Lyric Writing: Writing From the Title Course - Berklee Online

Lyric Writing: Writing From the Title Course - Berklee Online
Close
Getting Details...
LAST DAY! April semester enrollment closes TODAY, at 5:00 PM ET. Limited availability.
Choose Your Course
Searching...
Show FAQs
Or check out these FAQs:
What is Berklee Online?
Berklee Online is the online school of Berklee College of Music, delivering access to Berklee’s acclaimed curriculum from anywhere in the world. We are the world’s largest online music school—30,000+ musicians from more than 140 countries have taken our courses—but classes cap at just 20 students per section.
What does Berklee Online offer?
We offer award-winning
online courses
multi-course certificate programs
, a
Bachelor of Arts degree, a Master of Music degree, and a Master of Arts degree
Who is Berklee Online designed for?
Our programs provide lifelong learning opportunities to people interested in music and working in the music industry. The courses range from beginner to advanced graduate level.
What kind of subjects are taught?
Berklee Online offers more than 200 courses in every musical interest area: Everything from instruction on specific instruments (guitar, piano, bass, drums, voice) to music production software (Ableton, Pro Tools, Logic, and more) to larger concepts in music business, songwriting, theory, and composing for film, TV, and games
Do online students receive the benefits of an on-campus Berklee education?
Absolutely! Just like the students studying on Berklee’s Boston campus, Berklee Online students receive instruction from the same world-renowned faculty, with the added benefit of having music industry professionals from around the world teaching as well. You’ll also receive guidance from Berklee-trained Academic Advisors, and have the opportunity to walk at the Commencement ceremony in Boston with your cohort of graduates who studied online and in-person.
Admissions
What is the process to apply for/enroll in a Berklee Online program or course?
Certificate programs and online courses are offered on an open enrollment basis. Simply complete the online enrollment form and provide payment prior to the course start date and you’re ready to go! Degree programs require an application and supporting documentation. See the
Admission Requirements
for more details.
Will I receive a Berklee ID and/or email address?
Berklee Online degree students are eligible to request a Berklee ID. Upon acceptance into the program, degree students are also given a berklee.edu email address.
Courses
Can I take non-credit courses in a certificate?
All courses in a certificate program must be taken for credit.
Can I waive some for-credit courses into a certificate?
Students must enroll in a certificate by paying the $175 certificate registration fee prior to completing the final course in the program. All for-credit courses that have been awarded a passing grade and that align with a certificate program may transfer into that program.
Can I upgrade from a lower-level certificate to a higher-level certificate?
Yes! Berklee Online offers two certificate options:
CHANGE CERTIFICATE: When a student wants to change their lower-level certificate to a higher-level certificate (or vice versa) prior to the completion of the program. There are no additional fees for this option other than the cost of additional courses, and you will only earn one certificate upon completion.
STARTING A NEW CERTIFICATE: When a student wants to earn more than one certificate by having the courses from their lower-level certificate waived into a higher-level certificate. In this case, an additional $175 registration fee is required.
Instructors
Who teaches Berklee Online courses?
Berklee faculty and seasoned professionals teach our courses. Our instructors are recognized experts in their respective fields—they’ve produced and engineered hundreds of artists and numerous award-winning projects, and several of their students have gone on to earn GRAMMY Award nominations.
Financial Aid
Am I eligible for financial aid?
Financial assistance is available for Berklee Online degree programs. This assistance may come from a variety of sources including federal awards, outside scholarships, and private loans.
Federal financial aid is not available for non-degree programs. Non-degree students typically finance their costs out-of-pocket or with a private loan. Review our payment options.
Graduation
What happens if I turn in my graduation application late? Do I still need to apply by December 1 even if I don’t want to walk in the Commencement ceremony?
Because we must coordinate with the Boston campus for Commencement, it is essential that students planning to walk in the ceremony submit their graduation application by 12:00 midnight ET on December 1. If you submit your application late, you will need to wait until the following year to walk.
We ask all students planning to graduate within the current academic year to apply for graduation by December 1, regardless of their plans to participate in Commencement. Late application for students who do not wish to walk will result in processing delays for your academic record and diploma, and your name may not be listed in the ceremony program.
