Writing Killer Hooks and Lyrics

Master the art of crafting powerful hooks and unforgettable lyrics — the kind that drive today's biggest hits.

 

Presented by

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About This Course

3 weeks of live training with Multi #1 Hit Songwriter Marty Dodson

In this live, hands-on course, you'll unlock the techniques top songwriters use to create hooks that stay on repeat — and lyrics that truly connect. Whether you're just starting or sharpening your skills, this course will level up your writing FAST.

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Writing Killer Hooks and Lyrics - Guitar
Marty Teaching
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What You'll Learn

* Mastering the Hook: Understand the power of the hook — why it matters more than ever. Learn about the different kinds of hooks and breakdown today’s hit songs to see how they leverage their hooks.

 

* From Inspiration to Execution: We’ll go through the process of how to find the BEST angle for your hook — and elevate your entire song. As well as how to write songs with universal appeal — the secret sauce of commercial hits.

 

* Crafting Hit-Worthy Lyrics: Balance simplicity and depth to keep listeners engaged. You’ll learn how to use "furniture" in your lyrics to make emotions tangible and real. As well as build momentum throughout your song, leading straight to your killer hook with emotional payoffs.

How The Course Works

* Live Weekly Online Classes with Marty Dodson:  Join Marty for three weeks of live, classes packed with pro techniques and real-world examples.

 

* Target Writing Assignments:  Get focused assignments each week to immediately apply your new skills.

 

* Replays and Support:  Access full class replays and email support  for any questions.

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Course Schedule:

* Class 1: Monday, June 2nd @ 7PM CT

* Class 2: Monday, June 9th @ 7PM CT

* Class 3: Monday, June 16th @ 7PM CT

What Songwriters Are Saying About SongTown's CrashCourses:

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About Marty Dodson

Multi #1 Writer/Publisher

Marty Dodson is a multi-#1 hit songwriter and co-founder of SongTown.

Marty’s songs have been recorded by artists across multiple genres — from country to pop to K-pop. With seven #1 songs to his credit, Marty's writing has helped shape the careers of top acts like Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood, George Strait, The Plain White T’s, and Cho Yong Pil .

Marty is a lyric Ninja and a master at teaching you to write creative and inspiring lyrics.

Who This Course is For:

  • Songwriters who want to sharpen their hook-writing and lyric skills
  • Artists aiming to write their own standout songs
  • Producers and topliners who know a killer hook is the heart of a hit
  • Anyone serious about turning "good" songs into GREAT songs
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What You'll Walk Away With:

  • The ability to recognize and create strong hooks
  • A step-by-step process for building hit-worthy lyrics
  • Fresh tools to make your songs more universal, memorable, and emotional
  • Real-world insights you can apply to your very next writing session

Ready to Build GREAT Songs from STRONG Hooks?

Learn to Think Like a Hitmaker & Write Songs That Listeners Can’t Forget


Gain
practical songwriting tools that you can use immediately in any genre or style with real-world examples from today's charts.

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Attend From Anywhere On Any Device!

Replays Available for all classes.

Classes are once a week (June 2, 9 & 16)

Location: SongTown’s Online Video Classroom (Zoom)

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Don't Miss Out – Sign Up Today

Additional Details & Pricing For This Songwriting CrashCourse

 

  • Classes are easy to view and participate in from your computer, laptop, or smartphone.
  • All classes are available to watch on replay if you miss it live. We keep the video up for 3 weeks after your class to review at your leisure.
  • Post your assignments in the SongTown.com forum and discuss with your classmates.
  • Course includes 1-month trial membership to SongTown for non-members who sign up!

 

Class Schedule

  • First class: Monday, June 2nd
  • Individual Class Dates: June 2, 9 & 16
  • Class Time: 7pm- 8pm (CDT)

Location: Online on your computer or smart device

 

Price:

  • Members $225
  • Non-Members: $249 (Includes a month of  SongTown full-access membership!)
  • Diamond Members can use one of their Free CrashCourse Credits!

