By Jorge Casuso

August 7, 2024 -- It took R.E.M. lead guitarist Peter Buck 10 minutes to fashion the melody for "Losing My Religion."

Black Sabbath took 30 minutes to come up with the music and lyrics for "Paranoid."

And Paul McCartney came up with the melody for the Beatles hit "Yesterday" in less than a minute, although the original lyrics were about making scrambled eggs.

“I have no idea how I wrote that," McCartney said. "I just woke up one morning and it was in my head."

Aspiring songwriters hoping to join the rock legends can learn the ropes at a free workshop at the Santa Monica Public Library's Martin Luther King, Jr. Auditorium on Saturday, August 17, from 2 to 3:15 p.m. titled “Write a Song in One Hour.”

The "unique and engaging" workshop for musicians of all levels will be led by musician and educator Matt Collette, event organizers said.

"Attendees will learn to take a song idea, add musical accompaniment, and develop it into a full-length song," they said. "No need to bring an instrument or have prior songwriting experience.

"Just bring your love of music! Matt has a technique to have you playing an instrument in less than two minutes!"

Collette, who is the founder of HRA Studios in West LA, has "mentored young musicians who have played with Grammy award-winning artists Laufey and boygenius, and many others."

The event is the third installment of the Library's four-part "Summer of Strum!" following a beginning ukulele class and a ukulele strum- and sing-along with a top local group.

The series will conclude on September 19 with a ukulele workshop with world renowned teaching artists Heidi Swedberg and Daniel Ward.

For those who feel intimidated by the prospect of composing a song consider: Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards came up with the riff for "Satisfaction" as he was falling asleep in a hotel room.

He played back the recording the next day and heard what is arguably rock-and-roll's most famous riff, “and then me snoring for 40 minutes.”

Library events are free and open to the public. The Santa Monica Public Library, 601 Santa Monica Boulevard, is wheelchair accessible. For disability-related accommodations, call (310) 458-8600 one week prior to event.

Ride your bike or Big Blue Bus. Bicycle parking racks are available at the Library.