|
|
Our Classes
for 2011
Jams
Note that we'll have
six classes that are jam sessions;
please see their listing here.
Banjo
Banjo, the Next Step
(Level 2), Gerald Jones: This course is designed for
(1) people who are just starting out, (2) who have
started playing the banjo and stopped out of
frustration, and (3) those who might be afraid that
they’re not good enough to hang with the rest of the
class. The course features the basic skills necessary
that you need to develop to play the banjo well. Basic
left hand techniques like hammering on and pulling off a
string. Basic right hand techniques like how to place
and hold your right hand and how to anchor the ring and
pinky fingers. He’ll also cover the three basic right
hand rolls, basic rhythm (vamping) and timing and tone
concepts, basic chord forms in the key of G, and common
tunes to help pull it all together.
Banjo Techniques
(Level 3), Matt Flinner: Start with some standard
bluegrass songs. You know the chords already, and you
know the patterns that you play on them when, say,
accompanying a singer. Now let's look at some new
approaches to those backups. Let's find some new fills
and build some new small-and progressively
larger-patterns that can be eventually used for
improvisation. And while you're at it, let's discuss
some techniques for melodic playing, and generally
explore new ways of doing what you already do.
Advanced Banjo
(Level 4), Gerald Jones: The advanced banjo player will
explore the concepts of good musicianship (good
listening skills) and the Five Ts: Taste, Touch, Tone,
Timing and Tuning. You’ll cover playing with other
instruments and vocalists in a band setting, and also in
a jam setting when there is more than one banjo
playing. You’ll learn how to play solid backup banjo
behind another banjo player who is playing a lead, and
you’ll cover harmony and counter melodies. And you’ll
have fun doing it.
Bass
Upright Bass
(Level 1-up), Cary Black: This class will focus on ways
to develop efficient, comfortable technique, with
emphasis on playing in tune and with precise timing.
We'll learn the role of the bass in several roots music
styles, listening for the appropriate note choices, and
learning how to find them in various locations on the
fingerboard. We will study when and how to include
passing tones, neighbor tones, arpeggios, and scale runs
to make our bass parts more dynamic and supportive.
Bass
Guitar
(Level 1-up), Cary Black: Here we address the special
challenges involved in making the electric bass blend
well in acoustic music settings. While learning the
role of the bass, we will feature concepts and
techniques specific to the bass guitar, and apply them
to roots music styles including folk, bluegrass,
country, blues, and swing. Topics will also include
instrument setup, amplification, and acoustic
“etiquette.”
Musicianship for Bassists
(Level 3 and 4; upright and electric bass; open to audit
for anyone), Cary Black: We'll look at some ideas for
expanding our musical horizons, to enhance our enjoyment
and progress as bassists. Areas we'll work on:
practical applications of chord/scale theory; hearing
chord progressions; ensemble skills; rhythm and
syncopation; chart notation; walking bass; and soloing.
Fiddle
Intro to Fiddle
(Level 1), Marianne Danehy: Learn the basics of playing
the fiddle in this course designed for beginners. You’ll
learn to hold the fiddle and bow, how to tune the
instrument, and how to produce good tone. Then we’ll
move on to single octave scales, controlling longer
bows, the standard shuffle, and simple fiddle songs in
the keys of D and A. You’ll also learn the basics of
note reading.
Become One with Your Fiddle
(Level 2), Kailin Yong: This is essentially a 5-day
crash course on how to play the fiddle. We will touch on
everything from how to hold your instrument, basic left
and right hand techniques and how to develop them
organically, to general tips and advice on how to
practice without "hurting yourself". The main focus of
this class is to give an overview of the myriad
possibilities of the fiddle and how to develop a
connection with your instrument, regardless of age or
skill level. At least a half hour each day will be
dedicated to a Q & A type discussion/clinic so we can
explore more in depth specific techniques that students
are interested in pursuing.
Canadian Old-Time fiddle
(Level 2), Shane Cook: Fiddle music was brought to
Canada by those who settled here, including the French,
Irish, Scottish, Scandinavians, Germans, East Europeans
and Americans. Some of this music has remained
relatively unchanged, but much of it has evolved with
the passage of time and the intermingling of styles and
traditions. One result is a national style of dance
music known as Canadian old-time fiddle. This tradition
includes jigs, reels, waltzes, polkas, two-steps, clogs,
waltz-clogs and rags. In this class you will learn
several Canadian old-time tunes and look closely at the
bowings that make this music so danceable. Bringing a
recording device is recommended though not required.
Fiddle Without Boundaries
(Level 3), Kailin Yong: The fiddle is one of the most
versatile instruments. Its beauty and affinity to the
human voice has been widely revered and recognized for
thousands of years around the world. We can find it in
jazz clubs, bluegrass jams, Indian ragas, gypsy caravan
rides through France and Romania, the Carnegie Hall, the
Appalachian Foothills, in the Middle East, in
Scandinavia, weaving stories of love, heartbreak and joy
of the people, for the people. This class seeks to
explore the commonality between different folk music
from around the world and help illuminate the
similarities between each culture in hopes of inspiring
peace, love and friendship. Come explore how by adding
little slides and spices and trills and turns will take
us magically from one country to another exotic
landscape. Bring your axe and we will journey through
time, space and cultures together!
