Chicks with Picks sent out two of their talented musicians to teach a one hour songwriting class for teens. All of our attendees were already heavily involved in music and either had played local Phoenix venues before with their own band, or were just starting out with their garage band. The local band Scorch Muffin sent their lead singer and guitarist, Alex and Brandon, to the songwriting class to help them get tips on how to go about creating their own song so they could move away from being a cover band.

Rhonda from Chicks with Picks went over the different types of song structures, how to start working on a song, the importance of a good title and how to implement fresh imagery into your words. She even gave them tips on how pitch their songs and music to various singers and producers and shared with us some of the hard life lessons she’s learned from being in the music industry for almost 7 years.

At the end of the class, Rhonda had them create their own song about something they were all familiar with... Bookmans! They jotted down everything they knew about the store- “orange shelves, buy sell and trade, better than Borders, lots of characters, upholstered chairs and wooden tables, art and collectibles section, classes in the backroom, etc.” and with these ideas they built up an entire verse all about our store. The teens were all given an opportunity to stay in touch with Rhonda after the class through e-mail or telephone for advice on the Valley's best studios and producers and opened up the Chicks with Picks organization to them for any help they may need during their musical careers.

Thanks to Rhonda and her guitarist and all the young people who joined us for this Chicks with Picks eye opening experience! You can check out photos from the event on Flickr.