Songwriting Classes 

Hello Songwriters and Aspiring Songwriters, 
 
Whether you write songs regularly, or you're just getting started, you will be challenged in some inspiring and sometimes surprising ways to write a new song every week in this, one of  Beacon Music Factory's most popular classes.  And this class just happens to meet remotely, which means you can participate from anywhere. 

Songwriter and owner of Beacon Music Factory, Stephen Clair has been teaching songwriting classes to adults and kids for years—both in the classroom and online.

Classes are offered on a rolling basis. The next upcoming class can always be found on our registration website, and if you have any questions or if you’re just wondering when the next session begins, just email us.  

Songwriting Class Fall 2026 (10 weeks)

Oct 12, 2026 - Dec 14, 2026

Mondays at 7:00 PM - 9:15 PM

  • Each week, we’ll meet and you'll be treated to song examples to consider, song structures to puzzle over, a few new ways of looking at songs you already know and love and then, most importantly, you will be given a multi-layered songwriting assignment.
      
    The weekly PROMPT is chock full of “rules”, restrictions, parameters and instructions designed to inspire you. In truth, the assigned framework will help focus your thinking, so you're not just staring at a blank page. As the weeks go by, there will always be new layers for you to consider.  Past students tell us over and over how much they learn and how inspired they become by these assignments, and by seeing how the other students respond to the very same prompts.

    It is exhilarating and satisfying when you are eager to dig in and begin writing rather than feeling daunted by the sky being the limit.  That's what this class is all about.  Throughout the course you will be provided with extra pointers, some harmonic, some lyrical, some conceptual, to keep you going.  
     
    We also discuss whatever comes up for you in this process. You might have questions about arranging, how to record at home, ways to think about harmony, or methods for coming up with more interesting melodies, for example.  
      
    You write a new song each week. You will likely amaze yourself at least some of the time. Your songs will be shared in class each week, and it is the discussions about individuals’ songs that is at the heart of the class. 

"As a result of the class I've developed skills and improved my process for songwriting. I am writing much better songs now than when I started. Plus it's fun, and helpful, discussing songs and writing with other people. I recommend it without reservation." — Rob B.