed to start writing immediately. While it is widely considered excellent for novices, some more experienced reviewers note that it stays at a beginner level and doesn't delve into advanced techniques.

Covers broad topics but doesn't go into great detail.

"It's a good overview, but I wish it had gone deeper into music theory or advanced techniques."

"Covers the basics well, but doesn't offer much for those looking for intermediate or advanced concepts."

"While helpful for getting started, it left me wanting more detailed information on arrangement."

"It's a foundational course, don't expect in-depth masterclasses on specific areas."

Motivates students to overcome writer's block and start creating.

"The course really inspired me to just start writing and stop overthinking it."

"After taking this course, I feel motivated to finally put my ideas into songs."

"It helped me overcome the fear of writing a 'bad' song and just enjoy the process."

Well-organized content with practical examples and exercises.

"The course structure is logical and the lessons build on each other effectively."

"I appreciated the practical exercises that allowed me to apply what I was learning right away."

"Lessons are clear and concise, explaining key concepts without being overwhelming."

"The way they presented chords and melody made it click for me for the first time."

Ideal starting point for those new to songwriting.

"I was a complete beginner and this course gave me the confidence to finally write my first song."

"Perfect for someone who has never written a song before. Breaks everything down simply."

"As a novice, I found this course incredibly accessible and easy to follow. It's a great introduction."

"This course is tailor-made for beginners. It assumes no prior knowledge and builds from there."

Some sections move too quickly or too slowly.

"A few parts felt rushed, especially when introducing chord progressions."

"Sometimes it felt a bit slow if you had any musical background."

"The pace was mostly good, but some explanations seemed to drag on a bit."

Activities

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Career center

Learners who complete How to Write Your First Song will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

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All You Need to Know About the Music Business

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This in-depth exploration of lyric writing techniques delves into the art of creating meaningful and evocative lyrics. It is an excellent resource for songwriters looking to enhance their writing skills.

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How to Write Your First Song

Topics Covered

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Reviews summary

Introduction to songwriting fundamentals

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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