DESCRIPTION:
Chart-topping songwriter, Kara DioGuardi, talks to students at the Berklee Performance Center, December 17, 2013, with Bonnie Hayes, Chair of the Songwriting Department.

DioGuardi is one of the world's most successful contemporary songwriters; her work has appeared on more than 160 million albums. She has authored over 50 charting singles with artists like Katy Perry, P!nk, Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Gwen Stefani, Colbie Caillait, Rascal Flatts, and Celine Dion, in addition to judging seasons eight and nine of the hit FOX show American Idol.

Hayes, who has written songs for Bonnie Raitt, Cher, Bette Midler, David Crosby, Robert Cray, Adam Ant, and Booker T and the MGs, and produced more than 40 records, began her tenure at Berklee on September 2, 2013. Hayes brings to Berklee 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 designed the 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 U.S. Hayes is a native of the San Francisco Bay Area and has spent time living in Los Angeles and New York.