Dusty Strings Music School
|
 Cathy Britell www.cathybritell.com |
Cathy Britell
Sun., July 20, 12:15 - 3:15 p.m., $35.
Start by learning how to tune your autoharp, then explore very basic melodic techniques while learning about using picks and proper instrument position. No experience is necessary. Bring your autoharp, an electronic tuner, a tuning wrench, and two fingerpicks and a thumb pick. A music stand and recording device are also useful. (Contact cathy@larkpoint.com for information on rentals). (L) (M) (R)
[TOP | CONTENTS | WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS | KEY]
Banjo
 W.B. Reid www.wbandbonnie.com |
W.B. Reid
Sat., August 23, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., $35 or $60 for both of this instructor’s workshops.
This entry-level class for banjo beginners will start with tuning the instrument—no, it doesn't take a village!—and the basic bum-ditty frailing (clawhammer) right hand technique. Then on to pull-offs, hammer-ons, and learning your first tune. W.B. is a patient and experienced teacher and will provide course materials that will keep you busy and learning for weeks to come. Questions? Contact wb@wbandbonnie.com or call 206-723-7684. (L) (M) (R)
Beginning Old-Time Clawhammer Banjo II
W.B. Reid
Sat., August 23, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m., $35 or $60 for both of this instructor’s workshops.
This class will start with a review of the basic right hand bum-ditty frailing technique and is appropriate for beginner-to-early-intermediate students, including those from the morning class. You'll learn a second tuning and be introduced to "double-thumbing" and "drop-thumbing" right-hand techniques, and we'll learn a tune. You'll learn everything you need to practice your way to being a banjo player, and course materials will be provided. Questions? Contact wb@wbandbonnie.com or call 206-723-7684 . (L) (M) (R)
[TOP | CONTENTS | WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS | KEY]
Guitar
 Darren Loucas |
Darren Loucas
Sat., July 12, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., $35 or $60 for both of this instructor’s workshops.
Learn the timeless chord progressions and simple scales that are at the heart of American music. This class will start simple - three chords and five notes later, you'll have the basic ingredients needed to begin expressing the soul of the blues guitar. Darren will provide a few easy recipes and you'll be cookin' in no time. Students will receive tablature of everything covered in the workshop. (M) (R)
Introduction to Blues Soloing for Acoustic Guitar
Darren Loucas
Sat., July 12, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m., $35 or $60 for both of this instructor’s workshops.
Bending notes, stinging slides, and cool rhythmic jabs, it's all here! Learn the language of the blues using simple open-position scales. We'll start with just a few simple licks that will build confidence and get you started playing those blues guitar solos you love. Come away with a bunch of authentic licks, tips, and tricks. Students will receive tablature of everything covered in the workshop. (M) (R)
 Eric Madis www.ericmadis.com |
Eric Madis
Sat., August 2, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., $35 or $60 for both of this instructor’s workshops.
Learn the rudiments of ragtime blues fingerpicking, a style which employs an alternating-thumb bass to allow the other fingers to improvise and play melodies. We will cover a traditional blues tune and thumb/finger independence exercises. Eric Madis has taught since 1975 and is on the faculty of the National Guitar Workshop. (L)
Flatpicking the Blues
Eric Madis
Sat., August 2, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m., $35 or $60 for both of this instructor’s workshops.
This class teaches how to play blues with a flatpick, for both solo and rhythm guitar. We'll explore how to improvise in a way that maintains the structure of the tune—whether you're playing solo or with accompaniment. We will learn a classic blues tune, along with some authentic blues licks. (L)
[TOP | CONTENTS | WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS | KEY]
Hammered dulcimer
 Rick Fogel www.geocities.com/whamdiddle/ |
Rick Fogel
Sat., August 16, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., $35 or $60 for both of this instructor’s workshops.
This will be a comprehensive workshop on the important aspects of learning to play the hammered dulcimer. Standing versus sitting, hammers, lighting, posture, tuning, scale and chord patterns, and much more will be covered. The class will be geared to the total novice, but others may learn helpful information as well. (L)
Beginning Hammered Dulcimer II
Rick Fogel
Sat., August 16, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m., $35 or $60 for both of this instructor’s workshops.
