Celebrating Tradition 2025 Retreat Workshops
We'll begin each day together, with yoga (optional), breakfast, and Celebrating Tradition. Then we'll have morning workshops, lunch, and afternoon workshops.
Yoga & Breathing - Theo
Greet the morning with gentle, joyful movement, breathing and meditation. Feel free to bring a blanket or mat along. No experience necessary and all bodies welcome.
Greet the morning with gentle, joyful movement, breathing and meditation. Feel free to bring a blanket or mat along. No experience necessary and all bodies welcome.
Celebrating Tradition - Peggy, Maura & All
Each morning the camp participants will come together to make music with each other as we create new arrangements of some core and surprising tunes and songs. Our focus will be playing together and we'll learn by ear. We’ll work on dynamics, rhythm, melodies, and harmonies, drawing from gospel, blues, old-time numbers and lyrical ballads.
Each morning the camp participants will come together to make music with each other as we create new arrangements of some core and surprising tunes and songs. Our focus will be playing together and we'll learn by ear. We’ll work on dynamics, rhythm, melodies, and harmonies, drawing from gospel, blues, old-time numbers and lyrical ballads.
Scruggs-style Banjo - Chris
In this course devoted to bluegrass banjo, Chris approaches both classic Scruggs-style banjo tunes as well as song melodies played Scruggs-style. We place special attention on Earl’s melody and backup work within the first five frets and its relationship to his position-playing higher up the neck. Tabs provided, recording encouraged.
In this course devoted to bluegrass banjo, Chris approaches both classic Scruggs-style banjo tunes as well as song melodies played Scruggs-style. We place special attention on Earl’s melody and backup work within the first five frets and its relationship to his position-playing higher up the neck. Tabs provided, recording encouraged.
Dream & Dialogue Collecting for Singer Songwriters & Poets - Sue
This session will look at how to gather ideas from dreams and cull your own mythical language. You will work with fellow writers in this class to enter into a collective enterprise. You will consider dialogue and its rhythms as song tempo. Sue will guide you through some prompts to help you start a song.
This session will look at how to gather ideas from dreams and cull your own mythical language. You will work with fellow writers in this class to enter into a collective enterprise. You will consider dialogue and its rhythms as song tempo. Sue will guide you through some prompts to help you start a song.
Irish Slide Ensemble - Mark (Lou)
In this workshop we’ll learn a traditional Irish slide. We’ll start with the melody and then add backing chords and other variations to create an arrangement suitable for an ensemble. This workshop is open to all instruments. No previous experience with Irish music is required, however you should be comfortable with learning melodies by ear.
In this workshop we’ll learn a traditional Irish slide. We’ll start with the melody and then add backing chords and other variations to create an arrangement suitable for an ensemble. This workshop is open to all instruments. No previous experience with Irish music is required, however you should be comfortable with learning melodies by ear.
Mississippi John Hurt: It's All in the Thumb - Chris
If you've been wondering how the great early country blues guitar players sound as good as they did, take a lesson from one of the greatest, Mississippi John Hurt. Mississippi John’s whole style was based on a rocking thumb that was steady as a metronome, while the fingers played syncopated melody lines. In this class you will not only learn some of the great tunes Mississippi John played, but also his approach to the guitar so that you can create your own fingerpicking solos. Tabs provided, recording encouraged.
If you've been wondering how the great early country blues guitar players sound as good as they did, take a lesson from one of the greatest, Mississippi John Hurt. Mississippi John’s whole style was based on a rocking thumb that was steady as a metronome, while the fingers played syncopated melody lines. In this class you will not only learn some of the great tunes Mississippi John played, but also his approach to the guitar so that you can create your own fingerpicking solos. Tabs provided, recording encouraged.
Joyful Noise: Gospel Choir - Mitzi & Ellen
Rooted in the African-American tradition, gospel songs and spirituals have a way of touching our souls—regardless of our faith tradition. Get a taste of the exhilaration that comes from singing these powerful songs of survival, love, freedom, and transcendence. We’ll learn simple melodies and harmonies by ear, then join together as one voice to raise the rafters. Get ready to clap, sing, and sway in jubilation!
Rooted in the African-American tradition, gospel songs and spirituals have a way of touching our souls—regardless of our faith tradition. Get a taste of the exhilaration that comes from singing these powerful songs of survival, love, freedom, and transcendence. We’ll learn simple melodies and harmonies by ear, then join together as one voice to raise the rafters. Get ready to clap, sing, and sway in jubilation!