**Tuition is non-refundable once class sells out or begins

From Marty:

“This course is all about helping you write the kind of songs people want to hear again. Whether you're pitching to artists or writing for yourself, I want to help you write songs that truly connect — songs you're proud to share.  Hooks matter, let’s make yours count." -Marty Dodson

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Level Up Your Writing In 2025!

SongTown Success Stories

Jon Decious

Co-writer on Lainey Wilson's #1 Country Radio Hit "4x4xU"

- Jon Decious (SongTown Alum)

Peter Daniel Newman

Signed major staff-writer publishing deal with Sony. Wrote new Parmalee single, "Cowgirl".

- Peter Daniel Newman (SongTown Alum)

GAYLE - #1 Pop Song

#1 song on the Pop Chart! “abcdefu” recorded by GAYLE.

- GAYLE (SongTown Alum)

Kenny Pitts - Emmy

Emmy Winner

- Kenny Pitts (SongTown Member)

Mary Haller

Song placement on TV Show "Temptation Island".

- Mary Haller (SongTown Member)

HGTV - Song Placement

Song Placement on HGTV Revealed

- Marika Hallendy (SongTown Member)

Peter Daniel - Top 10

Song written with artist Brandon Davis on the Top 10 Country iTunes Sales Chart.

- Peter Daniel (SongTown Member)

Emma Kirkbride

Signed to DWB Music LTD.

- Emma Kirkbride (SongTown Member)

Song on Hulu

Song placement on Hulu Show "Welcome To Chippendales".

- Skaie Knox

Bill O Hanlon
Song placement on TV show, "Call Me Kat"
 

- Bill O'Hanlon, Mark Dolin & Chris Ising

Jon Decious

Writer on Ashley McBryde's Album "Lindeville".

- Jon Decious

Big Sky

Song "Watcha Drinkin ’Bout" on the Big Sky TV series.

- VibeCity Publishing, Ryland Fisher, Stephanie Quayle and Joey Ebach

Blake Griffith

Song “Hallelujahville” recorded by Superstar Tim McGraw!

- Blake Griffith

Sara Davis

Signs deal with world-wide publisher Big Machine Music and co-writes #1 song "abcdefu"

- Sara Davis (Staffwriter at Big Machine)

Lee Starr

Wrote the #1 Billboard smash "My Boy" for country artist Elvie Shane!

- Lee Starr

Randy Morrison

Celebrates #1 song "I Will" (Darrin Morris Band) on the Texas Country Music Chart!

- Randy Morrison, Jan Edwards, and Matt Rodgers

Kelly McKay - #1 Song

3 weeks at #1 on the British and Irish Top 10 chart! "All Time Favorite", recorded by Hurricane Highway.

- Kelly McKay, Kevin Rowe, Nancy Moser

American Eagle Ad Placement
SongTown Member's sync song placed in an American Eagle Ad.
 

- Karen Kiley, Jan Edwards, Colleen Francis

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5 million Tik Tok plays and over 37 million streams on her single “Just Drive!”

- Erin Kinsey

Rita Weyls

Songs featured on “The Voice” and “The Most Expensivist!”

- Rita Weyls

Jesse Slack - #1 Song

#1 song on Australian CMT Country Charts! "Right About Now” recorded by Josh Setterfield.

- Jesse Slack

Conner Sweet

Signs exclusive writer/record deal with Given Music Entertainment. First single cracking the Billboard Charts!

- Conner Sweet

Bobby Evans

Sync placement in movie “You Got This” on Netflix!

- Bobby Evans, Mathew Pownall, & Elias James Edlund

Kevin Rowe

Celebrates a #1 song with Australian country artist Benn Gunn!

- Kevin Rowe & Andrew Cavanagh

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Song placement on network TV Show - Lethal Weapon!

- Ray Weaver

Kelly McKay

Signs exclusive staff-writer deal with VibeCity Publishing!

- Kelly McKay

Jesse Slack

Gold Single for song "Tell You Everything" sung by Robyn Ottolini

- Jesse Slack