You Can Write A Song: A New Course Empowering Students to Create
Songwriting is one of the most powerful forms of musical expression. It connects language, creativity, identity, and emotion—and thanks to our newest MusicFirst Classroom course, any student can learn how to write a song.
We’re thrilled to introduce You Can Write A Song, a brand new online course by Randy Klein, an award-winning songwriter, educator, and music advocate. This course is a game-changer for general music and Modern Band classrooms, especially for teachers who may not have formal training in composition or songwriting. With over 80 carefully selected song examples, engaging reflection activities, and a listening-first approach, this course makes songwriting fun, accessible, and educationally rich.
A Listening-First Approach to Songwriting
Many music students (and even teachers) have never written a song. But Randy Klein’s approach begins with a simple premise: “If you can hear what you speak, you can write a song.”
Rather than starting with music theory, this course begins with listening. Through focused observation of existing songs—studying their structure, rhyming patterns, and lyrical ideas—students build the critical listening skills needed to write original music. Each song example includes on-screen lyrics and prompts students to consider why something works, not just how.
Listening isn’t just passive—it’s creative. Students develop their own musical palette while analyzing and reacting to what they hear.
Speak First, Then Sing
The course guides students to begin with a topic and develop a hook, then write a chorus and verse through spoken-word freewriting. Melody and rhythm naturally emerge from the way lyrics are spoken, encouraging experimentation and risk-taking without judgment.
No music notation is required. But for those who want to go deeper, teachers can incorporate optional harmony, DAW tools, and rhythm tracking later in the process.
The result? A singable, memorable chorus and verse created entirely by the student—and the confidence that comes with it.
Tech-Ready & Student-Friendly
You Can Write A Song is built for classrooms using the MusicFirst Classroom ecosystem. Students can use the built-in Recorder app, or upload audio they’ve created in DAWs like Soundtrap or GarageBand. Downloadable worksheets and self-reflection tools are embedded throughout the course.
The course also connects naturally to:
Language Arts & SEL standards
Music technology programs
Creative performance opportunities
General Music, Modern Band, and songwriting electives
Whether used in full or as a modular unit, this course supports creative music-making at every level.
From the Song to the Stage
One of the best ways to celebrate student songwriting is to share it. Randy encourages teachers to consider “concerts with snacks,” classroom showcases, podcasts, music videos, and even collaborative recordings.
As students explore songwriting, they build not only musical skills but also confidence, voice, and community.
Key Course Features:
No prior music theory or notation skills needed
10 structured lessons, aligned with classroom goals
Student recording and reflection at every step
80+ embedded listening examples
Bonus activities and teacher flexibility
Accessible for grades 5–12
About Randy Klein
Randy Klein is a celebrated composer, pianist, author, and educator with a career spanning Broadway, jazz, music education, and multimedia composition. He’s a member of the Dramatists Guild, BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theater Workshop, APME, and a Steinway Artist. He has authored multiple songwriting guides and has spent decades teaching the craft to students of all ages.
Try It with Your Students
You Can Write A Song is now available in the MusicFirst Classroom content library.
Want to explore the course?
Start your free trial of MusicFirst Classroom and see how this course can help your students find their voice.
About Natalia Buitrago
Natalia Buitrago is the Head of US Marketing at MusicFirst. She holds a MA from Teachers College, Columbia University and a BM from The Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam.
