Arranging for Songwriters: Visualizing Your Song Arrangement, Instrumentation, Music Production @Berklee_Online
Arranging for Songwriters: Visualizing Your Song Arrangement, Instrumentation, Music Production  @Berklee_Online
Uploaded June 2024 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
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In this video from the Berklee Online course, Arranging for Songwriters: Instrumentation and Production in Songwriting, by Sarah Brindell and Bonnie Hayes, Sarah Brindell provides tips on how to visualize and finalize an arrangement for a song. One of the challenges that comes with writing parts is creating a stylistic unity that ties all these parts together. One way to visualize this unity is by approaching your musical conversation as if it were an actual conversation at a party. The lead vocal would be the popular kid, the one that effortlessly gets the attention of the crowd, while the response part would be the sidekicks, offering affirmation. The main rhythm part can be seen as the vocalist’s date, and the bass and drum might be thought of as the hosts. You can picture all the people gradually leaving while a couple stays and have a conversation quietly, and translate that in your arrangement.

Learn more about this course: berkonl.in/3X7WeJ3

About Bonnie Hayes and Sarah Brindell:

Bonnie Hayes is the program director for Berklee Online’s Master of Arts in Songwriting degree. She has more than 35 years of experience as an educator, songwriter, producer, performer, and recording artist. During her career, she has been signed to five record deals and five writing deals, and toured as a side musician with Billy Idol and Cris Williamson. She has written songs for Bonnie Raitt, Cher, Bette Midler, David Crosby, Robert Cray, Adam Ant, and Booker T. & the MG’s, and produced more than 40 records. She designed and implemented the youth program for the Blue Bear School of Music in San Francisco, and has taught piano, guitar, theory, songwriting, and composition to thousands of students at institutions throughout the US.

Sarah Brindell is a songwriter, arranger, producer, musician, and associate professor at Berklee College of Music. With touring credits around the world, she has shared the stage and recorded with many renowned artists including Norah Jones, Carole King, and Raul Midon. Her original songs can be heard on many television shows including MTV’s “Made.” She conducts clinics nationwide and internationally, and continually helps thousands of students to reach their full potential as professional musicians and songwriters.

About Berklee Online:
Founded in 2002, Berklee Online is the premier innovator and largest provider of worldwide music education, offering the renowned curriculum of Berklee College of Music at a fraction of the cost through award-winning programming and instruction. Contact an Academic Advisor today:
1-866-BERKLEE (US)
1-617-747-2146 (international callers)
advisors@online.berklee.edu

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Berklee Online | Online Course | Course Overview | Berklee College of Music | Sarah Brindell | Bonnie Hayes | Billy Idol | Gotye | Kimbra | Bonnie Raitt | Cher | Bette Midler | David Crosby | Robert Cray | Adam Ant | Carole King | Norah Jones | Prosody | Arranging | Song Arrangement | Songwriting | Lyricism | Lyrics | Music Production | Vocals | Rhythm Section | Instruments
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Arranging for Songwriters: Visualizing Your Song Arrangement, Instrumentation, Music Production

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