 NCSA Songwriters Conference - Open Mic (managed by Larry Jones) |
The first songs written by Larry Jones were done by working out the notes on the piano and writing them down on manuscript paper. After being taught some scales and chords by Nana Jones—this certainly was a form of encouragement—the songs started flowing off the piano keys. This was the procedure from 1954 until the mid 60s when he aquired his first tape recorder. Now they could all go dawn on tape. By this time the guitar was the first instrument of songwriting. Many years and many songs later came the first formal instruction in songwriting. The melodies became more vibrant and the lyrics more well crafted to the song theme. Associations with many other aspiring songwriters in NCSA (Northern California Songwriters Association), now WCS (West Coast Songwriters), provided much support, education and comparisons of work. There were many song publishers, producers, professional writers and experienced singer/songwriters available for instruction, evaluation, tips and demonstration. Larry became involved.
Songwriting is like writing a three minute story; the beginning, the middle, the end; the picture and the emotion. The marriage of melody and lyric; all these and more are the basic requirements of a good song.
There were many great songwriting seminars and workshops within NCSA and in local Colleges.
A few that Larry took part in are:
Steve Seskin - Singer/songwriter. Hit songs: Grown Men Don't Cry - Tim McGraw, Wrong - Waylon Jennings.
Jai Josephs - Teacher. Author of: Writing Music for Hit Songs.
Jana Stanfield - Singer/songwriter. Author of: Making and Selling Your Own CDs & Cassettes.
Steve Wilson - Educator/musician/conductor. Faculty of Cabrillo Comunity College.
