Old-Time Banjo

OLD-TIME BANJO I - BEGINNING

Learn to play old-time banjo from the ground up – no experience required. In this class, students will learn the ins and outs of the banjo style most commonly referred to today as “clawhammer.” Rooted in a down picking pattern using the thumb & forefinger, this efficient and versatile banjo method is a great way to get acquainted with the old-time Appalachian and Ozark Mountains traditional repertoire, and a solid introduction to stringed instruments, in general. We’ll break down this down-picking style into its most basic components, and learn new tunes in the process. Students must provide their own banjo. Personal recording devices strongly encouraged.

OLD-TIME BANJO II - INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED

Continue beyond the basics with advanced old-time techniques such as drop-thumbing, while playing more challenging songs and fiddle tunes. You’ll work more with alternate tunings and gain advanced techniques as you add tunes to your repertoire.

Old-Time Fiddle

FIDDLE I - BEGINNING

Begin with the basics of fiddling and learn to play simple tunes in no time. We’ll learn the A and D major scales, and start with simple melodies. Then we’ll learn several standard fiddle tunes that teach you how to play by ear and bow with confidence. In short time, you will have a small repertoire of standard fiddle tunes and be well on your way to learning many more.

FIDDLE II - INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED

Continue developing fundamental techniques: learning by ear, improving intonation, and gaining control of your bow. Learn some tunes in different keys. At this level, you'll start feeling the rhythm that defines the fiddle.

Acoustic Guitar

GUITAR I - BEGINNING

Your musical journey starts here. Learn chords, simple strums, and tuning in a fun, relaxed group setting. You’ll be introduced to the basic elements of rhythm and harmony that will have you making music in no time! Guitar 1 is for the absolute beginner.

GUITAR II - INTERMEDIATE

Learn new chords and ways of playing and connecting them with bass runs, arpeggios, and using a capo. Discover different rhythms and pick out some melodies. Before taking Guitar 2, you should play basic open chords in the keys of A, D, E, and G, smoothly without losing the beat.

Old-Time String Band Ensemble

ENSEMBLE I - OLD TIME STRING BAND

For students who have finished with the introductory courses for their instruments, this class gives fiddles, banjos, guitars, and more a chance to work together to get songs "performance ready” by building the confidence and consistency it takes to make music with others. All students are invited to play and lead songs for the class and even share their own recordings with their teachers and fellow students. String Band Ensemble is a fun and challenging way to dive into creating music with others in a supportive, encouraging atmosphere.

Instruments: Guitar, Fiddle, Banjo, Bass-Upright, Mandolin, Dulcimer, Ukulele