COUNTRY NOTES

The NSAI bulletin for the Los Angeles area Workshop

September-October 2000

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The Complete Song Wheel

In Nashville, it’s not unusual to hear a publisher say, “This is a good song, but it’s not a great song. We have plenty of good songs, so we only need great songs. If we hope to write a hit, we need to find a way to bring our songs to the next level. What separates “good songs” from “great songs”?

Whether our goal is to write a hit or simply to write the best songs we’re capable of, there’s a lot to be learned from professional writers who’ve experienced music business success. Nashville Pro writers Kim Copeland and Susan Tucker have developed The Complete Song Wheel, a system that can guide us in making sure our songs incorporate all the elements that increase the likelihood that our songs will touch the lives and hearts of a wide audience.

While good vs. great certainly a subjective to a large extent, the songs that break through will invariably be strong in all six elements of the Complete Song Wheel. A good song, on the other hand, might be well-crafted, but be lacking in a unique, original idea. A good song might have a fantastic idea but lack believability or a catchy, memorably melody.

Fortunately, incorporating the elements of the Complete Song Wheel is a skill that can be taught and practiced. Kim and Sue were generous enough to develop a series of six lessons for us to use at our Mini-Song Camp workshops. In October and November, we will study Elements 3 and 4, Focused Lyrics and Memorable Hooks. Join us!
 

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September-October '00 Workshop Schedule

Workshop Location
Unless otherwise noted, workshops are held from 4-7p.m. at Musician's Institute, 1655 McCadden Place, just off Hollywood Blvd. in Hollywood. Admission is free for NSAI members, $10 for non-members. For more information, call Craig Lackey at (310)319-9454 or email Seth Jackson at webmaster.hitmeister@mindspring.com.
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Member News
Dan Nahmod has a new CD of original romantic jazz songs. The CD, “Twilight Time”, is available from Amazon.com or by calling 888-964-6683.

Seth Jackson’s new CD, “The Music Lives On”, a tribute to the Jerry Garcia, is available at www.mp3.com/SethJackson.

Got Email?

Send your email address to Craiglack@aol.com to keep informed of the latest workshop activities and last-minute updates.


Los Angeles Area NSAI Members - DO YOU HAVE: Let us know, so we can tell the world what you're up to! Submit to Country Notes by sending e-mail to webmaster.hitmeister@mindspring.com. Submissions must be received by 12:00 noon on the 15th of each month for the following month's issue.

Items will be printed subject to space and editorial limitations. 

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NSAI LOS ANGELES WORKSHOP VOLUNTEERS

EDITOR:
Seth Jackson

WORKSHOP COORDINATORS:
Seth Jackson
Craig Lackey

EVENT COORDINATOR:
Cathy Carlson

TO GET INVOLVED:
send email to craiglack@aol.com

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