Banjo A to Z
Instructor: Dick Weissman
Sun., March 14, 12:15 p.m. - 2:15 p.m., $35.
This workshop is intended for the player who has enough knowledge of the instrument to change chords in the G tuning. The class is designed as an approach to the instrument that goes beyond a single style, but touches on clawhammer and bluegrass techniques, as well as delving into blues, world music, tunings, and improvisation. It is intended to give the participant a stimulating approach to the many possible ways of playing the banjo. Also, see Dick’s songwriting workshop.
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The "Big Five" Licks for Bluegrass Banjo
Instructor: Brad Carter
Sat., March 20, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., $35 ($60 for both of this instructor’s workshops).
Discover the five most commonly-used bluegrass banjo licks and see how they are used in classic Bluegrass songs. Learn to isolate the patterns that Earl Scruggs made famous, and discover how to make use of them in your own playing. We will also explore effective practice strategies and discuss how to make the most of limited practice time. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have the tools you need to rise to a whole new level in your playing. For advanced-beginning and intermediate-level players. www.myspace.com/bradleycartermusic
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Bluegrass Banjo - Learning to Improvise
Instructor: Brad Carter
Sat., March 20, 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m., $35 ($60 for both of this instructor’s workshops).
Learn to play in jam sessions even if you don’t know any on the tunes! Discover simple techniques that can carry you through songs you’ve never played and maybe never even heard before. Believe it or not, there are easy tricks you can use to sound like you’ve played a song 100 times – even if it’s your first time. For advanced-beginning and intermediate-level players. www.myspace.com/bradleycartermusic
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Beginning Old-Time Banjo
Instructor: Molly Tenenbaum
Sun., April 11, 12:15 p.m. - 2:15 p.m., $35 ($60 for both of this instructor’s workshops).
We'll get you tuned and set your right hand in motion for frailing or clawhammer style, then apply that motion to some fun, easy tunes. The goals are to get you playing right away, to get you making those characteristic galloping banjo sounds, and to send you home with more to work on. Questions? Contact the instructor at mbtenny@gmail.com
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Intermediate Old-Time Banjo
Instructor: Molly Tenenbaum
Sun., April 11, 2:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m., $35 ($60 for both of this instructor’s workshops).
Learn to add texture and intricacy to basic frailing with use of open-strings, pull-offs, and drop-thumbing. You’ll learn right- and left-hand patterns transferable to many old-time tunes. Other topics can include unusual tunings, song and fiddle accompaniment, and learning by ear. Students should be comfortable with basic frailing; drop-thumb optional. Recording devices recommended.
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