What’s the difference between graduating and walking in Commencement?
Great question! Walking in Commencement and graduating are two separate things.
You can walk in Commencement when you are nine (9) credits or less away from completing your degree requirements by the end of the spring term. Please note: Berklee Online degree students are not required to walk in Commencement in Boston.
You graduate when you have met all of the following criteria:
Attained at least a 2.70 cumulative GPA in concentrate courses
Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00
Fulfilled all program requirements AND completed a minimum of 120 credits for a single major or 165 for a dual major
Completed a minimum of 60 institutional credits for a single major or 105 institutional credits for a dual major
Fulfilled all financial obligations to the college
Note
Walking across the stage in Commencement
does not
mean that you have graduated. You will not officially graduate and receive your diploma until you meet all of the eligibility requirements.
I just finished my last term at Berklee Online! What happens next? Is there anything I need to do?
Congratulations on finishing! If you have already filled out a graduation application, you will want to double-check the "
Graduation Checklist
" to ensure you have taken care of all of the various items associated with graduating. If you have not filled out a graduation application, you will need to do that as soon as possible. You will not be able to graduate until we have received and processed your graduation application.
When will I get my diploma?
You will receive your diploma within 6-8 weeks of completing your degree requirements. Please keep in mind that instructors have up to two (2) weeks to submit final grades after the term concludes.
Diplomas are mailed to the address you include on your graduation application. If your mailing address changes after you have submitted your graduation application, be sure to update us at
graduation@online.berklee.edu
Keep in mind that if you are walking in Commencement, you will not receive your official diploma at the ceremony.
Transfer Credits
Can I find out how many transfer credits I am eligible for before I apply to the degree program?
If you are interested in applying to the Bachelor of Arts degree program and would like an estimate of the amount of transfer credit you would receive, you can request an unofficial transfer evaluation by emailing a copy of your transcript(s) to the Berklee Online Transfer Team at
transfer@online.berklee.edu
. Be sure to include your name, major of interest, and any additional questions you may have. You can expect to receive your assessment within 7-10 business days.
I didn’t receive credit on my Official Evaluation for all of the courses that I thought I would. What should I do?
The earlier you contact us with questions or concerns regarding your evaluation, the easier it will be for us to address any issues. Therefore, it is very important when you first receive your official transfer evaluation that you review the information carefully.
If you notice a remaining requirement that you believe you’ve already fulfilled, first consult our document on Common Reasons Credit Does Not Transfer. It’s possible that the course you are thinking of didn’t meet our eligibility requirements.
If none of those exclusions apply, please fill out a Transfer Credit Equivalency Re-evaluation form for the courses you wish to have reconsidered.
Sometimes, we are not able to locate specific information for a course online and we are not able to determine an equivalency, but we are always happy to review additional material which will help us make that determination.
Do my Berklee Online, Berklee campus, or Prior Learning Credit coursework count towards the 60 transfer credit limit?
No, credits completed at Berklee or through the prior learning process do not count towards the 60 transfer credit limit. This maximum is for credit-bearing exams and undergraduate-level coursework completed externally.
What is a credit deficiency and why do I need to make up credit?
Credit deficiencies are caused by transferring a course that is less than three (3) credits to fulfill a three (3) credit Berklee Online requirement. Students with a credit deficiency will be short of the minimum number of credits required to graduate once they have completed their program requirements. In order to be eligible to graduate, you will need to make up the credits you are deficient in.
While the Transfer Team does their best to avoid giving students credit deficiencies, it is not always possible. You can make up the credits you are deficient in by completing additional Berklee Online coursework, by applying for prior learning credit, or by completing additional external coursework in the area in which you are deficient.
Note
all external courses will first need to be approved by the Transfer Team.
Can transfer credit fulfill prerequisites?
It depends. Generally, transfer credit cannot be used to fulfill prerequisites unless we determine that the course you completed is a direct equivalent to one of the courses we offer at Berklee Online. Keep in mind that there are some courses which require you to pass a placement exam. For these you will need to achieve a passing grade on the test to fulfill the prerequisite, otherwise you will need to complete the appropriate Berklee Online course.