Irish Fiddle
(Level 3), Shane Cook: This class will focus on the
jigs, reels, hornpipes and polkas that make up the dance
music of Ireland. While learning some great Irish tunes
we will cover the basics of style and how to make your
fiddling sound more Irish. The daily lessons will cover
bowing, the proper use of ornaments, such as rolls and
cuts, and also how to use melodic variations to keep
your playing interesting yet traditional at the same
time. In addition, you will learn basic etiquette for
joining in an Irish session and how to get the most out
of this invaluable learning experience. Bringing a
recording device is recommended though not required.
Fiddle Talk: Mystery of Improvisation Unlocked
(Level 4), Kailin Yong: Many of us find the word
"improvisation" which essentially means "making stuff
up" to be a concept that is at once exotic and cool, as
well as terrifying and unattainable. This class seeks to
unlock the mystery of how to improvise on your
instrument using an approach that is akin to our daily
communication through words and gestures. We will work
on creating music "on the fly" as a group and
individually. We will also touch on improvisation within
certain musical styles and breaking it down into smaller
elemental building blocks.
Bluegrass Fiddle
(Level 4), Shane Cook: Bluegrass is a blend of old-time
fiddling and country music, gospel music blues, swing
and more. It was invented in the 1940s by such folks as
Bill Monroe, Earl Scruggs and Ralph and Carter Stanley.
In this class you will learn several tunes and look at
the chords that these melodies are built on. We will
explore ways to vary the melody and improvise new
melodies altogether. We will also apply common bluegrass
bowing patterns, swing rhythms and double stops.
Bringing a recording device is recommended though not
required.
Guitar
Which End Do I Blow Into?
(Level 1), Flip Breskin: Take just 3 chords, plus 100
great songs. Add the tools needed to fit them together
by ear: hearing rhythms, predicting chord changes,
singing and playing at the same time, getting the most
out of practice time.
Intro to Fingerpicking
(Level 2), Doug Smith: You’ll learn basic picking
patterns and get your right hand going. You’ll start
with basic bass/chord, bass/arpeggio patterns with your
thumb and fingers, and you’ll be amazed to make some
very beautiful music from techniques that are within
your grasp. Doug will work with you on making your
strings ring clearly, clean articulation, good rhythm,
and many more fundamentals that will benefit all aspects
of your playing. You should know the chords G, C, D, A,
E, F, Em, Am and Dm.
Guitar, the Next Step
(Level 2), Tim May: You can get around some chords, but
transitions can still be a bit, um, exciting. Tim will
show you tips for moving easily from one chord to the
next. He’ll also help you establish good right and left
hand techniques and show you how to achieve the best
tone. You’ll look at some basic rhythm techniques,
including shuffles and waltzes. You’ll also get an
introduction to basic lead melody playing via the style
of Maybelle Carter, which incorporates melody and
accompaniment at the same time.
Intro to Swing Rhythm
(Level 3), Cyd Smith: Learn to play moveable 3-note
chords all over the guitar neck. We'll focus on learning
some basic chord shapes and how to make your swing
rhythms really swing. And we'll learn some classic swing
tunes to put your new chords to use.
Intermediate Fingerstyle Guitar
(Level 3), Doug Smith: In this course, you’ll expand on
normal pattern picking, play some more advanced
arpeggios and add melody notes, and possibly venture
into the Travis pattern. Doug will have exercises to
help you develop your techniques in the right hand, and
scales for left-hand finger independence. You’ll also
look at ways of identifying technical roadblocks, and of
isolating and improving your technique.
Soloing for Intermediate Guitarists
(Level 3), Raul Reynoso: You can play some chords and
have played some tunes, but haven’t really ventured into
the world of soloing. In this class, Raul will get you
started on improvisation. You’ll work on learning the
chord tones and passing tones which are available based
on the harmonic context (the chords). Raul will discuss
building a library of ready-to-play riffs that you can
work into your playing. It’ll be hands-on and you’ll
have a chance—if you want—to try out your riffs in a
low-pressure, mistake-friendly environment.
Intermediate Bluegrass Guitar
(Level 3), Tim May: Bluegrass is a hard-driving style
that really challenges your playing; if you can play it,
you can play several other styles more easily. Tim will
show you some left and right hand workouts that will
improve your lead playing and prepare you for the
wonderful world of improvisation. You’ll also explore
the concepts of crosspicking and double-stops, and learn
to add a little spice to the way you approach solos for
vocal songs.