Open Tunings for fingerstyle guitar - Chris
What’s the mystery about open tunings? No mystery, the tunings do the work for you. Come see how open D and open G tunings can open up the guitar’s possibilities. With some easy right hand picking and some simple chord shapes, it’s like a whole new instrument. Tabs provided, recording encouraged.
What’s the mystery about open tunings? No mystery, the tunings do the work for you. Come see how open D and open G tunings can open up the guitar’s possibilities. With some easy right hand picking and some simple chord shapes, it’s like a whole new instrument. Tabs provided, recording encouraged.
Safe Bass - Amanda
Come practice accompanying an ensemble on bass in a supportive setting. You’ll play side-by-side with Amanda. With two basses, the pressure is off to hit every beat and note and you’ll be free to play in new ways. This workshop is great for people new to bass, or who want to try it in a “real ensemble” setting, and experienced players who want to test out a few new moves.
Come practice accompanying an ensemble on bass in a supportive setting. You’ll play side-by-side with Amanda. With two basses, the pressure is off to hit every beat and note and you’ll be free to play in new ways. This workshop is great for people new to bass, or who want to try it in a “real ensemble” setting, and experienced players who want to test out a few new moves.
Making a Cover Your Own - Sue and Amanda
A workshop for singers, we’ll take a little dive into ourselves to identify what comprises our own, unique sound(s). Bring a cover you’re working on. Together, we’ll learn how to inject our songs with thoughtful singing choices that highlight our personality traits, and end with a (supportive!) show-and-tell.
A workshop for singers, we’ll take a little dive into ourselves to identify what comprises our own, unique sound(s). Bring a cover you’re working on. Together, we’ll learn how to inject our songs with thoughtful singing choices that highlight our personality traits, and end with a (supportive!) show-and-tell.
3 String Guitar Chords - Maura and Mark (Lou)
Have you been playing guitar for a while but are getting tired of using the same old chord shapes? Adding 3 string chords to your guitar skills is a great way to spice things up. We’ll learn some of the theory associated with these shapes, but most of the workshop will be devoted to trying them out for yourself in a few different songs. The goal of this workshop is to give you the knowledge and confidence to incorporate these shapes in any song you play.
Have you been playing guitar for a while but are getting tired of using the same old chord shapes? Adding 3 string chords to your guitar skills is a great way to spice things up. We’ll learn some of the theory associated with these shapes, but most of the workshop will be devoted to trying them out for yourself in a few different songs. The goal of this workshop is to give you the knowledge and confidence to incorporate these shapes in any song you play.
Mandolin in Other Keys - Luke
Did you know that you can play songs in keys other than G, D and A? You can and in this workshop we’ll explore some patterns and shapes to help unlock them and make playing in other keys less scary. If time permits and we want to get weird, we could possibly try cross-tuning to GDGD too!
Did you know that you can play songs in keys other than G, D and A? You can and in this workshop we’ll explore some patterns and shapes to help unlock them and make playing in other keys less scary. If time permits and we want to get weird, we could possibly try cross-tuning to GDGD too!
Solid Bass Playing - Amanda
No matter your level, learn little moves that make a big difference. We’ll cover note length, pitch choice, getting a reliable sound, and using your left hand as an interval to take the guesswork out of shifting. We'll also identify individual growth areas to easily elevate our playing.
No matter your level, learn little moves that make a big difference. We’ll cover note length, pitch choice, getting a reliable sound, and using your left hand as an interval to take the guesswork out of shifting. We'll also identify individual growth areas to easily elevate our playing.
Harmony Fine Points & Frontiers - Ellen and Mitzi
Simple close harmony singing is basic to American roots music. But for more advanced harmony singers, there are times to venture away from parallel harmony. Maybe a song has such a big vocal range that the singers can’t comfortably “stay in their lanes.” Or perhaps you just want to spice it up. Here’s the key: arrange the harmony to best serve the uniqueness of the song and its singers. We’ll explore how to do this, drawing from examples such as crossing harmonies, split leads, dissonances, unisons, counterpoint, and varied vocal stacks. Of course, we’ll practice what we learn by singing some great songs!
Simple close harmony singing is basic to American roots music. But for more advanced harmony singers, there are times to venture away from parallel harmony. Maybe a song has such a big vocal range that the singers can’t comfortably “stay in their lanes.” Or perhaps you just want to spice it up. Here’s the key: arrange the harmony to best serve the uniqueness of the song and its singers. We’ll explore how to do this, drawing from examples such as crossing harmonies, split leads, dissonances, unisons, counterpoint, and varied vocal stacks. Of course, we’ll practice what we learn by singing some great songs!