Can I transfer credits to Berklee Online after I have started the degree program?
Yes, you can. To determine if the coursework you already completed or are considering taking is eligible to fulfill your remaining degree requirements, contact the Transfer Team at
transfer@online.berklee.edu
I am a Berklee campus student. Can I transfer courses from Berklee Online to my campus-based program?
View a
list of transferable courses
to Berklee’s campus programs.
For additional questions about transferring courses from Berklee Online to Berklee's campus programs please contact the campus transcript evaluator at
transfercredits@berklee.edu
Are Berklee Online courses transferable to other institutions?
Berklee Online is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), the same association that accredits our main campus and other leading academic institutions such as Harvard University and MIT. Our courses are transferable to other institutions, but it's up to the receiving institution to decide the number and types of courses that may transfer. We recommend getting a course pre-approved by an institution before enrolling.
Tuition
How do Berklee Online’s costs compare to other education options?
Berklee Online’s programs have a tuition cost that is approximately 64 percent less than on-campus tuition at Berklee’s Boston campus. Moreover, a recent study revealed that the average annual tuition at for-profit colleges is more than twice as expensive as Berklee Online. Even average annual tuition at other accredited non-profit online universities is roughly $11,000 more expensive than tuition for a year with Berklee Online!
How much does a
certificate program
cost?
There is a one time $175 registration fee per certificate program. Students may either pay per course term (at the $1,575.00 per credit course cost) or pay in full to receive a 10 percent discount. The registration fee and all courses for the term you wish to begin in must be paid in full in order to begin.
How much does an online
Bachelor’s degree
cost?
Online undergraduate degree tuition is $59,160 for 120 credits for all majors except the guitar major. Tuition for the guitar major is $63,660. Students taking 10 courses per year can complete the degree in four years at a cost of $14,790 per year. (Note: Tuition and fees are subject to change.)
How much does an online
master's degree
cost?
Online graduate degree tuition is $33,120 for 36 credits. The Master of Music in Music Production and Master of Arts in Music Business programs are designed to be completed in one year of study. Both programs are comprised of 12 three-credit courses that can be taken during four 12-week semesters.
What is included in the cost of a course?
The cost for an individual course includes the tuition fee. The cost of required books, hardware or software must be purchased separately, unless it is stated that these costs are included with your enrollment. Some courses may include additional fees for files or content.
Online Undergraduate-Level Course
Lyric Writing: Writing From the Title
Authored
by
Pat Pattison
Course Code:
OSONG-221
Learn to write songs the way professionals do, starting with a strong title. This undergraduate songwriting course teaches you how to build complete lyrics from a central idea, shape rhythm and tempo, place titles effectively, and use proven techniques to create emotionally impactful songs.
Level 2
Intermediate
Modality
Online
Duration
12 Weeks
3-Credit Tuition
$1,575
Semester Starts
June 29
Accreditation
NECHE
Key Learning Outcomes
Develop a song’s central idea by finding, refining, and committing to an effective title
Use rhythm, pitch, and tempo inherent in a title to generate lyrical content and momentum
Develop verses and sections that expand, recolor, and deepen a title’s meaning
Apply professional songwriting revision strategies to refine lyrics for clarity, emotional impact, and singability
Overview
Syllabus
Requirements
Instructors
Related Music Career Role
Request Info
Add to Favorites
Need guidance?
1-866-BERKLEE
Int'l: +1-617-747-2146
Call
Text
or
Email us
Course Description
Lyric Writing: Writing From the Title
will teach you how the professionals approach the construction of songs: by writing from a central idea (the title). Starting with a powerful and effective song title, you'll learn to build complete lyrics from that title, explore how to set the title to the appropriate rhythm and tempo, and to place that title in the song's different sections to create the most powerful impact. Through this approach, you will learn different ways to brainstorm ideas, work with a variety of lyric writing elements, and develop effective tools to create an emotional connection with your listeners.
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
Recognize and apply multiple rhyme types as brainstorming and structural tools
Plan lyric outlines using common song forms and sectional functions
Complete a polished lyric centered on a clearly articulated title
Evaluate lyric drafts to determine whether all sections clearly reinforce the song’s central title and concept
Read Less
Syllabus
Lesson 1: What Is a Title?
