Songwriting Courses FAQ

There is no minimum or maximum. Choose the courses that are right for you at a pace that works with your schedule.

Many members take one live Songwriting Feedback course each month. Others like to take DIY or recorded courses on an ongoing basis to review essential songwriting skills, study a specific topic, or keep their creative muscles working.

A good starting point is to choose one course that matches your current goal, such as lyric writing, melody, song structure, production, pitching, or feedback on a song-in-progress.

Instructor-led, or live, courses take place in an interactive online classroom at a scheduled time with your instructor and other SongU members.

Depending on the course, you may participate by audio, video, text chat, or telephone call-in. Instructor-led courses may include lectures, demonstrations, discussion, Q&A, song analysis, or small-group song feedback.

FDBK courses are small-group song feedback sessions. Members bring a song-in-progress and receive feedback from a professional songwriter, publisher, producer, or other industry mentor, often along with peer discussion.

These courses are popular because they give you practical, real-time input on a specific song you are working on.

DIY courses are self-paced courses that are available 24/7. You can work through them at your own pace and return to them as needed while you are a member.

Some DIY courses are text-based and include lessons, examples, and exercises. Others are recorded audio/video courses based on previous instructor-led sessions.

If you cannot enter the online classroom, try these quick steps:

1. Close and reopen your browser.
2. Try a different browser.
3. Check your internet connection.
4. Make sure your browser allows the classroom or meeting app to open.
5. Restart your computer if needed.

If class is about to start and you still cannot get in, contact SongU support and include the course name, meeting time, and what error message you are seeing.

SongU courses come in several formats:

Instructor-led live courses meet online at a scheduled time with an instructor and other members.

Song Feedback courses, often labeled FDBK, are small-group live sessions where members receive professional feedback on songs-in-progress.

DIY courses are self-paced courses you can work through on your own schedule.

Recorded or podcast-style courses let you watch or listen to previously recorded course material at your convenience.

The best choice depends on whether you want live interaction, song feedback, or self-paced study.

Here is the general process:

1. Select an instructor-led course from the course catalog and register.
2. Watch for your confirmation email and any special instructions.
3. If the course requires a song, go to your Active Courses area and select the song you want to submit.
4. At class time, go to your Active Courses area and click the link to enter the online classroom.
5. After the course, watch for the transcript/recording if one is available.

First time attending? Give yourself a few extra minutes to test your audio, video, and connection before class starts.

Usually, yes. If a feedback course requires you to bring a song, you will see a link in your Active Courses area where you can select the song to be played and include a note for the instructor.

Be sure to submit the correct song before the course deadline. If the course is observation-only or does not require a song, the course description will explain that.

Course numbers are general guideposts. A 100-level course is usually more foundational and is a good place for newer members or anyone who wants a refresher. A 200-level course usually goes a little deeper. A 300-level course is often more advanced or focused on a specific area of songwriting, pitching, production, sync, or music business.

The numbers are not strict requirements. They are meant to help you choose a course that fits your experience level and current goals.

Yes, in many feedback courses you can still receive feedback even if you cannot attend live, as long as you register as a participant and submit your song before the required deadline.

The instructor can leave feedback for you on the recording, and you can listen back during the transcript access period.

DIY course content remains available while you are an active member, even after you mark the course completed.

This makes DIY courses useful for review and ongoing study.

Yes. SongU has members in different time zones, including outside the United States. Live courses are listed in Eastern Time, and many course listings also include GMT/UTC-friendly information for international members.

Some live courses are offered during daytime or Saturday hours that may work better for members outside North America. If you cannot attend live, many live course recordings are available for the current transcript access period after the course runs.

If you cannot attend live, the course recording/transcript is typically available for 7 days after the course runs.

This allows you to observe and listen to the class after the fact. For feedback courses, you may still be able to receive instructor feedback on your song through the recording if you registered as a participant and submitted your song properly before class.

A course transcript is the audio/video recording of a live course meeting, available for playback after the course runs.

Transcripts allow you to review the class if you missed it, had a time zone conflict, or want to listen again. Course transcripts are available for 7 days.

