From ideation to completion, discover effective tools for crafting emotionally impactful music.
Taught by an award-winning songwriter, the Songwriting Techniques certificate program offers a unique opportunity to deepen your craft, earn a valuable credential, and receive credit from Interlochen. This program is designed for both adults and teens and consists of three four-week courses that can be taken in any order.
Expert guidance Receive direct, personalized feedback from a professional artist.
Collaborate Work with your instructor and peers through messaging or optional real-time weekly classes.
Learn on your own schedule Explore meaningful instruction in about five hours a week per course.
Real growth Develop skills and projects that are important to your artistic and professional growth.
For all students:
✔ A respected credential from Interlochen Online ✔ Physical and shareable digital certificate upon completion ✔ A portfolio of completed, polished projects ✔ A strengthened résumé, college application, or LinkedIn profile
For middle school and high school students:
✔ An official transcript awarding high school credit ✔ Accreditation by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS)
No, course sections are designed for their respective age groups, either for adults (students 18 and older) or young people (students under 18).
Yes, there are eight sessions of courses per year. View the academic calendar for more session dates.
Students who enrolled in songwriting courses rated their experience 4.7 out of 5.
“The course was done so well. The online classroom was easy to use, the teacher was incredible, and I learned a ton. I really did not think that online class could be this engaging.”
— Middle school student, Songwriting Basics 1
“I loved the course and I would love to attend another one! Shane was an amazing teacher and I would suggest this course or any other course from Interlochen Online.”
— Middle school student, Songwriting Basics 1
“One thing that makes Interlochen special...is it's always a notch above—or deeper—than most of the options where to learn. As a student, you know you'll walk out with something next-level. Because everything about Interlochen goes deeper into subjects/ideas/learning than average outlets. Thank you, Shane!"
— Adult learner, Songwriting Basics 2
"Shane is an amazing instructor! He created a wonderful program, and his enthusiasm for the subject matter has made learning from him truly a joy!”
— Adult learner, Songwriting Basics 1
“I really enjoyed the course thoroughly. I met very talented people in the course in the Zoom lessons. I think that Mr. Shane Adams is extremely knowledgeable and helpful.”
— Middle school student, Songwriting Basics 1
“I loved how the course was structured but also gave you so much room to be creative and explore.”
— High school student, Songwriting Basics 1
“I had lots of fun learning and making my own lyrics. I also learned that songwriting is more complex than you would think.”
— High school student, Songwriting Basics 1
“I loved the fun and creative energy that the teacher brought to the videos and Zoom meetings. I also loved that he made it a safe and encouraging environment for me to feel comfortable sharing my songs.”
— Middle school student, Songwriting Basics 1
“Wow, this was a great course! The course exceeded my expectations and I learned a lot! It is very important to note that Shane Adams was an outstanding teacher and mentor! He is a patient, encouraging, and talented instructor that shared his insights on songwriting and helped me grow.”
— Adult learner, Songwriting Basics 1
“I am so looking forward to Songwriting Basics 2 and 3!”
— Adult learner, Songwriting Basics 1
"This class was awesome! I learned so much. Truly, I have always had ideas but no tools to actually create a working song. Shane has clearly given a lot of thought to how to help new people understand the working structure of a song, create it, revise it, and bring it to life.”
— Adult learner, Songwriting Basics 1
“The course moves fast and actually sets a high standard that matches Interlochen. Interlochen is the place for artists. This course was not fluff. It was practical tools, delivered in a genuinely helpful and strategic way. I would definitely sign up for Shane's other courses."
— Adult learner, Songwriting Basics 1
“The course material was really great. Shane included topics that were pretty unique in the online songwriting instruction universe. The process will be super helpful to me.”
— Adult learner, Songwriting Basics 1
“Shane's ability to connect in the videos is amazing! I've got six old songwriting books that proved to be too boring to read, and he made the course totally doable, interesting, and motivating!”
— Adult learner, Songwriting Basics 1
“I liked that the instructor was always friendly, positive and very inspiring. He was very passionate about songwriting, his methods, and helping students to achieve success at their personal ability levels.”
— Adult learner, Songwriting Basics 1
“I loved this course! I had no real songwriting experience prior to the course. I was excited to take it, but I didn't realize how much time and effort I would want to put into it—but I got so much out of it. I also got to experience writing my own songs and getting them stuck in my head, which was great. I signed up for Shane's next course because I don't want this to end.”