This will be a continuation of the morning session. The class will cover practice techniques, chord progressions, strengthening your weaker hand, playing with dynamics, and different hammering styles. Musicality will be emphasized as we create a backup part for a simple tune. (L)
[TOP | CONTENTS | WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS | KEY]
Harp
 Michael MacBean |
Michael MacBean
Sat., June 7, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., $35 or $60 for both of this instructor’s workshops.
Come to this hands-on workshop, in which no previous experience with the harp is necessary. Michael will cover topics such as tuning, posture, hand position/fingering technique, and simple music theory as it applies to the harp. By the end of the first class you will be able to play selected chord progressions, including one from a well-known folk tune. After this class, take Beginning Harp II. (L)
Beginning Harp II
Michael MacBean
Sat., June 7, 1:00 - 2:30 p.m., $35 or $60 for both of this instructor’s workshops.
The second class will begin with simple right-hand scale patterns that are used to link melody notes. Learn a popular melody based on the scale exercises. By the end of the workshop you will play right hand melody and left hand chord accompaniment to this melody. Please contact the instructor at 206-464-5599 if you wish to take only the Beginning Harp II workshop. (L)
[TOP | CONTENTS | WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS | KEY]
Mandolin
 Mike Marshall www.mikemarshall.net/ |
Mike Marshall
Tue., June 17, 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., $70.
Master mandolinist Mike Marshall will start at the absolute beginning of basic mandolin playing techniques-from the fundamentals of holding the instrument and the pick to how to negotiate left-hand challenges. He'll incorporate finger exercises culled from his Great Book of Finger Busters. He will also give you insight into how to find chords on the mandolin using his own system of triad inversions. From there he will move into rhythm styles, from bluegrass to swing and Brazilian. For all levels. (L)
 Rich DelGrosso www.mandolinblues.com |
Rich DelGrosso
Sat., August 16, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., $35 or $60 for both of this instructor’s workshops.
In the recent resurgence and revival of old-time music, mandolinists have overlooked a rich body of music that was once performed by African-Americans. This music was innovative and passionate, and is great 'new' material for the American mandolin repertoire. This workshop will explore the music of the early string and jug band musicians, and introduce the 'blues' elements that shaped this music. Music will be provided, and use of recording devices is strongly encouraged. (R)
Rags, Drags, Stomps and Shuffles II: Music of the African-American Mandolinist
Rich DelGrosso
Sat., August 16, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m., $35 or $60 for both of this instructor’s workshops.
This workshop will review the post-war generation of this overlooked African-American mandolin repertoire. Rich will open with a brief demo of the 'blues' elements. Then the focus will turn to arrangements drawn from the music of a variety of great performers, with study of melody and phrasing, chord voicings, and rhythms. Music will be provided in standard and TAB notation. Use of recording devices is strongly encouraged. (R)
[TOP | CONTENTS | WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS | KEY]
Percussion
Rick Fogel www.geocities.com/whamdiddle/ |
Rick Fogel
Sun., August 17, 12:15 - 2:15 p.m., $35.
Come and learn to play the bones, an instrument that is portable, inexpensive, prehistoric in origin, and always in tune. No experience necessary. Rick will cover holding the bones, the tap, flam, roll and extended roll, accents, producing different rhythms, and dynamic levels. Many people have not heard the bones played, so with a little practice you will create a delightful surprise for your friends. (L)
[TOP | CONTENTS | WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS | KEY]
Ukulele - 7th Annual Ukefest, June 28-29, 2008
 Herb Ohta, Sr. www.hawaiimusiclive.com |
Herb Ohta, Sr.
Sat., June 28, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m., $40.
From how to hold the 'uke to tunings, songs, and techniques, Ohta-san will answer questions and discuss the history of the instrument from his perspective. Spend an hour with Ohta-San and you will come away with a new appreciation for the 'ukulele and its capabilities and a better understanding of this humble, humorous and incredibly talented Hawaiian music legend. (Join Ohta-San in concert with his son Herb Ohta, Jr. and Nando Suan on June 29th at Town Hall in Seattle. For tickets: www.HawaiiMusicLive.com or 800-838-3006.)
 James Hill www.ukulelejames.com |
James Hill
Sat., June 28, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., $40.
No fancy stuff here. Learn some great tunes, with fun, rewarding chord-solos to impress your friends and to play for your own enjoyment. You'll leave class with a new tune (or three) and you might just pick up a few tricks and techniques along the way.