Keep It Moving - Amanda
Let’s work on “walking” bass. With country music as our muse, we'll find a pace that fits our abilities and work on keeping things moving. We’ll identify "1" (root) and "5" (fifth) notes and learn multiple strategies to touch on them during our playing. Then, we’ll practice filling in the rest together!
Let’s work on “walking” bass. With country music as our muse, we'll find a pace that fits our abilities and work on keeping things moving. We’ll identify "1" (root) and "5" (fifth) notes and learn multiple strategies to touch on them during our playing. Then, we’ll practice filling in the rest together!
Acoustic Trio Ensemble - Peggy, Maura and Lou(Mark)
We'll learn a simple tune on our instruments and practice taking leads and keeping rhythm for each other. We'll talk about what the "job" of each instrument is when playing the melody and when playing rhythm, do we play on the "one and three" or the "two and four" beats? We'll practice getting a full sound with all three instruments. "The sound is the teacher." All instruments welcome.
We'll learn a simple tune on our instruments and practice taking leads and keeping rhythm for each other. We'll talk about what the "job" of each instrument is when playing the melody and when playing rhythm, do we play on the "one and three" or the "two and four" beats? We'll practice getting a full sound with all three instruments. "The sound is the teacher." All instruments welcome.
Honky-Tonkin' and Two-Steppin' - Mitzi, Ellen, Amanda
It’s Saturday night somewhere! Let’s delve into the 1950s-60s honky-tonk era—the cryin’ in your beer, cheatin’, heartache songs of singers like Hank Williams, Kitty Wells, and Buck Owens. We’ll explore the style of the singers, the twang of the melody instruments, and that special two-stepping rhythm. Dancers will learn a basic two-step. Then we’ll put it all together. Whether you want to sing, play, dance—or do all three—you’re sure to have a honky-tonkin’ good time!
It’s Saturday night somewhere! Let’s delve into the 1950s-60s honky-tonk era—the cryin’ in your beer, cheatin’, heartache songs of singers like Hank Williams, Kitty Wells, and Buck Owens. We’ll explore the style of the singers, the twang of the melody instruments, and that special two-stepping rhythm. Dancers will learn a basic two-step. Then we’ll put it all together. Whether you want to sing, play, dance—or do all three—you’re sure to have a honky-tonkin’ good time!
Keep It Moving - Amanda
Let’s work on “walking” bass. With country music as our muse, we'll find a pace that fits our abilities and work on keeping things moving. We’ll identify "1" (root) and "5" (fifth) notes and learn multiple strategies to move between them during our playing. Then, we’ll practice putting it all together!
Let’s work on “walking” bass. With country music as our muse, we'll find a pace that fits our abilities and work on keeping things moving. We’ll identify "1" (root) and "5" (fifth) notes and learn multiple strategies to move between them during our playing. Then, we’ll practice putting it all together!
Mandolin For Guitarists - Mark (Lou)
If you know how to strum a guitar with a pick, then you're already on your way to playing the mandolin. This workshop will take advantage of that head start to prepare you to play mandolin at the evening jam sessions and take other mandolin workshops at the retreat. If you don't own a mandolin, we will have a few available for the weekend. If you need to borrow a mandolin, email Peggy (pegbrown7@aol.com) so we make sure to bring enough.
If you know how to strum a guitar with a pick, then you're already on your way to playing the mandolin. This workshop will take advantage of that head start to prepare you to play mandolin at the evening jam sessions and take other mandolin workshops at the retreat. If you don't own a mandolin, we will have a few available for the weekend. If you need to borrow a mandolin, email Peggy (pegbrown7@aol.com) so we make sure to bring enough.
Beyond Bass Runs - Amanda
Let’s navigate chord changes in new ways. We’ll practice funky walk-ups, bass fills, and subtle signals to support an ensemble. We’ll also learn when and where to use them. Ideal for bassists looking to spice things up.
Let’s navigate chord changes in new ways. We’ll practice funky walk-ups, bass fills, and subtle signals to support an ensemble. We’ll also learn when and where to use them. Ideal for bassists looking to spice things up.
Dynamics (for the singing, songwriting & spoken word voices) - Sue
This is a workshop that helps you delve into dynamics as a writer & performer. With these in-class exercises, you can find & expand on all the colors of your writing and performing palette based on volume, emotions, and prose writing. Tap into your physical & metaphysical voices with Sue!