If you are having trouble uploading an MP3, first check the file name and file format. One common issue is a file name that contains unusual characters, punctuation, or symbols.

Try renaming the file using only letters and numbers, then upload again. Also make sure the file is an MP3 and that it is not too large.

You can also refer to the DIY course GEN 110 Preparing Your Audio for Uploading in your Active Courses area, or contact SongU support for help.

After you register for a course, look in your Active Courses area. That is where you will find your course links, instructions, classroom access, song submission links when applicable, and transcript links after a live course has run.

If you registered but do not see the course in your Active Courses area, contact SongU support so we can check your registration.

There is no minimum or maximum. Choose the courses that are right for you at a pace that works with your schedule.

Many members take one live Songwriting Feedback course each month. Others like to take DIY or recorded courses on an ongoing basis to review essential songwriting skills, study a specific topic, or keep their creative muscles working.

A good starting point is to choose one course that matches your current goal, such as lyric writing, melody, song structure, production, pitching, or feedback on a song-in-progress.

SongU courses come in several formats:

Instructor-led live courses meet online at a scheduled time with an instructor and other members.

Song Feedback courses, often labeled FDBK, are small-group live sessions where members receive professional feedback on songs-in-progress.

DIY courses are self-paced courses you can work through on your own schedule.

Recorded or podcast-style courses let you watch or listen to previously recorded course material at your convenience.

The best choice depends on whether you want live interaction, song feedback, or self-paced study.

Course numbers are general guideposts. A 100-level course is usually more foundational and is a good place for newer members or anyone who wants a refresher. A 200-level course usually goes a little deeper. A 300-level course is often more advanced or focused on a specific area of songwriting, pitching, production, sync, or music business.

The numbers are not strict requirements. They are meant to help you choose a course that fits your experience level and current goals.

Prerequisites are usually suggested, not enforced. They are meant to help you understand what background knowledge may be helpful before taking a particular course.

If you are unsure whether a course is right for you, read the course description carefully. You can also contact SongU support and we can help point you in the right direction.

Yes. SongU has members in different time zones, including outside the United States. Live courses are listed in Eastern Time, and many course listings also include GMT/UTC-friendly information for international members.

Some live courses are offered during daytime or Saturday hours that may work better for members outside North America. If you cannot attend live, many live course recordings are available for the current transcript access period after the course runs.

A course transcript is the audio/video recording of a live course meeting, available for playback after the course runs.

Transcripts allow you to review the class if you missed it, had a time zone conflict, or want to listen again. Course transcripts are available for 7 days.

After you register for a course, look in your Active Courses area. That is where you will find your course links, instructions, classroom access, song submission links when applicable, and transcript links after a live course has run.

If you registered but do not see the course in your Active Courses area, contact SongU support so we can check your registration.

Instructor-led, or live, courses take place in an interactive online classroom at a scheduled time with your instructor and other SongU members.

Depending on the course, you may participate by audio, video, text chat, or telephone call-in. Instructor-led courses may include lectures, demonstrations, discussion, Q&A, song analysis, or small-group song feedback.

Here is the general process:

1. Select an instructor-led course from the course catalog and register.
2. Watch for your confirmation email and any special instructions.
3. If the course requires a song, go to your Active Courses area and select the song you want to submit.
4. At class time, go to your Active Courses area and click the link to enter the online classroom.
5. After the course, watch for the transcript/recording if one is available.

First time attending? Give yourself a few extra minutes to test your audio, video, and connection before class starts.

Live courses use an online classroom that supports audio, video, text chat, and sometimes phone access. For the best experience, use an updated browser, a reliable internet connection, and working speakers or headphones.

If you plan to speak or appear on camera, test your microphone and camera before class. If you have trouble entering the classroom, try a different browser, restart your browser, or contact SongU support.

Live courses are scheduled at specific times and are listed in Eastern Time. Many course listings also include GMT/UTC-friendly information for international members.

SongU offers courses at a variety of times, including evening, daytime, and some Saturday options when available. Check the course catalog for the current schedule.

If you cannot attend live, the course recording/transcript is typically available for 7 days after the course runs.

