Level Up Lyric Writing:
2-Week Lyric Writing Intensive
11-25 September 2026
Learn the creative tools and technical craft that transform good lyrics into unforgettable ones.
Level Up Lyric Writing Overview
Over two immersive weeks, you’ll write every day, experiment fearlessly, obsess over the details that make great lyrics work, and build a practical toolkit you’ll use for the rest of your songwriting life.
Does this sound a bit like you?
You know what you want to say, but the words come out sounding clunky and cliche.
You have pages of fragments, half-finished verses and notebook ideas that never become songs.
You write a verse and chorus…but get stuck halfway through.
You rely on inspiration to carry you—and when it disappears, so does the song.
You’re lyrics are “okay” – but you know there’s something missing.
You overthink every word.
You have melodies waiting for lyrics, but no reliable process for turning ideas into songs.
Yes? HELL yes??
This is for you.
Almost every songwriter has felt the frustration of knowing there’s something inside them they want to express—but not knowing how to express it honestly, beautifully and memorably.
The problem isn’t that you don’t have anything worth saying.
It’s that nobody has ever shown you how great lyric writing actually works.
Level Up Lyric Writing Will Teach You
How to generate better ideas.
Discover creative writing exercises that consistently produce surprising, personal and emotionally rich lyric ideas—without waiting for inspiration.
Why great lyrics work.
Dive into rhyme, imagery, metaphor, structure, power positions, phrasing, perspective, emotional progression and the subtle decisions that separate “fine” from unforgettable.
How to develop your own voice.
Most importantly, you’ll learn how to stop sounding like everybody else—and start writing lyrics that could only have come from you.
By the end of this course:
You’ll be able to sit down on any day—regardless of your mood or whether inspiration has struck—and generate an abundance of lyric ideas.
You’ll notice songworthy ideas everywhere you go, because you’ll have trained yourself to see the world through a songwriter’s eyes.
You’ll have the confidence to turn almost any idea into lyrics that feel personal, meaningful, and deeply relatable.
You’ll have a practical toolkit for transforming ordinary thoughts into fresh, memorable lines that capture attention and stay with listeners.
You’ll never feel trapped in “second verse hell” again. Instead, you’ll have proven frameworks for developing, deepening, and finishing every lyric you start.
Most importantly, you’ll stop wondering whether you’re “a lyric person” and start trusting yourself as a lyric writer.
Meet your instructor
About Keppie Coutts
For more than fifteen years, Keppie Coutts has helped thousands of songwriters develop their craft, teaching songwriting at the Berklee College of Music, for Berklee Online, the Sydney Conservatorium’s Open Academy, the Australian College of the Arts, and other premier contemporary music institutions the world over (and of course, the How To Write Songs YouTube channel and global education community).
Her students have gone on to write award-winning songs, secure publishing deals, build careers as independent artists, and—perhaps most importantly—discover a confidence they never thought possible.
As both an educator and professional songwriter, Keppie’s work sits at the intersection of creativity and craft. Her teaching combines practical techniques with a deep belief that great songwriting isn’t reserved for the gifted—it’s built through curiosity, experimentation and deliberate practice.
Listen to Keppie’s music and collaborations here.
Transformations from Songwriters in the HTWS Community
“The step by step guided tour of songwriting was super fun and helpful. I loved being able to share with a small group. Being able to chat live with the leaders and ask questions after face to face was so very generous too!”
“Very clear exposition of a powerful system for turning an idea into a song”
“I learned that songwriting doesn’t have to be a slogging, grueling process. My biggest takeaway was the importance of getting a first draft done quickly to work with, of digging into an idea while it’s fresh.”
Level Up Lyric Writing Course Outline
Module 1: Finding Your Original Voice
Establish a Toolbox of ‘Go-To’ Writing Exercises
Practice writing exercises to warm up, generate ideas, connect laterally, and find your original lyrical voice.
Writing from Abundance
Create lyric material in abundance, so that lyric writing is about choosing among many options.
Find Song-Worthy Ideas
Know how to find and notice song-worthy moments any time, every day.
Module 2: Building & Finishing Every Idea
Think in Titles
Learn to recognise songworthy titles, unpack the creative DNA hidden within them, and use them as a roadmap that gives your lyrics clarity, focus, and direction from the very first line.
Never Experience Second Verse Hell Again
Master Song Mapping—a practical framework for developing any idea into a complete, emotionally satisfying lyric. Learn how to create momentum, shape emotional progression, and confidently finish every song you start.
Create Moments of Magic
Learn how to build anticipation, create powerful priming for the listener, and make every section work together so that your songs feel inevitable, surprising, and deeply satisfying.
