Only 'private eyes' see Oates seminar

I appreciate unique experiences, especially when they have anything to do with writing.
And that’s just what several North Penn High School music students and I, among others, got Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Lansdale Center for the Performing Arts when legendary singer-songwriter and North Wales native John Oates conducted a songwriting workshop ahead of a solo gig later the same evening at the LCPA.
He and Daryl Hall — as Hall & Oates — are one of the most successful duos in rock and roll history. In fact, I’d be hard pressed to name a duo that has had more success for such a long period of time, more than four decades now.
Oates told the would-be songwriters a lot of things that apply to writing in general: learn from people you respect; study the people you like; keep a journal; and don’t be afraid to express emotion in one’s writing.
It was a real treat to listen to Oates describe his craft in such an intimate setting. The LCPA is big on providing arts education, and Oates was gracious to share his insights with the 30 or so people who were invited to attend.
Among the additional highlights for me, though, was the inclusion of two young singer-songwriters that are big in the Philly music scene right now – Carsie Blanton and Mutlu. The Blonde Accountant and I are big fans of both and we’ve seen them both at area venues several times.
As one of the North Penn students pointed out after the seminar, it was cool to see the experienced songwriter Oates contrast and interact with the younger songwriters Carsie and Mutlu.
Who would have thought a boy from rural Illinois would one day sit down with John Oates – whose music I grew up on – and discuss writing?
That’s just too cool.