Bonnie Hayes is a popular and experienced teacher with an original slant on writing songs that satisfy both artistic and commercial criteria. She teaches classes in various aspects of songwriting and popular music regularly. Her students have won prizes in the John Lennon songwriting contest, the WCSA songwriting contest, the Soulmaking contest,and others.
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Beginning Songwriting with Bonnie Hayes
Tuesdays 6:30-8pm
Every other week starting January 17
A combined lecture/workshop class for those new to songwriting. Lecture topics include: "hooks" and how to write them; common forms in pop music; how to generate and develop lyric ideas; tricks for writing catchy melodies; basic arranging; making demos; and music publishing and business information. The workshop portion will involve progressive assignments with students bringing their work for review, resulting in at least one finished song by the end of the class.
Class limit of 10
Cost: $260 ($75 non-refundable deposit)

Intermediate/Advanced Songwriting with Bonnie Hayes
Tuesdays 8-9:30pm
Every other week starting January 17
This class uses a workshop format, instructor and peer feedback, and directed writing assignments to help writers generate a portfolio of finished songs. Students are expected to bring a song for review each week, setting a pace that enables the student to get and stay in the creative flow. To get the most out of this class, you should have written at least ten songs and be able to play and sing well enough to perform in class, or have the facility to make tapes of your songs.
Class limit of 8
Cost: $275 ($75 non-refundable deposit)

So What is This About?blue bear school of american music

Blue Bear, a non-profit school that has been providing education in popular music in San Francisco for 30 years. is located in San Francisco at the Fort Mason Center. You can register for these classes by calling 415-673-3600 or contacting the school through the website.

For class descriptions and schedules go to:
Blue Bear Class Schedules

Participationprivate classes and consulting

I offer private consultations at the Icehouse, my studio in San Rafael. If you want professional, supportive feedback on your songs, need help with technical or artistic issues, want to learn Pro Tools or arranging skills, or need career advice, a consult can be preferable to classes. Rate is $80 an hour, but I offer discounts for multiple bookings and or payment in advance, as well as sliding scale for impecunious musicians (is there any other kind?).

To schedule, please contact us at info@bonniehayes.com

Skype consults are also available. Reviews are done by me (not songwriting students or assistants) and include feedback on lyrics, melody, chorus, harmony, and the demo, with specific ideas for improvement if necessary. Rate is $50/song with a $100 minimum. Payment must be made in advance of service through Paypal or by mailed check or money order. To schedule a Skype consult, please contact info@bonniehayes.com

Mail consults are available at a higher rate (because it takes longer to record and/or write the feedback down and deal with the emails).
Please contact info@bonniehayes.com for more details.

BoneYouth programs

I actively pursue work with talented kids, both as a teacher/mentor and as a producer (see studio page for more details). I can also be scheduled for writing or musicianship work with young people who show talent. These can be charged on a sliding scale for those who can demonstrate financial need. Please contact us at at info@bonniehayes.com