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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Dear Songwriters: Summer's all but over, and it's time to get to work and write some new songs! I'll be offering three classes on Wednesdays at Blue Bear: a songwriting 101 (beginning level) seminar, an intermediate/advanced workshop, and something new---an after school teen songwriting class. Please go to the website below for descriptions, schedule and fees. These classes fill up fast, so if you're interested, please contact Dennis at Blue Bear. I'll also be offering an advanced class in Marin County; unfortunately, this class is already full! If you'd like to be considered for inclusion in future advanced classes, please drop me a line and let me know; I can put you on a waiting list for openings.
If you want to learn more about songwriting and various aspects of the business, please consider attending the WCS Conference September 11-12. I'll be doing a workshop on Sunday afternoon, but the conference is two days of amazing workshops, panels, review sessions and performances. Check here for more info:
West Coast Songwriters

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 412-673-3600 or contacting the school through the website.

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

Date TBA
Bonnie Hayes Songwriter Social
The Union Room at Biscuits and Blues, 401 Mason Street, San Francisco CA, 94102
Bonnie Hayes' Songwriting Socials expand on the uncompetitive, supportive and friendly vibe of the advanced salons that songwriting coach Bonnie Hayes holds in her home.
5:30 pm: Sign up for critiques
6-8 pm: Critiques, Lecture, Socializing . . .
Beginning at 6 pm, Bonnie will critique the songs of 8-10 audience members. Sign-ups for critiques begin at 5:30 pm. An optional songwriting assignment can be found at the Facebook link below. Following the critiques and some socializing, Bonnie will give a short talk entitled "Building A Strong Bridge".
8-9 pm: Featured Performers, More Socializing . . .
Fees will vary: critiqued performers $20, audience for critiques/lecture $10, after 8pm-to watch showcase only $5.
Songwriting Social Info

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). This fall, I'm pleased to be offering an after school songwriting group at Blue Bear in Fort Mason on Wednesdays at 4:30; pleaase check Blue Bear catalogue or website for more info. 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