Understanding the Use of Titles in Songs Versus Poems
Understanding the Function of a Title in a Lyric
Identifying Two Types of Song Titles
Lesson 2: Finding a Title
Understanding the Title as the Central Concept of the Song
Developing Strategies for Finding Titles
Lesson 3: Developing a Title
Identifying Titles That Can Be Recolored by Repetition
Sketching Out Possible Sectional Development for a Title
Lesson 4: Rhythm and Pitch of the Title
Identifying the Stressed Syllables of a Title
Identifying the Pitches of a Title
Lesson 5: Tempo as a Brainstorming Tool
Preserving the Natural Shape of a Title
Setting a Title Rhythmically Against a Pulse
Extracting Various Meanings from the Same Title by Brainstorming Against Various Tempos
Lesson 6: Developing Your Title Motivically
Deciding Where to Place a Title
Developing a Title's Motive by Using Various Developmental Techniques
Lesson 7: Creating a Rhythmic Template
Creating a Section Based on a Title's Rhythm
Applying Developmental Techniques to Create Your Section
Lesson 8: Brainstorming with Rhyme
Identifying and Finding the Various Rhyme Types
Recognizing the Vowel Sounds of the Stressed Syllables in a Title
Using Your Rhyming Dictionary as a Brainstorming Tool
Lesson 9: Verse Development Techniques
Planning Your Verse Development
Approaching Central Sections of Songs More Effectively
Applying Your Recoloring Skills to One of Your Own Titles
Lesson 10: Song Forms
Understanding the Functions of the Various Kinds of Song Sections
Recognizing Basic Song Forms
Sketching Lyric Outlines
Lesson 11: Contrasting Sections
Rhyme Schemes as a Contrasting Device
Number of Syllables/Notes as a Contrasting Device
Line Length as a Contrasting Device
Note Values as a Contrasting Device
Position in the Bar as a Contrasting Device
Variations or Pieces of a Motive as a Rhythmic Contrasting Device
Lesson 12: Putting It All Together
Applying the Course's Techniques to Finish Your Lyric
Improving Your Critical Skills by Helping Others to Polish Their Work
Requirements
Prerequisites and Course-Specific Requirements
Prerequisite Courses, Knowledge, and/or Skills
This course does not have any prerequisites.
Textbook(s)
Writing Better Lyrics (2nd Edition)
by Pat Pattison (Writer's Digest Books, 2010)
Songwriting: Essential Guide to Lyric Form and Structure
by Pat Pattison (Berklee Press, 2002)
Songwriting: Essential Guide to Rhyming (2nd Edition)
by Pat Pattison (Berklee Press, 2014)
Recording
Students are required to record themselves and save the recording in MP3 format. You will have a tool to use for this purpose inside the learning environment. Alternatively, you can use software such as
GarageBand
(Mac),
Audacity
(PC), or any DAW.
Hardware
Students are required to capture their performance, as well as monitor audio output. Options include:
Input (one required):
XLR microphone
and
audio interface
(recommended option)
USB microphone
Built-in computer/mobile device microphone
Output (one required):
Headphones (required if multitracking and/or input monitoring)
Studio monitors
and audio interface
Built-in or external speakers
Note: Depending on your setup, you may also need an XLR cable, microphone stand, and pop filter.
Student Deals
After enrolling, be sure to check out our
Student Deals
page for various offers on software, hardware, and more. Please contact
support@online.berklee.edu
with any questions.
General Course Requirements
Below are the minimum requirements to access the course environment and participate in Live Classes.
Please make sure to also check the Prerequisites and Course-Specific Requirements section above, and ensure your computer meets or exceeds the minimum system requirements for all software needed for your course.
