Summer-Fall 2009: The Bridge

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Songs from 2009 Summer Workshops
I Wrote a Hit Song! Contest Winner
Summer-Fall Songwriting Challenge
Poll: Name That Bridge


Songs from 2009 Summer Workshops
My workshop students wrote some fabulous songs this summer! It was a rainy July here in Maine, and that seemed to put them in the mood to write slow, beautiful songs with amazing melodies. Please take a moment to listen to Volcano and Shooting Stars. My classes worked so hard on these songs, and I'm so proud of them!


I Wrote a Hit Song! Contest Winner

Congratulations to Romany, age 10...Romany wrote a hit song!

Romany, from Queensland, Australia, wrote a song called "Time Will Fly" and you can view the lyrics *and* listen to her sing at the I Wrote a Hit Song! webpage. What a beautiful tune! Please stop by and leave a comment for Romany to let her know how much you enjoyed her song.


Songwriting Challenge: The Bridge

Our Songwriting for Kids Vol. 2 class spent some time this summer learning about and working on an important part of modern songwriting: THE BRIDGE.

In the Vol. 1 class, we learned about VERSE and CHORUS which are the building blocks of popular music. But lots of modern songs also have a BRIDGE. Just like a real-life bridge that takes you from one side to another, a musical bridge brings to to a completely different place in the song.

Here's an example. Listen to Bill Withers singing one of my favorite songs, Lean On Me. Pay close attention and see if you can hear how the melody (the part you can hum) and the rhythm change the minute he starts singing "Call on me, brother, when you need a hand..."



Did you hear how the music went to a completely different place? That's the bridge!

Summer-Fall '09 Songwriting Challenge:
Can you write a song with a BRIDGE?

Here are some things to think about:

1. Take the melody someplace new. Is the chorus low? Sing high. Just make sure it's different.
   
2. Take the rhythm someplace new. Go faster, or slower, add some claps like in Lean On Me, some pauses, or even some foot stomping if necessary!
   
3. Don't forget to come back to the chorus, or another verse in the end.
   

Poll: Name That Bridge

I once got to spend 6 months living two blocks from this beautiful bridge. Can you guess where it is?

(Click for answer)
If you can't see the poll, just click here. (Once you vote, you'll be able to see other people's answers, too.)