Foundations Songwriting Course
Go from blank page to a studio-produced song in 8 weeks.
Learn the fundamentals from working hit songwriters — from your first idea all the way to a professionally produced demo of your own song.
Everything you need to finish your first real song
One enrollment covers the full journey — the craft, the coaching, the feedback, and a produced demo to show for it.
Industry-Ready Produced Demo
Leave with a studio-quality recording of your own song.
8-Module Curriculum
Melody, lyrics, structure & storytelling — idea to finished song.
Live Weekly Coaching
Live workshops, Q&A and guest songwriters every week.
1:1 Feedback
Pro critiques on your actual songs, not generic notes.
Lifetime Access + Community
Keep every lesson forever; write alongside peers.
A Repeatable Workflow
Build habits that make writing second nature.
A clear path from idea to finished demo
Learn the craft
Eight modules walk you through melody, lyrics, structure and storytelling.
Write your song
Apply each lesson to a song of your own, week by week.
Get coached
Live weekly sessions plus personal 1:1 feedback from pros.
Leave with a demo
Work one-on-one with a producer to bring your song to life.
One enrollment, everything included
Foundations Songwriting Course
8-module online course · Summer '26
From songwriters who started where you are
I came into Foundations with zero experience and honestly wasn't sure I'd be able to finish a song. The process was so supportive and approachable that I ended up completing my first song. It exceeded my expectations and gave me confidence to write another.
"I had written a lot of lyrics but struggled with turning them into complete songs. Foundations helped me move past the blocks that kept me from finishing. I greatly valued the reliable framework that allowed me to bring my songs to life. Forever grateful!"
"This course gives you the nuts, the bolts and the tools to improve your own songwriting… It also offers invaluable information and advice from multiple working songwriters."
"A great 8-week program where access to pros on a weekly basis is guaranteed. Fantastic content, easy and clear to follow!"
"The American Songwriter Foundations course was a worthwhile, creative, immersive experience expanding me into the world of songwriting through a well-designed curriculum and songwriting process."
Learn from working professional songwriters
Led by Nashville songwriter Dean Fields and joined by guest songwriters with Grammy nominations, No. 1 hits, and cuts by some of the biggest names in music.
Dean Fields
Cuts by Lori McKenna & William Clark Green · No. 1 on Texas radio · placements with Disney, Paramount & ABC.
Nashville-based songwriter, performer, and producer. A Classical Composition graduate of William & Mary, he's played 1,000+ shows nationwide and now mentors emerging writers through American Songwriter.
Adam Wright
Multi-Grammy-nominated · cuts by Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks & Trisha Yearwood.
Sarah Siskind
Covered by Robert Plant, Alison Krauss & Wynonna · 20+ songs on ABC's Nashville.
Thomm Jutz
Grammy-nominated · ten #1 bluegrass hits · IBMA Songwriter of the Year.
Ava Suppelsa
Cuts by Keith Urban & Carly Pearce · 350M+ streams · "30 Under 30."
Aaron Espe
Songs in Grey's Anatomy & The Voice · campaigns for Target & Honda.
Andrew Petroff
Co-wrote on Lainey Wilson's 2024 Grammy-winning album · Sheryl Crow, Stevie Nicks, Little Big Town.
Questions, answered
Where and when does it happen?
Foundations runs July 27 – September 20, 2026, fully online inside the American Songwriter Membership Hub, with a live session each week. Dates can shift in rare circumstances; enrolled students are notified of any change.
Who is it for?
Songwriters just starting out — or experienced writers who want to rebuild on solid fundamentals. If your goal is to finish real songs, you're in the right place.
Do I need songwriting experience?
No. Foundations starts from the ground up, so complete beginners and returning writers both thrive here.
Do I need to play an instrument?
It helps, but it isn't required. You'll learn the craft of songwriting and can apply it on guitar, piano, or with simple tools.
How does the produced demo work?
After the course, you're paired one-on-one with our production partner, who works directly with you to bring your song to life — staying with you until your demo is complete. It's a personal, collaborative process, not a hand-off.
What's the time commitment?
Plan for about 2–3 hours a week during the course — the weekly live session plus time to work on your song. Lessons are downloadable, so you can move at your own pace around your schedule.
Are there technical requirements?
None beyond a computer or phone with an internet connection for the live video sessions. No special software or recording gear required to take part.
Your first finished song starts here.
Join Foundations this summer and leave with a song you're proud of — professionally produced and ready to share.
Enroll Now — Summer 2026
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Meet The Instructors & Special Guests (Winter '26)
Foundations is an immersive songwriting course led by American Songwriter’s Membership Community Director & professional songwriter, Dean Fields.
He will be joined by #1 songwriters, industry experts, and multi-platinum ‘special guests’.
Summer '26 Special Guests Coming Soon...
Pricing
Option: Pay 25% upfront to secure your seat.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re still deciding whether to enroll, you’re probably wondering how it all works. Here’s everything you need to know before beginning your enrollment process.
The entire 8-week online course is held within the American Songwriter Membership Hub + supported by weekly live sessions via video call.
Course runs July 27th to September 20th, 2026
Please note: Course dates are subject to change in the event of unforeseen circumstances. Any updates will be communicated to all enrolled students.
Summer '26: July - September 2026
Start/Close Dates: July 27th - September 20th, 2026
Module 1: Finding Inspiration & Ideas – July 27
Module 2: Lyric Fundamentals – August 3
Module 3: Melody Writing – August 10
Module 4: Harmony & Chord Progressions – August 17
Module 5: Song Structure & Arrangement – August 24
Module 6: Development & Editing – August 31
Module 7: Preparing An Industry-Ready Demo – September 7
Module 8: Next Steps as a Songwriter – September 14
Go From Blank Page To Finished Song In Just 8 Weeks!
