Classes

The banjo is ideal for playing chords and it’s easier than many instruments for learning to play the melody… and it’s fun! This class is for learning basic techniques on the right and left hands and helping them work together with your brain. We will start playing tunes and songs ‘by ear’. We will begin…

Since the dawn of man, the rhythm bones have passed from hand to hand, becoming one of the most widely played instruments in the world. In this one-session workshop, Hubby will demonstrate how to hold the bones and break down simple rhythms that’ll get you playing in no time.

Being from the “loving-all-kinds-of-fiddling-styles” school, I would like to offer a class on the language of fiddle styles. What makes an Irish tune sound Irish? (and how do they make those neat ornamental sounds?), an old-time tune sound old timey? (rhythm with the bow, emphasis on the correct syllable), How do those Quebecois fiddlers do…

We will study and perform music from the string band traditions of rural America. Additionally, Nova Scotia, Quebecois, Irish, New England, Scandinavian, African American, dance, and ballad traditions will also be explored with listening, practice, and performing components. Emphasis on ensemble intuition, playing by ear, and lifetime personal music making skills (transposition, harmonizing, etc.). Violin,…

This class will be geared towards the experienced guitarists among us who have played some gigs, already know more than just basic chord forms, can play some single note lines when they’re needed, and never have touched a brown M&M for their entire careers. We will have a relaxed but challenging week of exploring soloing…

This workshop focuses on Appalachian blues guitar. Learn various tunes from Appalachia. Explore some of the most prominent players of Appalachian blues guitar. This class will be studying artists Rev. Gary Davis, John Jackson, Carl Martin, Brownie McGhee Luke Jordan and many more. Recommend that students have some experience with fingerpicking.

This class begins by introducing students to guitar parts and common terms. We will then start strumming chords “in rhythm” with familiar songs and connect by playing together; even if participants have different levels of “beginning’ experience. Tuning and simplifying your approach will help everyone play at their own pace using whichever technique you are…

Piedmont blues guitar is characterized by an alternating thumb that evokes stride piano. In this class, Hubby will share techniques and exercises while teaching a few of his favorite beginner-friendly songs. Come ready to drill til you kill it.

Learn the basics of early American fingerpicking guitar and technique. The emphasis of this course will be alternating bass. Examining the styles of Mississippi John Hurt and Elizabeth Cotten and their classic riffs and licks. Recommend that students can play first position chords for this course. This will be an ideal class for individuals who…

This class will have you picking and strumming your guitar like nobody’s business. We’ll focus on various fingerpicking styles as well as working on some basic and out-of-the-box strumming techniques that are sure to put a new twist on your playing style. The class will cover group instruction as well as some one-on-one time, playing…

We’ll work on all the basics like breathing, tone, lip pursing vs. tongue blocking, articulation, ear training, harp positions, phrasing & tips on how to get the most out of your practice sessions. Even if you’re not a beginner this class is extremely helpful in honing your harp skills and getting you to that next…

We’ll take a deep dive into all aspects of improvising including working on building solos, tone & attack, harp positions & phrasing. We’ll explore “ Thinking like a horn player” by learning fills & simple melodic lines. You should bring multiple key harps to this class. I recommend A, C, D, F, G & Bb

This class will be geared towards both the players just getting their feet wet on the mandolin to those that have made some progress advancing on this lovely and versatile instrument. Basic techniques involving backup and rhythm styles will be covered as well as learning some interesting and fun tunes to add to your repertoire….

Sing your way into the day! We’ll wake up our bodies and voices with gentle warm-ups, breathing, and movement before diving into songs that spark energy and connection. Expect a mix of folk tunes, rounds, and easy-to-learn songs taught by ear — music to lift the heart and start the morning with joy.

How to find your calm and peaceful center in the eye of the storm….in the eye of the energy of expression. How to claim space on stage and be in the beautiful and exciting moment of performing. Exploring the world of “owning it”! Experience being your authentic self and in the flow with an audience….

Together we’ll listen to and learn old Appalachian songs and new originals from experts like Hazel Dickens & Alice Gerrard, The Carter Family, and Gillian Welch & Dave Rawlings. We’ll begin each class in a large group with vocal warm-ups and will make time to break out into smaller groups to focus on part-singing. We’ll…

You’ve got your words and you’ve got your music-Now what? Is the song ready for prime time? In this class we’re going to talk about those finishing touches that truly complete the song and make it sparkle and shine!

Let’s get down to the bones of songwriting by delving into what’s in your heart from a place of truth and emotion. This class will focus on the many tips and tools of the songwriting trade, including ways to develop a daily writing practice from within. We will engage in interactive co-writing exercises and explore…

What is your origin story? What wonderful details make you who you are and how can they be harnessed into writing great songs? This class will be focused on beginning songwriting techniques. We’ll dive into the basics and work on specific songwriting prompts to get you thinking about the roots, myths and magic that are…

How often are you stuck with lyrics that feel “generic” and uninteresting? Join me as we explore ways to generate sense-bound imagery for your songs! I’ll start the hour by showing you some in-class writing techniques to get you thinking about ways to “show not tell” your story. Some of the writing prompts we’ll learn…

Ella Fitzgerald said, “The only thing better than singing is more singing.” So we will sing some more! We’ll focus on songs with good, singable choruses, and learn harmony parts to a few of them. Songs will be chosen with an eye towards the repertoire class I have taught in the past, so hopefully there…

We will learn real-world sound skills and wander through some “big picture” theory without getting too technical. Much of what makes good sound is really basic: troubleshooting hums, buzzes and feedback, setting up the stage well, monitoring levels in the right places, and having good communication between the engineer and the performer. We will demonstrate…

Singing is fun! Inside each of us lives a beautiful and unique instrument! In this class, we will move our bodies, soften our hearts, open our mouths and let our voices out to play! With an emphasis on vocal health and self care, we will warm-up and work-out daily to help relax, strengthen and be…