This is a workshop that helps you delve into dynamics as a writer & performer. With these in-class exercises, you can find & expand on all the colors of your writing and performing palette based on volume, emotions, and prose writing. Tap into your physical & metaphysical voices with Sue!
Harmony and Song-Building for the singer/songwriter - Sue
This hands-on class invites students to bring their songs, share them, and then with Sue's specific help, break each song down and rebuild with new tips to expand on the song’s potential. Sue will demystify the harmony building process and invite the students to try the ideas on for size one at a time. Some principles discussed will be: breaking tradition, weaving lines, common-notes, and melodic themes. This class is specifically helpful to singer/songwriters and bands that are preparing to record.
This hands-on class invites students to bring their songs, share them, and then with Sue's specific help, break each song down and rebuild with new tips to expand on the song’s potential. Sue will demystify the harmony building process and invite the students to try the ideas on for size one at a time. Some principles discussed will be: breaking tradition, weaving lines, common-notes, and melodic themes. This class is specifically helpful to singer/songwriters and bands that are preparing to record.
Heartworn Highways: The Music of Outlaw Country Legends - Maura & Peggy
We'll explore some of the music and relationships between creative greats, including Texas and Tennessee singer songwriters Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt and Steve Earle. We'll create an ensemble sound, learning by ear, and bringing our versions of the songs to life.
We'll explore some of the music and relationships between creative greats, including Texas and Tennessee singer songwriters Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt and Steve Earle. We'll create an ensemble sound, learning by ear, and bringing our versions of the songs to life.
Who’s On Top: Male-Female Vocal Duets – Chris and Ellen
In traditional country and bluegrass duets, the harmony is sung just above the melody, and it’s the easiest harmony to find. But when men and women (or any low voices and high voices) sing together, that arrangement might not work because of the difference in vocal ranges. If high voice wants to sing melody, then the low voice needs to be flexible enough to find that tricky harmony below. In this workshop we’ll look at duets that have a traditional bent but nontraditional harmonies and vocal stacks including “girls on top” and harmony as a second lead part. Come deepen your understanding of how harmony works and get some great new songs for your repertoire!
In traditional country and bluegrass duets, the harmony is sung just above the melody, and it’s the easiest harmony to find. But when men and women (or any low voices and high voices) sing together, that arrangement might not work because of the difference in vocal ranges. If high voice wants to sing melody, then the low voice needs to be flexible enough to find that tricky harmony below. In this workshop we’ll look at duets that have a traditional bent but nontraditional harmonies and vocal stacks including “girls on top” and harmony as a second lead part. Come deepen your understanding of how harmony works and get some great new songs for your repertoire!
Waltzing on the Mandolin: Luke
Waltzes are fun to play on the mandolin and sure do sound pretty with all the tremolo and slides and bouncy little runs, not to mention all the cool chord/rhythm backup possibilities! Learn a few waltzes with Lukas Simpson in this fun workshop then practice them with everyone each evening so you can bring some new material to share and play back home with you!
Waltzes are fun to play on the mandolin and sure do sound pretty with all the tremolo and slides and bouncy little runs, not to mention all the cool chord/rhythm backup possibilities! Learn a few waltzes with Lukas Simpson in this fun workshop then practice them with everyone each evening so you can bring some new material to share and play back home with you!
Cumberland Gap (banjo workshop): Luke
Last year we learned Sandy River Belle in Sandy River Belle tuning. Another name for Sandy River Belle tuning is Cumberland Gap tuning. Can you guess what tune we might learn this year?
Last year we learned Sandy River Belle in Sandy River Belle tuning. Another name for Sandy River Belle tuning is Cumberland Gap tuning. Can you guess what tune we might learn this year?
Intro to Bass Runs - Maura & Amanda
We'll work on getting comfortable with different bass runs and incorporating them into songs. We'll focus on 2- and 3-chord songs, listening for spaces in which to put a bass run to work.
We'll work on getting comfortable with different bass runs and incorporating them into songs. We'll focus on 2- and 3-chord songs, listening for spaces in which to put a bass run to work.
The Blues is the Truth - Peggy and Maura
Come with guitar in hand to break down the blues riffs, lines and chords of some of the greats we celebrate: Big Bill Broonzy and Brownie McGhee! This will be a two-day exploration, come to one, come to all. We’ll have a guitar focus but other instruments welcome.
Come with guitar in hand to break down the blues riffs, lines and chords of some of the greats we celebrate: Big Bill Broonzy and Brownie McGhee! This will be a two-day exploration, come to one, come to all. We’ll have a guitar focus but other instruments welcome.
