Hello Songwriters!
This week's featured instructor is Bonnie Hayes. Bonnie Hayes is a popular San Francisco-based songwriter, producer, musician, educator and recording artist. She has written several well known songs including, "Have A Heart" and "Love Letter," recorded by Bonnie Raitt on the multi-platinum and multi-Grammy winning CD, Nick of Time. She has also had songs covered by Bette Midler, Robert Cray, Adam Ant, David Crosby and Booker T and the MG's.
In the 80s and 90s, Bonnie toured with Belinda Carlisle and Billy Idol as a keyboardist and backup singer. In 1984, her pop/punk debut Good Clean Fun was released to critical raves and national college airplay. Since then, Bonnie has released three more of her own albums, and produced the project Steppin' Out, by the Gospel Hummingbirds, which was nominated for a Grammy. She has gone on to produce many records, and currently runs a recording studio in San Rafael, CA.
Bonnie's students have won prizes in major songwriting contests like the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, WCSA, and Soulmaking. We are excited to include her expertise as part of the Songwork offerings. You can learn more about Bonnie at bonniehayes.com.
Bonnie's Music Theory Series
These short videos (5-10 minutes each) are a great way to focus on one topic at a time.
Introduction to Theory
Part 1: The Chromatic Scale and the Names of Notes
Part 2: The Major Scale and Keys
Part 3: Intervals
Part 4: Chords and Triads
Part 5: Diatonic Chords
Part 6: The Circle of Fifths
Part 7: Chord Functions in Keys
Part 8: Magic Chords
Part 9: Relative Minors
Part 10: More on Minors
Writing Outside the Box
by Bonnie Hayes and Steve Seskin
If you've been feeling like your songs have become a little samey, Bonnie and Steve have a terrific video that examines choices you can make to make your songs feel different from your "usual" song.
Pop vs. Country
by Bonnie Hayes and Steve Seskin
Or, if you're in the mood to watch Bonnie and Steve duke it out, check out their video about characteristics that make a style a style.
Have a great week!
Warm regards,
Diana P.S. You can read past newsletters and check out other video recommendations on our newsletter archive page. --
Diana Korpi
Member Services
|