Mac Users
macOS Monterey 12.0 or later
PC Users
Windows 11 or later
All Users
Latest version of
Google Chrome
Zoom meeting software
Webcam
Speakers or headphones
External or internal microphone
Broadband Internet connection
Instructors
Pat Pattison
Author
Pat Pattison is a professor at Berklee College of Music, where he teaches lyric writing and poetry. In addition to his four books,
Songwriting Without Boundaries
(Penguin/Random House),
Writing Better Lyrics, 2nd Edition
(Penguin/Random House),
The Essential Guide to Lyric Form and Structure
(Hal Leonard), and
The Essential Guide to Rhyming
(Hal Leonard), Pat has developed several online courses for Berklee Online. He has written more than 50 articles for various blogs and magazines, including
American Songwriter
, and has chapters in both
The Poetics of American Song Lyrics
(University Press of Mississippi) and
The Handbook on Creative Writing
(Edinburgh University Press).
Pat continues to present songwriting clinics across the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe. His students include Grammy-winners, professional songwriters, and major recording artists, including Gillian Welch, John Mayer, Tom Hambridge, Joelle James, Karmin, American Authors, Ingrid Andress, Liz Longley, Charlie Worsham, Greg Becker, Justin Tranter, and many more.
For Berklee Online, Pat has authored the following courses:
Lyric Writing: Writing From the Title
Lyric Writing: Writing Lyrics to Music
Lyric Writing: Tools and Strategies
Creative Writing: Poetry
, and
Creative Writing: Finding Your Voice
. He also co-authored the graduate course
Songwriting Tools and Techniques
Read Less
Kelly Riley
Instructor
Kelly Riley holds a Bachelor of Music in Professional Music from Berklee College of Music and is an experienced voice, guitar, piano, songwriting, performance, and music theory teacher. Ms. Riley is an award-winning songwriter, professional vocalist, multi-instrumentalist (guitar, bass, ukulele, piano), experienced touring performer, and accomplished recording artist. She has opened for Willie Nelson and Lyle Lovett and many of her songs have been featured in streaming, commercials, and TV, such as Mission Impossible, General Hospital, and The Young and the Restless.
What's Next?
When taken for credit, Lyric Writing: Writing From the Title can be applied towards the completion of these related programs:
Related Certificate Programs
Lyric Writing
Professional Certificate
Songwriting
Advanced Professional Certificate
General Music Studies Professional Certificate
General Music Studies Advanced Professional Certificate
Related Degree Major
Bachelor's Degree in
Songwriting
Related Music Career Role
Employers look for skills learned in this course, when hiring for the following music career role:
Lyricist
Questions?
Contact our Academic Advisors by phone at 1-866-BERKLEE (U.S.), 1-617-747-2146 (INT'L), or by email at
advisors@online.berklee.edu
Get Info
Call
Text
Credit vs. Non-Credit Information
Which Option Is Right for Me?
Choosing between credit and non-credit options depends on your educational goals. Both options offer the same course experience.
Credit:
Ideal for students aiming to earn college credits toward a degree or certificate.
Non-Credit:
More suitable for students seeking personal growth without pursuing formal academic credit.
During checkout
you can select either credit or non-credit.
Note:
You
cannot change
non-credit courses to credit courses after you complete them.
Credit
Non-Credit
Credits Earned
Yes
No
Graded Assignments
Yes
Yes
Final Grade
Letter Grade
Satisfactory (S) or
Unsatisfactory (U)
Applies Towards
Certificates or Degrees
Yes
No
Note: Completed non-credit courses
cannot
be changed to credit courses.
Please
contact an Academic Advisor
if you have additional questions.
Non-degree students save up to $300 on eligible courses or certificates until May 18.
Get Instant Access to Free Music Resources
Access Free Music Resources
Already have an account?
to get access.
Berklee is
accredited
by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
Berklee Online is a University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA) award-winner twenty years in a row (2005-2025).
© Copyright 2001 -
2026
Berklee College of Music
Schedule a Consultation with an Advisor
Close ×
We use cookies to improve your experience on our sites.
By use of our site, you agree to our
cookie policy
Close
Proof of Bachelor's Degree to Enroll
Proof of a bachelor's degree is required to enroll in any
non-degree, graduate-level certificate or course
Ready to submit an unofficial copy of your transcript?
Submit Transcript
International Students
See the
Enrolling in a Graduate Certificate or Individual Course
page for more information.