Module 3: Building Lyrics That Last
Say It Better
Learn practical techniques for transforming ordinary ideas into lyrics that feel fresh, memorable, and emotionally powerful.
Shape the Listener’s Experience
Discover how rhythm, structure, and language can create suspense, anticipation, momentum, and emotional impact.
Put Your Best Ideas in the Spotlight
Learn how to use power positions, sound, and rhyme to make your strongest ideas land with maximum impact.
Here’s what’s involved in the 2-week course:
3 Live Masterclasses
Three interactive, workshop-style sessions over 2 weeks, where we’ll dive deep into the creative and technical craft of lyric writing. Expect practical demonstrations, real song examples, and plenty of opportunities to ask questions.
Daily Guided Writing Tasks
Short, focused writing exercises delivered each day to help you immediately apply what you’re learning, build momentum, and develop a sustainable writing habit.
Final Lyric Project
Bring everything together in a final lyric that showcases your growth. You’ll finish the course with a complete piece of work—and a practical process you can return to again and again.
Radically practical accountability
Dedicated writing sessions designed to help you stop overthinking and start writing. Show up, do the work alongside other songwriters, and make meaningful progress every week.
Private HTWS Community
Connect with a supportive community of songwriters from around the world. Share your work, ask questions, celebrate wins, and continue growing.
Mentorship with Keppie and Benny (optional)
Get individual feedback, targeted guidance, and a clear plan for your next stage of development.
Pick the right pass for you
$495 $395
early bird pricing til 4th Sept
All prices USD
$89
when you join the HTWS annual membership at $297/yr + $89 = $386 total
All prices USD
$695
10 max
All prices USD
Questions? Answers!
What’s the schedule of live sessions?
Masterclass 1:
USA East Friday 11th Sept 5-7pm // USA West 2-4pm // London 10pm-12 // Sydney Saturday 12th Sept 7-9am
Masterclass 2:
USA East Friday 18th Sept 5-7pm // USA West 2-4pm // London 10pm-12 // Sydney Saturday 19th Sept 7-9am
Masterclass 3:
USA East Friday 25th Sept 5-7pm // USA West 2-4pm // London 10pm-12 // Sydney Saturday 26th Sept 7-9am
Daily Accountability Sessions:
USA East 5-6pm // USA West 2-3pm // London 10-11pm // Sydney: 7-8 am
**Times may change and extra sessions added to include more time zones.
Mentorship Group Sessions:
Session #1: London 17th Sept 10am // Hong Kong 5pm // Sydney 7pm
Session #2: USA East Thursday 17th Sept 8pm // USA West 5pm // Sydney Friday 18th Sept 10am
Session #3: London 24th Sept 10am // Hong Kong 5pm // Sydney 7pm
Session #4: USA East Thursday 24th Sept 8pm // USA West 5pm // Sydney Friday 25th Sept 10am
Is this course right for beginners?
Yes. Whether you’ve never finished a lyric or you’ve been writing songs for years, you’ll find practical tools and creative exercises that meet you where you are. Beginners will build a strong foundation, while experienced writers will deepen and refine their craft.
I’ve been writing songs for years. Will I still learn something?
Absolutely. This isn’t a “Songwriting 101” course. We’ll explore the deeper mechanics of lyric writing—from rhyme and structure to imagery, emotional impact, and perspective—in a way that challenges writers of every level.
What if I can’t attend the live sessions?
No problem. Every Masterclass and Accountability Session will be recorded, so you can catch up whenever it suits you.
How much time should I set aside each day?
Aside from the 2-hour Masterclasses, most daily writing tasks take around 20–30 minutes. Of course, if inspiration strikes, you’re welcome to keep writing for as long as you’d like.
Will I receive feedback on my writing?
The course is designed to help you develop your own editing skills through practical exercises, examples, and discussion. You’ll also have the opportunity to share your work and connect with other songwriters inside the HTWS Community. If you’d like personalised feedback, join with the Mentorship pass to get feedback from the HTWS team.
How long will I have access to the course?
You’ll have ongoing access to the course materials, recordings, and writing exercises, so you can revisit them whenever you need a creative reset or want to sharpen your lyric-writing skills.
Where is the course hosted?
The course is hosted inside Circle, our private online learning community designed specifically for online courses and creative communities. It’s where you’ll access all course materials, recordings, daily writing tasks, session links, and discussions—all in one easy-to-use platform. You’ll also be able to connect with fellow songwriters, share your progress, ask questions, and be part of a supportive community throughout the course.