Hello Songwriters!

In today's video release Bonnie talks about the musical journey of her song, "The Things You Left Behind."  Starting off with the version she "can't remember because it's not that memorable," she takes us step by step through the musical choices she made to create the finished version.

Bonnie demonstrates the powerful effect of lengthening notes, omitting words (because "in the chorus the words must bow down the the melody..."), and changing the melodic line to move the voice into an emotional range (to support the words). She also employs her "magic chord" to create contrast and interest.

This short video is full of ideas for thoughtfully altering melody, lyrics, and chord choices to transform an uninspiring piece into something you love.

Journey of a Song: the Things You Left Behind
Instructor: Bonnie Hayes
Run time: 0:15:02

After you've watched this video, here are a few others you may enjoy:

Journey of a Song
Steve Seskin
1:12:48

Writing the Big Chorus: Part 1
Steve Leslie
0:30:52

Introduction to Theory with Bonnie: Part 1
Bonnie Hayes
0:01:48