Harmony Fun and Fundamentals - Ellen and Mitzi
How do we find harmony parts as singers? At folk jams, where the goal is to get everyone singing, it’s ok to just grab a note that feels good. But if you're singing in a duo or trio, it's important to be strategic and choose a part that enhances the song. In this workshop, we’ll take a “behind the music” look at how harmonies work and play with easy ways to find them. You’ll learn how to to think about the harmony line as being part of a conversation with the melody and other harmony lines. You’ll discover that you (yes, you!) already feel harmony in your body, and with a little confidence and practice, you’ll be harmonizing like a pro!
How do we find harmony parts as singers? At folk jams, where the goal is to get everyone singing, it’s ok to just grab a note that feels good. But if you're singing in a duo or trio, it's important to be strategic and choose a part that enhances the song. In this workshop, we’ll take a “behind the music” look at how harmonies work and play with easy ways to find them. You’ll learn how to to think about the harmony line as being part of a conversation with the melody and other harmony lines. You’ll discover that you (yes, you!) already feel harmony in your body, and with a little confidence and practice, you’ll be harmonizing like a pro!
Feedback Open Mic - Sue and Jonas
Have a new song or spoken word piece? Looking for a bit of feedback from Sue & your fellow troubadours?
Join the class, sign up for a slot, perform - get a little loving feedback to help your piece grow AND expand your writing tribe. It’s like a mini workshop focused on your & your fellow songwriter’s work. Closes with a Q & A with Sue about your performing questions.
Have a new song or spoken word piece? Looking for a bit of feedback from Sue & your fellow troubadours?
Join the class, sign up for a slot, perform - get a little loving feedback to help your piece grow AND expand your writing tribe. It’s like a mini workshop focused on your & your fellow songwriter’s work. Closes with a Q & A with Sue about your performing questions.
“We Shall Overcome” - Peggy & Maura
In this workshop we’ll delve into the history of the Civil Rights' song “We Shall Overcome”. We’ll explore the crooked path it took as it was sung and shared, from Zilphia Horton to Frank Hamilton, to the North Carolina tobacco workers to Pete Seeger, and finally landing at the Highlander Folk Center after which it found its way to the churches in the South and at the center of the Civil Rights Movement. After we explore the song's history, we’ll create our own take on it with our voices and instruments, bringing it to life once again.
In this workshop we’ll delve into the history of the Civil Rights' song “We Shall Overcome”. We’ll explore the crooked path it took as it was sung and shared, from Zilphia Horton to Frank Hamilton, to the North Carolina tobacco workers to Pete Seeger, and finally landing at the Highlander Folk Center after which it found its way to the churches in the South and at the center of the Civil Rights Movement. After we explore the song's history, we’ll create our own take on it with our voices and instruments, bringing it to life once again.
Pop-Up Choir! - Ellen and Mitzi
Ready to join your voice with others to create spine-shivering and transcendent harmonies? Pop on over to Pop-Up Choir! Choir singing is the ultimate experience of being better (and more joyful) together, and it’s one of the best ways to strengthen your skills as a harmony singer. This will be a friendly session that welcomes all skill levels. What we sing will depend on who shows up. It could be folk, classical, or pop. Whatever it is, you’ll learn how to follow written music and explore deep, musical listening and blending.
Ready to join your voice with others to create spine-shivering and transcendent harmonies? Pop on over to Pop-Up Choir! Choir singing is the ultimate experience of being better (and more joyful) together, and it’s one of the best ways to strengthen your skills as a harmony singer. This will be a friendly session that welcomes all skill levels. What we sing will depend on who shows up. It could be folk, classical, or pop. Whatever it is, you’ll learn how to follow written music and explore deep, musical listening and blending.
Songs from John Hartford: Luke
John Harford (Chet Atkins convinced him to change it to Hartford when he signed to MCA Records) grew up in Kirkwood, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis. Throughout his illustrious career, from young bluegrass picker to singer-songwriter to television celebrity to Newgrass pioneer to literal one-man band to riverboat song storyteller to old-time fiddler, one common thread wove through them all: he wrote amazing songs! John Hartford songs are the best type of earworms. They never seem to grow old. They’re easy to sing and play. They’re sometimes goofy, never to serious, are full of some of the best one-liners and can give you all the feels! Lukas Simpson will teach you a few of his favorites in this fun workshop!
