[pullquote quote="Music is an important thread culturally. There's no greater thread than the arts." credit="Gavin DeGraw on the importance of music education"]“It started out with an idea Ryan had – a groove intro kind of thing” starts [lastfm]Gavin DeGraw[/lastfm], describing the genesis of his new single “Not Over You.” That Ryan he mentions is master songwriter and producer [lastfm]Ryan Tedder[/lastfm], known for helping craft some of today’s most recognizable pop and rock songs. The two worked together on songs for DeGraw’s new album Sweeter, DeGraw’s fourth studio album, due out on September 20th.
A talented instrumentalist, [lastfm]Gavin DeGraw[/lastfm] jumped at the chance to participate in the Master Class series and support the VH1 Save The Music Foundation, a cause he’s been involved with frequently in the past. Watch as DeGraw sits down at the piano and shares the secrets to playing his new single “Not Over You” for this week’s Master Class music lesson.

Gavin DeGraw’s Master Class: learn to play “Not Over You“

[pullquote quote="Dreams: that's where I have to go, to see your beautiful face anymore." credit="Gavin DeGraw in'Not Over You'"]As he’s done all throughout his career, [lastfm]Gavin DeGraw[/lastfm] drew from personal experiences when writing songs for Sweeter. At first glance it might seem that themes of heartbreak dominate the record, with titles like “Not Over You” and “In Love With A Girl.” But upon further inspection Sweeter reveals its creator as a man who’s facing life head-on, unafraid to admit his faults and learn from mistakes, romantic or otherwise.

Throughout the month of August [lastfm]Gavin DeGraw[/lastfm] is featured in VH1′s “Posted” series, sending video updates from the road as he tours the U.S. with [lastfm]Maroon 5[/lastfm] and [lastfm]Train[/lastfm]. Check out this video DeGraw sent in before playing the Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado.

[lastfm]Gavin DeGraw[/lastfm]‘s new album Sweeter is due out this September 20th on RCA Records. Pre-order now at iTunes and Amazon. For his latest tour dates visit DeGraw’s Last.fm Events page.

Previously on Master Classes:

• Colbie Caillat’s Master Class: Learn To Play “Make It Rain”

Stay tuned for more Master Classes, brought to you by Energizer in proud partnership with the VH1 Save The Music Foundation. Now that’s positive energy.