This allows you to observe and listen to the class after the fact. For feedback courses, you may still be able to receive instructor feedback on your song through the recording if you registered as a participant and submitted your song properly before class.

If registration has closed for a live course, you may still be able to sign up for transcript-only access after the course has run, depending on availability.

Go to the Add Live Courses area and look for transcript-only or prior course options. If you do not see what you need, contact SongU support.

FDBK courses are small-group song feedback sessions. Members bring a song-in-progress and receive feedback from a professional songwriter, publisher, producer, or other industry mentor, often along with peer discussion.

These courses are popular because they give you practical, real-time input on a specific song you are working on.

Usually, yes. If a feedback course requires you to bring a song, you will see a link in your Active Courses area where you can select the song to be played and include a note for the instructor.

Be sure to submit the correct song before the course deadline. If the course is observation-only or does not require a song, the course description will explain that.

Yes, in many feedback courses you can still receive feedback even if you cannot attend live, as long as you register as a participant and submit your song before the required deadline.

The instructor can leave feedback for you on the recording, and you can listen back during the transcript access period.

Bring a song that is ready for useful feedback. It does not have to be perfect, but the instructor and class should be able to clearly hear the melody, lyrics, structure, and overall direction.

A work-in-progress is fine. In fact, feedback is often most helpful before a song is fully finished or expensively demoed. If you have a specific concern, include a note for the instructor so they know what kind of feedback would help you most.

Some instructors may be open to discussing AI-assisted songs as part of the educational process, while others may choose not to evaluate AI-generated portions of a song.

If your song includes AI-generated or AI-assisted lyrics, melody, vocals, production, or demo elements, disclose that clearly when submitting the song. This allows the instructor to decide how best to handle the feedback.

If you are having trouble uploading an MP3, first check the file name and file format. One common issue is a file name that contains unusual characters, punctuation, or symbols.

Try renaming the file using only letters and numbers, then upload again. Also make sure the file is an MP3 and that it is not too large.

You can also refer to the DIY course GEN 110 Preparing Your Audio for Uploading in your Active Courses area, or contact SongU support for help.

DIY courses are self-paced courses that are available 24/7. You can work through them at your own pace and return to them as needed while you are a member.

Some DIY courses are text-based and include lessons, examples, and exercises. Others are recorded audio/video courses based on previous instructor-led sessions.

DIY courses vary. Some contain a single lesson, while others include several lessons. Individual lessons may take only a short time to read or watch, but you may want additional time to complete exercises, review examples, or apply the material to your own songs.

Recorded DIY video courses are often based on live classes and may run about an hour or more.

DIY courses are self-paced, so they do not work exactly like a live class. Many DIY courses include instructor solutions, examples, or “Putting It All Together” exercises when appropriate.

If you have a question, you can bring it to an instructor-led feedback or mentoring session when appropriate, or submit a Help/Support request and SongU will do its best to assist you.

DIY course content remains available while you are an active member, even after you mark the course completed.

This makes DIY courses useful for review and ongoing study.

Yes. Recorded and podcast-style course materials are designed to work on common devices, including computers, tablets, iPads, and smartphones.

For the best experience, use an updated browser and a reliable internet connection.

Usually, no. You just need an updated, HTML5-compliant web browser and a reliable internet connection.

Current versions of major browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge should generally work. If a video is slow to start, try refreshing the page, checking your connection, or using a different browser.

If you cannot enter the online classroom, try these quick steps:

1. Close and reopen your browser.
2. Try a different browser.
3. Check your internet connection.
4. Make sure your browser allows the classroom or meeting app to open.
5. Restart your computer if needed.

If class is about to start and you still cannot get in, contact SongU support and include the course name, meeting time, and what error message you are seeing.

If a course video or transcript will not play, first refresh the page and check your internet connection. Then try a different browser or device.

If the problem continues, submit a Help/Support request and include the course name, the device and browser you are using, and what happens when you try to play the video.

If you have a course problem that is not answered here, submit a Help/Support request and SongU will do its best to assist you.

Please include the course name, the instructor name if relevant, and a clear description of the problem.