fbpx

Home






welcome

Everyone Has a Song ⁠— Write Yours

Songwriting is about getting the demon out of me. It’s like being possessed.. ⁠—John Lennon

Toronto Songwriting School provides songwriting instruction for every level of songwriter – from beginners who have never written a song and don’t play an instrument, to experienced songwriters looking to refine their craft, perform live and record their music.

More about us
education

Upcoming Songwriting Classes

Note: Virtual Classes Meet on Zoom. All times are ET.

  • January11Saturday
    Lyric Writing Workshop - Where to Find Inspiration - Virtual
    $35.00
    18

    left

    1:00 pm 3:00 pm

  • January13Monday
    Songwriting for Beginners - Songwriting Basics - 6-Week Course - In-Person
    $275.00
    8

    left

    7:00 pm 9:00 pm

  • January14Tuesday
    Songwriting for Beginners - Songwriting Basics - 6-Week Course - Virtual
    $275.00
    9

    left

    7:00 pm 9:00 pm

  • January15Wednesday
    Original Song Workshop - Learning from the Pros - 4-Week Course - Virtual
    $250.00
    6

    left

    7:00 pm 9:00 pm

  • February08Saturday
    Lyric Writing Workshop - Love Songs - Virtual
    $35.00
    12

    left

    1:00 pm 3:00 pm

  • March08Saturday
    Lyric Writing Workshop - Taylor Swift - Virtual
    $35.00
    20

    left

    1:00 pm 3:00 pm

testimonials

What People Say

My partner Catherine and I started writing with Murray Foster in August of 2013 without any agenda other than to see if we could come up with a song or two. Immediately, I found Murray to be a laid back and receptive partner, open to suggestion and filled with thoughtful and interesting ideas aimed at making the songs as strong as they could be. To date, we’ve written three songs together that will be featured on our next record.

Andrew James O’Brien

Andrew James O’Brien

Fortunate Ones

This course is what I’ve been searching for for years. Every class is the perfect mix of theory and hands-on experience, right from the very first week. Not only do you benefit from Murray’s wealth of knowledge and experience, but you get to work with other songwriters in the group and learn from their styles as well. I would absolutely recommend this class to anyone looking to build their skills and confidence as a songwriter.

Shari Archinoff

Shari Archinoff

Intermediate Course student

I joined Murray Foster’s intermediate songwriting course as a 3-chord wonder. But by the time I finished the course, I had ventured into the scary realm of bar chords and even managed some finger picking. Murray taught me how to take my songs from that initial blast of inspiration to a complete package, something I have long struggled to do.

Ben Bull

Ben Bull

Intermediate Course student

I’ve been making music and writing songs with Murrman for over a decade and have loved every minute of it.  Murray’s got such a broad musical experience from Folk to Jazz to Rock and all the way back again.  Doesn’t hurt that he’s an awesome singer and vocal arranger either.

Alan Doyle

Alan Doyle

Great Big Sea

Murray’s tremendous musical versatility and eloquence as a writer has always made him an invaluable creative collaborator and sounding board. His years contributing to countless Canadian projects have resulted in a honed skill for storytelling, developing and deftly refining musical and lyrical ideas in a surprising variety of styles. His depth of musicality is a constant known to everyone who’s had the pleasure of working with him.

Tory Cassis

Tory Cassis

2000 Juno Nominee

Murray Foster’s teaching skills are exceptional. The amount of information and ideas he is able to convey in a short period of time is unbelievable. In our class, we were able to broaden our songwriting experience by tapping into new  avenues of creativity that hadn’t yet been realized. We only wished had more time with Murray and his phenomenal methods. Highly recommended!

Joy Thompson

Joy Thompson

Seneca Student
events

Getaways & Events

Nashville Songwriter Getaway

22 Mar - 25 Mar 25

Nashville calls itself “Music City” for a reason. With close to 200 music venues, over 180 recording studios, and 5,000 working musicians, it’s impossible to walk around downtown and not hear live music filling the air. This March, our guests will find inspiration for their own songwriting in 5 days and 4 nights of the best of Nashville’s past and present. This Nashville Songwriter Getaway will take place March 22-25, 2025. Learn more and register for the Nashville Songwriter Getaway

join us

Our Welcoming Community

My favourite part of my job is seeing songwriters progress. It’s just as exciting to see a new songwriter find joy in writing their first song as it is to see a more experienced songwriter find just the right combination of lyrics and chords to take a song to a new level.

Murray Foster
Founder, CEO & Instructor

The greatest success of Toronto Songwriting School is our community. People from all ages and backgrounds find common ground in songwriting and become fast friends and supportive colleagues.

Mary Krause
Chief Operating Officer

The Toronto Songwriting School community has always been incredibly welcoming to songwriters of all levels of ability. That’s a testament to Mary and Murray, who seem to be able to attract good people and draw out the best in them. I’ve made good friends in my years taking TSS classes and going to getaways, met some incredibly talented people, and have so many indelible memories.

Sean Hunt
Songwriter Getaway Enthusiast

What’s stopping you from writing that song? TSS is where you will learn everything from song structure to melody in a warm, welcoming environment. With the support and inspiration of friends, I found my authentic voice and gained a skill set I can build on.

Debbie Davidson
Songwriting Student