Beyond the warm ups set for us each morning (and they are progressively wanting to challenge us), our day had a very strong song writing focus.
It began with a lecture from Karl Broadie, a man who carries his note book with him everywhere he goes. Man there must be some sensational writings and lyric ideas in there. He had a strong focus on the analysis of music; however he dug into each track with more detail. It was a rewarding experience to get his mana/spirit on music. He supported his lecture with a performance, as well as motivational readings from books including Robert Green’s “Mastery”. As a side note from this lecture, I will be returning to New Zealand with the intention of buying his track “Sleepy Head”, as well as Maren Morris’ “My Church” and Thomas Rhett’s “Die A Happy Man”. All quality songs in their own right.
After a brief morning tea, the students not doing one-on-one songwriting worked with Roger Corbett and Lyn Bowtell on what they referred to as Group Theory. Effectively this was a lesson on the different approach styles of music (e.g. a narrative story, a questioning song, a conversational song, plus many more). The most rewarding part of this class was concluding with an opportunity to co-write with other students in our group. I was part of a blokey type group with Queenslanders Jacob Ridgeway and Charlie Scott. We finished the lesson with two draft verses and chorus’, which we shared with the class. I was told later by the other two that they almost finished the rest while I was tied up elsewhere, and were looking to finish the song in the next day or so. I look forward to hearing how it’s developed in my absence.
As for the rest of the afternoon, I worked with Kevin Bennett. First of all with the group who are going to perform at the Pub this Friday (working on individual party pieces, and developing our hooks and harmonies). Afterwards, the others went away to continue developing their performances, whilst I had my very own one-on-one session with Kevin. He was a legend, as we attempted to tackle a song reflecting on my late student Jack Martin. The challenge lay in how to make it universal as well as not looking too morbid. I think after 1.5 hours we got something that sounded pretty much on the money. I’ve recorded us playing and singing it for us to sit on for a day or so, and see whether or not it needs tweaking. I’m very happy with the final product.
The renowned Kasey and Nash Chambers came in for a Q&A session with the complete group, which was an awesome experience. Through all the laughs and jokes, serious tips filtered to all the students, and I guarantee everyone went away with more than enough possible ideas or tools that they can use in their professional life’s. What could possibly top this??? Having a jam session with the group after dinner. Everyone got a chance to show off their skills, including Kasey and her group giving our academy group a sneak peek as a song they had just finished writing.
Tomorrow looks to be another busy day, so I’m going to retire to bed for an earlier nights sleep. Ka Kite Ano.
It began with a lecture from Karl Broadie, a man who carries his note book with him everywhere he goes. Man there must be some sensational writings and lyric ideas in there. He had a strong focus on the analysis of music; however he dug into each track with more detail. It was a rewarding experience to get his mana/spirit on music. He supported his lecture with a performance, as well as motivational readings from books including Robert Green’s “Mastery”. As a side note from this lecture, I will be returning to New Zealand with the intention of buying his track “Sleepy Head”, as well as Maren Morris’ “My Church” and Thomas Rhett’s “Die A Happy Man”. All quality songs in their own right.
After a brief morning tea, the students not doing one-on-one songwriting worked with Roger Corbett and Lyn Bowtell on what they referred to as Group Theory. Effectively this was a lesson on the different approach styles of music (e.g. a narrative story, a questioning song, a conversational song, plus many more). The most rewarding part of this class was concluding with an opportunity to co-write with other students in our group. I was part of a blokey type group with Queenslanders Jacob Ridgeway and Charlie Scott. We finished the lesson with two draft verses and chorus’, which we shared with the class. I was told later by the other two that they almost finished the rest while I was tied up elsewhere, and were looking to finish the song in the next day or so. I look forward to hearing how it’s developed in my absence.
As for the rest of the afternoon, I worked with Kevin Bennett. First of all with the group who are going to perform at the Pub this Friday (working on individual party pieces, and developing our hooks and harmonies). Afterwards, the others went away to continue developing their performances, whilst I had my very own one-on-one session with Kevin. He was a legend, as we attempted to tackle a song reflecting on my late student Jack Martin. The challenge lay in how to make it universal as well as not looking too morbid. I think after 1.5 hours we got something that sounded pretty much on the money. I’ve recorded us playing and singing it for us to sit on for a day or so, and see whether or not it needs tweaking. I’m very happy with the final product.
The renowned Kasey and Nash Chambers came in for a Q&A session with the complete group, which was an awesome experience. Through all the laughs and jokes, serious tips filtered to all the students, and I guarantee everyone went away with more than enough possible ideas or tools that they can use in their professional life’s. What could possibly top this??? Having a jam session with the group after dinner. Everyone got a chance to show off their skills, including Kasey and her group giving our academy group a sneak peek as a song they had just finished writing.
Tomorrow looks to be another busy day, so I’m going to retire to bed for an earlier nights sleep. Ka Kite Ano.