Confessions of a Uke Nerd: Secret Strums That Could Change Your Life
James Hill
Sat., June 28, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m., $40.
Or not. Either way, have fun learning some of James' signature techniques. The guy spent years locked in his bedroom inventing finger-twisters like the "mono-strum," the "spin cycle," and the "cherry pick" so that you wouldn't have to! You might even be surprised at how simple and practical these "advanced" strums can be.
Chord-solo Repertoire
James Hill
Sun., June 29, 12:15 - 2:15 p.m., $40.
Repeat of Saturday's workshop, but with different repertoire.
Be A Better Jammer: Sing-song Prep and Etiquette
James Hill
Sun., June 29, 2:45 - 4:45 p.m., $40.
There's more to a good jam than meets the eye. Every great sing-song has a leader and one day that leader is going be you! You'll be ready, thanks to this hands-on workshop. Topics include: playing by ear, "calling" chords so that everyone can follow, making up arrangements on the spot, finding the right key for a song, involving everyone regardless of skill level, and more. All levels welcome, handouts provided.
 Jim Beloff www.fleamarketmusic.com |
Jim Beloff
Sat., June 28, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m., $40.
Jim Beloff introduces you to the basics of playing the ukulele including holding, tuning, strumming, and making the chords. Play through well-known songs, learning new chords, strums, tips, and techniques along the way. Bring a GCEA-tuned uke and be ready to have a lot of fun. At the end of the workshop you will have made a new life-long friend-your ukulele!
Have A Nice Uke: Pop Songs of the 70s for the Uke
Jim Beloff
Sun., June 29, 2:45 - 4:45 p.m., $40.
Arrange and play pop songs of the 1970s for the uke. We'll consider a wide range of both easy and grandiose 70s pop songs, possibly including tunes by the Bee Gees, Todd Rundgren, Gilbert O'Sullivan, Steely Dan, Paul Simon, Abba, McCartney, Elton John, James Taylor, Billy Joel, etc.
 John King www.nalu-music.com |
John King
Sat., June 28, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., $40.
Learn to achieve a relaxed right-hand finger-style technique and make beautiful music too! The workshop will cover common-sense use of right-hand fingers and thumb, tone production, and successful practice strategies. Printed materials provided.
'Ukulele 'Upikipiki: Hawaiian Fingerstyle Ukulele
John King
Sun., June 29, 12:15 - 2:15 p.m., $40.
Learn the fingerpicking secrets of the old Hawaiian masters. Explore techniques including thumb-style, pinched-style, and strummed-style, and use all three techniques in a single piece of music. Technical requirements: ability to play barre chords. Printed materials provided.
 Greg & Jere Canote www.canote.com |
Greg & Jere Canote
Sat., June 28, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., $40.
Expand your rhythmic horizons and explore some right-hand techniques. We'll cover the down-up strum and its variations, the freight train strum, the roll, the triplet, the blues shuffle, the swing chop, the Bo Diddley beat, the Carter Family strum, and more! Plenty of songs and handouts! (M) (R)
Old-Time Good-Time Songs
Greg & Jere Canote
Sat., June 28, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m., $40.
Join us for an old-time good time, while we strum and sing great songs from the 20s and 30s. Everything from Lazy
John, Don't Let Your Deal Go Down, and Meet
Me by the Ice House Lizzie to Blues My Naughty Sweetie
Gives to Me. Lots of songs and handouts! (M) (R)
 Casey MacGill www.myspace.com/blue4trio |
Casey MacGill
Sun., June 29, 12:15 - 2:15 p.m., $40.
Explore uke diagrams you find on old sheet music, and answer the questions, "Why did they put all those chords on this tune?" and, "How do you decide the basic chords of the song?" We will examine ukulele arrangements on various old tunes from the 20s and 30s, showing how to establish a basic chord chart from the music (the piano arrangement), and show examples of incorrectly labeled chords, why they're incorrect, and their proper names. Handouts will be provided, and some basic music theory will be reviewed. Be willing to work with printed music. You don't have to read music, but you will start learning in the process. Learn how to bring these great old songs to life with your uke!. (M) (R)
[TOP | CONTENTS | WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS | KEY]
Key
| (L) | Some loaner instruments may be available for the workshop from Dusty Strings. Please contact the store in advance. |
| (M) | Bring a music stand if you have one available. |
| (R) | Participants are encouraged to record the workshop. |