Keyboard Techniques for Songwriters: Voice Leading & Drones on Piano | Bonnie Hayes | Sarah Brindell

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In this video from Keyboard Techniques for Songwriters, a Berklee Online course co-written by Sarah Brindell and Bonnie Hayes, the two instructors sit at a piano and demonstrate accessible, creative ways to build chord progressions and accompany yourself as a songwriter. They explore the concept of voice leading—moving smoothly between chords by keeping shared tones—and show how this approach can simplify hand movement and support vocal performance. Bonnie also introduces drone accompaniment, a powerful technique where stable tones (like perfect 5ths) remain constant in one hand while the other moves through chord roots. You’ll also learn how to build broken drones, double notes, create pedal points, and even experiment with chromatic notes outside the key. These techniques not only open up fresh harmonic textures, but also make it easier to sing and play simultaneously—even for beginners.

Learn more about this course: https://berkonl.in/4lIomvQ

ABOUT BONNIE HAYES
Bonnie Hayes is the former chair of Berklee’s Songwriting department and program director of the Berklee Online Master of Arts in Songwriting program. 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.

ABOUT SARAH BRINDELL
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 was a finalist in the Song of the Year contest as part of VH1’s Save the Music Foundation, as well as the Billboard World Song Contest. A Summa Cum Laude graduate from Boston University, she holds a Master's degree in Music Education, and teaches courses in songwriting, harmony, ear training, arranging, and stage performance.

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Keyboard Techniques for Songwriters | Piano | Songwriting | Voice Leading | Drones | Bonnie Hayes | Sarah Brindell | Bonnie Raitt | Billy Idol | Cris Williamson | Cher | Norah Jones | Carole King | Berklee Online