The Sims Memorial Library welcomed several students, professors and members of the community to participate in the “America’s Music,” a project developed from a collaboration between the American Library Association, Tribeca Flash Point and the Society for American Music featuring Dr. Joseph Burns, communication professor.
“America’s Music: A Film History of Our Popular Music from Blues to Bluegrass to Broadway,” was funded by a grant, according to Beth West, project coordinator and systems, techonolgies and distance librarian at Sims.  
“We received a grant to host the program,” said West. “Many students came for class, but also because Dr. Burns was leading it, and he is interesting and funny.”
Students and faculty filled the third floor of the library and left no empty seats as Dr. Burns spoke on “What makes a song a hit?” Following Burns’ short lecture, he introduced a panel of musicians and professional songwriters, who answered questions from Burns and the audience.
“Let’s be honest, music, for young people, is something that exists for them,” said Burns. “When I was 20 years old who you listened to was paramount. I wouldn’t date a girl until I sort of found out what her music tastes were because if I’ve got to be locked in a car with you and you’re listening to Minnie Riperton, this isn’t going to go well. I want them to take away that everything in the world of music has no specific answer; that was what I tried to do right at the beginning playing all of the songs. There is no answer. There’s no answer to anything in music. Write a song that makes you the happiest kid in the room, and if you love it someone else is going to love it.”
Although his lecture was brief, Burns provided information based on a study done by students at Rutgers University which detailed a formula for a hit song.
“I thought was very illuminating; the statistics, the science of writing a hit was new to me,” said panelist and songwriter Paul Sanchez . “I always found it interesting when four different songwriters sit on a panel because I learn something. Every time a songwriter has to speak about how he feels about songwriting, I learn something. I thought there was definitely enough info between what professor Burns had to say about statistical analysis and what the others had to say that you could have walked away with some kind of information if you were listening with one ear, let alone both ears.”
Todd Delaney, KSLU general manager, represented the business side of music on the panel, and shared a professional standpoint as to how he decides what music is played, sometimes before it is deemed a hit.
 “I thought it was pretty good,” said Delaney. “It was insightful. It was good to hear from the songwriters and their perspective because on the radio end we get one perspective, but it’s kind of interesting to see what goes into crafting a song and the thoughts behind it. It was interesting to hear what they had to say, and it gives me insight into what I’m missing in some of the music.”
Delaney added that passion is one thing students should have taken from the seminar.
“If you’re passionate about writing music, if you’re passionate about the music industry and you go for it you can make a living, especially today,” Delaney said. “It’s not easy but life isn’t easy. Following your passion is a good way to get through life.”
Students found the hour-long seminar interesting and entertaining and were happy to take part in one of the many events of the America’s Music program.
“I thought it was very informative, interesting and entertaining,” said Brooks Levy, senior communication major. “They had many different people that were educated on the topic give their professional opinion. I learned a lot and enjoyed the entertainment from the speakers. It was worth my time for sure.”
In addition to the information presented, the panel of musicians were entertaining and enthusiastic about the music industry.
“It was very interesting and informative as far as how to write a hit and the formula for writing a hit,” explained Dominique Wells, a senior studying public relations. “The artists they brought were cool, and I liked the priest especially.”
The success of the seminar leads to the program’s final discussion on mambo and hip-hop and ends with a radio show at the close of the program on March 28.
“I was ecstatic,” Burns concluded. “I was at SRO today. You know what that means? Standing room only.”
For more information on upcoming events throughout the remainder of the America’s Music program, visit www.selu.libguides.com/americasmusic or contact project coordinator Beth West at elizabeth.west@selu.edu.