Chord progressions, melody, and lyrics are the basic pillars of a great song, and each requires dedication and practice. In this class, we will examine contemporary hits and classics to figure out the secrets of great songwriters, break songs down to their basic forms, and use that knowledge to inspire our imaginations and creativity! The next hit song has to be written by someone. There’s no reason that someone can’t be you!
All levels, voices, and instruments welcome! This class is instructed by Uton Onyejekwe, an experienced performing artist, arranger, and composer with a diverse background. See his full bio below.
This class is virtual and will take place in a Zoom meeting. Students will receive a meeting ID and password near the start date of the class.
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MEET THE INSTRUCTOR
Uton Onyejekwe is a singer, musician, and actor who has performed in Off Broadway shows and has worked with artists such as Graham Nash, Rachel Chavkin, Dave Malloy, Andrew Lippa, and Aloe Blacc. He has arranged and composed for stage and film, most recently arranging an a cappella version of Bill Withers’ “Lean On Me” for the Navy Memorial Lone Sailor Award presentation honoring the legend. He has performed at prestigious venues such as the United Nations, the Rainbow Room, the Ziegfeld Theatre, 54 Below, and Joe’s Pub. He has recorded with multiple bands in the past, and is currently working on a solo release while continuing to play bass, guitar, and keyboard in multiple bands.
Upright bass, also called string bass or double bass, is a member of the orchestra family. Just as often, however, it appears in jazz, bluegrass, folk, and other genres. With a large hollow body and 4 thick strings, the tones produced by the upright bass are low and rich. The instrument is capable of long, expressive tones when played with a bow; and short, percussive tones when plucked with the strings. String bass is a dynamic and impressive instrument to play!
The oboe is a woodwind and a member of the double-reed family. It is played by blowing air through the reed, attached at the top of the instrument. The reed consists of two very thin pieces of cane, pressed together with a small opening to allow air to pass through. The sound can be high in pitch, but it has a variety of colorful tones, from bright and piercing to low and mysterious.