Advanced Fingerstyle Guitar
(Level 4), Doug Smith: In this class, you’ll work on
some more complex pieces, get new ideas for right- and
left-hand articulations, including tapping, and explore
more “outside” tonalities. You’ll also take a good look
at technical barriers that are keeping you from hitting
your next level.
Soloing for Advanced Guitarists
(Level 4), Raul Reynoso: This is an extension of
Soloing for Intermediate Guitarists, and is our only
class that requires audition. You’ll look at some more
techniques such as sweep picking, arpeggios, and more
patterns that you can incorporate into a variety of
situations.
Advanced Flatpicking Guitar
(Level 4), Tim May: Tim will give you some workouts
that will improve your speed and clarity. You’ll study
advanced crosspicking and left hand techniques to help
you move up and down the fingerboard more efficiently,
as well as improve your improvisation skills.
Ergonomics for Musicians
(Level 1-4), Flip Breskin: Your real instrument is your
own body. It all starts inside your skin. Now add one
instrument, your brain, your wide open heart, and find
ways to teach (and learn from) your body as gently and
efficiently as possible. Avoid repetitive motion
injuries by understanding what happens from your
fingertips on back. Practice doesn't make Perfect, it
makes Permanent; you can practice less and still learn
more. You’ll play every chord a million times, so set
yourself up to be safe! Listen to your hands. Relax.
This class works well for all levels of players, from
real beginners through professionals. Take an hour a day
for a week to rework your form for a lifetime of
playing.
Mandolin
Intro to Mandolin
(Level 1), Dave Firestine: We will cover all the
basics: listening, rhythm, relaxing, how to hold the
mandolin comfortably, holding the pick, tuning, pick
direction, rhythm, fun ways to practice, playing finger
friendly chords, left and right hand technique and
coordination, more rhythm, and playing (music) with
others. The goal for each student will be different
according to his or her needs. We will seek out bad
habits and destroy them, and we will learn Dave’s First
Rule of Rhythm, and the Universal chord
Mandolin, the Next Step
(Level 2), Matt Flinner: This is for players who know a
few chords, can strum along with a few songs and can
maybe play a few melodies. We'll look at a few easy
standard bluegrass and fiddle tunes, and work on
switching back and forth between lead and back up as one
would in a jam situation. We'll also look at some
exercises for the right and left hands to help with
tone, rhythm and volume.
Irish Mandolin, Techniques and Tunes
(Level 3), Dave Firestine: In this class we will
explore the mystery of playing Irish tunes on the
Mandolin. We will work mainly with jigs and reels as we
learn about picking techniques, Irish ornaments, and
what makes an Irish tune sound Irish. We will learn the
standard picking patterns for jigs and reels, many ways
to play “triplets” and even more ways to have fun with
these great melodies.
Intermediate Mandolin
(Level 3), Gerald Jones: We'll look at some standard
bluegrass songs and learn how to play melodies using
“position playing” and double stops. We'll move these
positions to various keys to give you a better knowledge
of the fingerboard and more flexibility in coming up
with melodies on the spot.
Advanced Mandolin
(Level 4), Matt Flinner: You'll learn ways to more
fully exploit the mandolin in its dual roles as a solo
and accompaniment instrument. Topics covered, skill
levels permitting, will be improvisation and creating
variations to common tunes, exercises for improving
tone, volume and speed, and some theory-based exercises
(knowledge of music theory is not a prerequisite).
We'll also talk about ways of practicing to make the
most of your time.
Everything else
Harmony Singing
(Level All), Penny Nichols: Have you ever wanted to
learn to sing in harmony better, how to do it and where
it is appropriate in a song? You will have a chance to
experience for yourself the fun and unique qualities of
singing in harmony and how to begin to master the skills
needed to sing in harmony well. You will learn
listening techniques, how to recognize chordal
relationships and how harmony fits into a melodic
landscape. Join us for a fun and empowering experience!
Music Theory for Folk Musicians
(Level All), Cyd Smith: How does music theory apply to
your instrument? We'll start with scales, move on to
chord progressions, play with colorful notes you can add
to make your basic chords more interesting, and explore
how theory can improve your listening, arranging, and
improvising skills.
Songwriting: the Intersection of Inspiration, Skill
Development and Focus
(Level All), Penny Nichols: If you have an interest in
learning to write your own songs, or if you have been
doing it for years, join Penny for a closer look at how
to create a melody, and how to build a lyric. We'll
experiment with choruses and bridges, with rhyme schemes
and genres. We'll talk about how to silence The Critic
Within and when (on occasion) to listen to it. We will
be doing exercises to bring out the songwriter in each
one of us and who knows, by the end of the class, you
too may have a new song to sing!
Vocal Technique
(Level All), Penny Nichols: Penny will be teaching
basic singing skills for anyone who would like to
explore singing in a relaxed and friendly setting. You
will learn exercises to relax your body and prepare for
singing, to work with pitch perception and tone as well
as exercises to strengthen your voice and to use your
body to resonate sound. You will leave with a whole new
set of tools to help you become the singer you want to
be!
|