Hello Songwriters!  

We hope it's been a great year for you and your songwriting.  We've had a lot of fun here at Songwork sharing our knowledge about songwriting with you. Whether you've been busy blackening pages with songwriting ink or are considering a resolution to write more in the new year (who isn't?), now is a great time to take a few minutes to watch that Songwork video you've been meaning to.  It might be Bonnie Hayes revealing the secrets behind one of her most successful songs, "Have a Heart," or it could be Pat Pattison pointing his students toward greater songwriting success in a masterclass. Either way we wish you great success in your songwriting in the coming year and a wonderful, happy holiday season!

 

Warmest wishes,

Diana

 

P.S. You can read past newsletters and check out other video recommendations on our newsletter archive page.

--
Diana Korpi
Member Services
diana.korpi@songwork.com  

 

 

 

2014 Video Releases

Journey of a Song: "Have A Heart"
Instructor: Bonnie Hayes - Run time: 13:59
Bonnie reveals all the musical secrets in her hit song "Have a Heart" recorded by Bonnie Raitt. 

 

Quick Tip: Inversions And Magic Chords
Instructor: Steve Seskin, Bonnie Hayes - Run time: 14:55

How to use chords with bass notes other than the root of the chord as a way to create musical movement and cool sounding chords.

Quick Tip: The Pre Chorus 

Instructor: Steve Seskin, Bonnie Hayes - Run time: 8:57

What is the pre-chorus? What is its job? How long should it be? Everything you ever wanted to know about the pre-chorus in under 10 minutes.

 

Song Session: "Avery" by Stoddy Blackall 

Instructor: Pat Pattison - Run time: 23:28

Pat Pattison demonstrates that just because you write a verse first, doesn't mean it's your first verse.

 

 What Kind of Writer Are You?  

Instructors: Bonnie Hayes & Steve Seskin - Run time: 0:12:40

Bonnie and Steve talk about approaching songwriting with an understanding of what your individuality brings to the table -- and a reminder to have fun.

 

Hanna Christianson Masterclass 
Instructor: Pat Pattison - Run time: 0:21:25

Learn which word Pat claims is the "greatest two-syllable word in songwriting," as well as what three questions a song must answer.

 

Hillary Reynolds Masterclass 

Instructor: Pat Pattison - Run time: 0:37:42

What happens if a line is changed from a statement to a question?  

 

Journey of a Song: the Things You Left Behind 

Bonnie starts with a version her song she can't remember because "it's not that memorable," and she takes us step by step through musical choices she made to make it memorable.

 

"Sleep Soundly" by Chris Brandes Part 1 

Pat Pattison helps Chris create a matching musical and lyrical roadmaps, and and create spotlights for the important words and moments in the song.

 

"Sleep Soundly" by Chris Brandes Part 2 

Learn more about "spotlights" within a song and why "If everybody's in the spotlight, nobody's in the spotlight."

 

Quick Tip: Producers Part 3 

Bonnie discusses key questions to ask yourself and discuss with any potential producer you may hire, as well as what you'll want to know before you go into the studio to record.

 

Fall Into the Groove by Henry Leitzinger 

Pat makes makes small tweaks that allow listeners to hear the message of Henry's song more clearly.