Mystic Arts Center (MAC) will begin a new songwriting class taught by acclaimed singer and songwriter Linda Bonadies, as part of their summer class offerings for teens. The class, Songwriting and the Art of Being Yourself, begins July 10 and will meet weekly for five weeks. The session will culminate in a concert performance at MAC’s galleries on August 14th at 8pm. Students will perform their original compositions to the public.

This class is open to all levels of musicians and songwriters ages thirteen to seventeen. Students will bring their instrument to MAC’s studio and learn lyric writing, song structure, and the interplay of melody, harmony and rhythm. Each class will include discussion, share time, lyric and music lessons, analysis and critique, and assignments to take home. The classes are designed to help students embrace their own unique voices as they learn about the many layers of songwriting.

The course instructor, Linda Bonadies is a Connecticut singer/songwriter with roots in Mystic. She has won honors in many songwriting competitions including the Indie Acoustic Project, the Pacific Songwriting Competition and the Unisong International Songwriting Contest. Trained as a composer, Bonadies earned a degree from Bucknell University and went on to pursue a Master’s Degree in Music Composition from the Hartt School of Music.

Bonadies has worked with both children and adults in an array of songwriting projects including private instruction and concert productions. Some of her past projects include: “Songwriting to Kids” at Bear Path Elementary School and the musical production of the original play “Mommy I’m a Princess” as well as two albums as a solo artist.

Songwriting and the Art of Being Yourself will meet Tuesdays from 4:15 - 5:45pm from July 10 through August 7, 2012. Cost to attend is $75 for members and $90 for the public. To register call 860.536.7601 x213.

Mystic Arts Center (MAC) supports culture and creativity in Southeastern, CT. MAC's historic location houses an education wing, five art galleries and a permanent collection. MAC is open daily from 11 am – 5 pm and is located at 9 Water Street in downtown Mystic. Visit MAC on the web at www.mysticarts.org and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mysticartscenter or call 860.536.7601 for more information.