Bluegrass Banjo – Get Started
Instructor: David Keenan
Sat., September 11, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., $35.
Dig that banjo outta the closet, bring it down to Dusty Strings, and learn how to get music out of it! David will cover the basics in a workshop great for rank beginners and those with some experience too! You bring: 5-string banjo, picks (one thumb, two fingerpicks). David provides: all written materials you'll need to get started. Expect to play A LOT in this class. www.davekeenan.com
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Introduction to Melodic Banjo
Instructor: Brad Carter
Sat., November 13, 10:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m., $30 ($55 for both of this instructor’s workshops).
Learn to play fiddle tunes and bluegrass breaks using this unique style pioneered by banjo legends Bill Keith, Alan Munde, and Bobby Thompson. We’ll start out by learning to play the G Major scale, then quickly dive into the tune “Blackberry Blossom”. Finally we’ll look at ways to incorporate this style in breaks over traditional bluegrass songs. This class is geared to intermediate players. www.myspace.com/bradleycartermusic
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Bluegrass Banjo Back-up Techniques
Instructor: Brad Carter
Sat., November 13, 1:15 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., $30 ($55 for both of this instructor’s workshops).
This is a great class for those intermediate-level players looking to start playing bluegrass with others. With the help of a rhythm guitarist, Brad will perform a few bluegrass standards and then explain the details of what he’s playing. Techniques covered will include basic “vamp” chords and rhythms, roll patterns, and waltz back-up. We will also explore fiddle/banjo duets, moveable chord positions, phrasing, and “up the neck” possibilities. www.myspace.com/bradleycartermusic
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Beginning Old-Time Banjo
Instructor: Molly Tenenbaum
Sat., November 20, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 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
Sat., November 20, 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m., $35 ($60 for both of this instructor’s workshops).
Learn to add texture and intricacy to basic frailing with the use of open-strings, pull-offs, and drop-thumbing. We'll work on right-hand patterns transferable to many old-time tunes and songs. You'll go home with one "toolbox tune" that includes many techniques--a tune that can teach you to play other tunes. Students should be starting to get comfortable with basic frailing. Recording devices recommended.
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