John Harford (Chet Atkins convinced him to change it to Hartford when he signed to MCA Records) grew up in Kirkwood, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis. Throughout his illustrious career, from young bluegrass picker to singer-songwriter to television celebrity to Newgrass pioneer to literal one-man band to riverboat song storyteller to old-time fiddler, one common thread wove through them all: he wrote amazing songs! John Hartford songs are the best type of earworms. They never seem to grow old. They’re easy to sing and play. They’re sometimes goofy, never to serious, are full of some of the best one-liners and can give you all the feels! Lukas Simpson will teach you a few of his favorites in this fun workshop!
The 6 – 2 – 5 – 1 chord progression - Jonas
Walk Right in and Sit Right down to Alice's Restaurant. The 6 – 2 – 5 – 1 chord progression is easy to recognize but can be intimidating to play if you aren’t comfortable with it. So let’s get comfortable and expand our repertoire!
Walk Right in and Sit Right down to Alice's Restaurant. The 6 – 2 – 5 – 1 chord progression is easy to recognize but can be intimidating to play if you aren’t comfortable with it. So let’s get comfortable and expand our repertoire!
Let’s Figure This Out! - Luke
Is there a particular thing that you’re struggling with on guitar, clawhammer banjo or mandolin? In this workshop each participant will have an opportunity to address their issues and we can collectively dive in and help each other out!
Is there a particular thing that you’re struggling with on guitar, clawhammer banjo or mandolin? In this workshop each participant will have an opportunity to address their issues and we can collectively dive in and help each other out!
Coal Miner’s Daughter: Loretta Lynn - Mitzi & Ellen
oretta Lynn was born into poverty in a one-room cabin in Kentucky, married at 15, and had four kids by the time she was 20. But by her 30s, she was a country music superstar—the first woman to really make it on her own terms. At a time when women weren’t expected to write songs or speak their minds, Loretta did both. Her songs, like “The Pill” and “Don’t Come Home A-Drinkin’,” were so forthright that some radio stations banned them. But people loved her honesty, her humor, and the way she told real stories about women’s lives. Let’s celebrate Loretta by singing and playing the songs that made her one of the most influential women in American music!
oretta Lynn was born into poverty in a one-room cabin in Kentucky, married at 15, and had four kids by the time she was 20. But by her 30s, she was a country music superstar—the first woman to really make it on her own terms. At a time when women weren’t expected to write songs or speak their minds, Loretta did both. Her songs, like “The Pill” and “Don’t Come Home A-Drinkin’,” were so forthright that some radio stations banned them. But people loved her honesty, her humor, and the way she told real stories about women’s lives. Let’s celebrate Loretta by singing and playing the songs that made her one of the most influential women in American music!
Old-Time Revival - Jonas
The beautiful sounds of traditional American music are being revived and reinvented by contemporary bands like Uncle Earl, David Rawlings, Gillian Welch, The Be Good Tanyas, Abigail Washburn, Old Crow Medicine Show, the South Memphis String Band, and more. We’ll look at a few of these in an ensemble setting.
The beautiful sounds of traditional American music are being revived and reinvented by contemporary bands like Uncle Earl, David Rawlings, Gillian Welch, The Be Good Tanyas, Abigail Washburn, Old Crow Medicine Show, the South Memphis String Band, and more. We’ll look at a few of these in an ensemble setting.
Everything Is Music – Sue
Walk, sit quietly and note what we hear all around us at the retreat and in nature. Then we’ll discuss ways to turn that into one’s own mini “Four minutes and 33 seconds” composition. We turn the idea on its head. This is about hearing music in everything - or as Cage said “Everything is music."
Walk, sit quietly and note what we hear all around us at the retreat and in nature. Then we’ll discuss ways to turn that into one’s own mini “Four minutes and 33 seconds” composition. We turn the idea on its head. This is about hearing music in everything - or as Cage said “Everything is music."
Introduction to Alternate Picking for the Mandolin - Mark (Lou)
Learning how to play melodies with a Down-Up picking technique is essential, benefitting your rhythm and speed as a mandolin player. We'll use some exercises to get started on learning this skill and then move on to applying it to a fiddle tune or two.
Learning how to play melodies with a Down-Up picking technique is essential, benefitting your rhythm and speed as a mandolin player. We'll use some exercises to get started on learning this skill and then move on to applying it to a fiddle tune or two.
The Fifteen Minute Songwriting Challenge - Sue
Work with Sue for a fast paced series of prompts inspired by Nashville writers, to start a song.
Work with Sue for a fast paced series of prompts inspired by Nashville writers, to start a song.