Fiddle for Young Violinists: Ages 8-11
Instructor: Sarah Comer
Sun., September 19, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m., $20.
Already know the basics of the violin and want to learn a fiddle tune? We'll start off learning a tune by ear (there will be sheet music to take home if you need it) and then add in some of the fun bowing rhythms that make make your feet want to dance. www.sarahcomer.com
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Fiddle for Young Violinists: Ages 12 and Up
Instructor: Sarah Comer
Sun., September 19, 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., $30.
If you've played around with the notes from a fiddling book but aren't sure how to make it sound like fiddle music, come learn a new tune and the techniques that make great dance music. Tunes will be taught (and transcribed) in treble clef range, but all orchestral strings players are welcome. Questions? Email Sarah at fiddleteacher@hotmail.com www.sarahcomer.com
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Sing and Play in a World Music Ensemble: Ages 7-11
Instructor: Erie Jones
Sat., September 25, 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m., $30.
Give your child the chance to experience and experiment with world and regional music styles. They’ll sing songs from around the world and learn to play tunes on approachable international musical instruments (djembe drum, marimba, steel pan, percussion), then come back home to the U.S. for a trip through jazz, and rhythm & blues. Kids will learn about playing and singing in an ensemble, and will dip their toe into soloing! Top it off with a recording which can be downloaded free from our web site. Instructor Erie Jones is a long-time musician, Seattle Schools music teacher, and member of the Dusty Strings Acoustic Guitar Orchestra.
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Build, Decorate, and Play Your Own Instruments: Ages 7-11
Instructor: Erie Jones
Sun., September 26, 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m., $30.
Kids will each build two sturdy, tunable, and highly playable instruments: a one-string guitar, or American “Diddly Bow”, and a South African-style Mbira, sometimes known as a kalimba or thumb piano. All materials and parts supplied. Great fun and a superb introduction into music physics and the tradition of instrument making. Instructor Erie Jones is a long-time musician, Seattle Schools music teacher, and member of the Dusty Strings Acoustic Guitar Orchestra.
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Introduction to Harp for Kids: Ages 7-up
Instructor: Bonnie Steinkamp
Sat., October 2, 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., $30.
Here’s your child’s chance to be introduced to this beautiful instrument, on which even beginners can make lovely music. Participants will be introduced to harp position and technique, basic music concepts and a few songs. Parents may join the last 10 minutes of class to hear their budding harpist. Loaner harps may be available; contact Dusty Strings in advance.
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Songwriting for Teens
Instructor: Tai Shan
Sun., October 3, 12:15 p.m. - 2:15 p.m., $35.
2Songwriting is a great tool of self-expression for any teenager—whether it is used to express your feelings about life through song and let your voice be heard, or just to feel good about yourself and improve your self-esteem. In this workshop, we’ll start with free-writing and narrow it down into lyrics to set to music. Then we’ll explore familiar chord progressions in today’s pop music, and start to put the two together. Listen to Tai Shan’s students at www.YouTube.com/TaiShanMusicStudents, or go to the Lessons page at www.TaiShanMusic.com
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Introduction to Mandolin For Kids 7-12
Instructor: Ricky Gene Powell
Sat., October 9, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., $25.
Mandolins are fun and easy to play! Their small size and special sound creates a joyful learning experience. Ricky Gene Powell's Mandolin Method is easy to understand and fun for kids of all ages and experience. We will learn a few simple tunes while working on mandolin technique, picking, fingering, and chords, and will cover some basics of music theory and ear training. Handouts are included. Ricky Gene coordinates the music workshops for Wintergrass.
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Get Started on the Guitar for Kids: Ages 6-11
Instructor: Charlotte Thistle
Sat., October 9, 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., $25.
For children age 6-11 who are new to the guitar. Each child must be accompanied by at least one adult helper. Bring your guitars! This workshop will cover basics such as how to hold the guitar and how to press down on the strings to make notes and chords happen. We will also play some ear training and rhythm games, introduce tablature and chord charts, talk about choosing and caring for a guitar, and then put it all together with one or two easy songs. Some children’s loaner guitars may be available; please contact Dusty Strings in advance.
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Introduction to the Ukulele: Ages 8-12
Instructor: Susan Howell
Sun., October 17, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m., $20.
Discover why the uke is so popular and fun! Kids will learn how to hold and strum the uke, play a few chords to accompany songs, and do some picking. A perfect introduction to this portable, social instrument. Susan Howell helps kids discover why the uke is so popular and fun! See the Kids/Teens Category for a complete description. www.seattledulcimer.com
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