Songwriting Classes are Coming to the Barron

You've got the music in you, and a class can help you learn to express it.

"Yes, You Can Write A Song", a practical songwriting class taught by veteran music instructor and recording artist Jeff Saxon, starts on March 10 and runs for six Saturday afternoons.

It's appropriate for songwriters of all levels, as well as those who simply are curious about how songs are written. The topics to be covered include how to start and develop a song. essential lyrical and musicial terms, rhyming types and techniques, song structure, musical figures and hooks, chord types and how to use them and more.

Students will learn how to evaluate popular songs of all styles, both past and present, in detail to illuminate the topics covered in the class. Students will have the option of bringing in a song or lyric in progress to get an evaluation and ideas for improvement.

The only pre-requisite for the class is a strong interest in songwriting. Playing a musical instrument (preferably guitar or keyboard) is helpful, but not mandatory.

Saxon, who lives locally, has taught his songwriting classes at music schools, colleges and universities from coast to coast. His songs have been recorded by a number of artists and many of his songs and compositions have appeared in film and TV. The video for his latest single, "High Time For A Hero", is a finalist in the 2012 New Jersey Film Festival for best music video.

The cost of the class is $120.00, which includes a 35-page songwriting booklet written by Saxon. that covers everything taught in the class and much more.

For more information on the class and to request a registration form, email Saxon at info@jeffsaxonmusic.com or contact the Barron Arts Center at 732-634-0413.