2001 Classes & Teachers

Classes & Teachers - 2001

STEVE BAUGHMAN

The Orkney Tuning for Guitar (level 4 and up) Perhaps the only reason Orkney Tuning (CGDGCD) has not overtaken DADGAD as the Celtic guitarist's tuning of choice is that nobody knows about it. In this class we will immerse ourselves in Orkney fingerpicking, flatpicking, and accompaniment. Chord charts and tablature will be provided.

Guitar Frailing (3-up) The delayed thumb of clawhammer banjo players gives their music its famous bounce and lilt. In this class we will learn how to use this technique on fingerstyle guitar. Although the frailing guitar technique works in all tunings, this class will be taught in Orkney tuning. Tablature provided.

KATE BRISLIN

Beginning Guitar (level 1) We'll work on the fundamentals of rhythm guitar: how to form standard chords (G, D, A, E, and C) and how to change quickly from one to another. We'll learn how to play songs in a few easy keys and how to read simple chord-change notation. Bring a capo, several flat picks (including a "heavy" one), and extra strings.

My Favorite Bluegrass and Old-Timey Songs (level 2) Drawing from the Stanley Brothers, the Louvin Brothers, the Blue Sky Boys, the Carter Family, and so on, we will learn some of the greatest songs in the bluegrass and old-timey tradition. We'll also delve into using your guitar to support these songs with easy strums, runs, and rhythmic tips.

FREYDA EPSTEIN

Beginning Swing Fiddle (level 2–3) This class is for fiddlers who already know how to play and are looking to stretch out into new territory. We'll tear into some favorite swing classics, learn some great soloing licks, and perhaps create a hot jazz violin ensemble. In order for you to build strong character and deft defying skill, you may be subjected to dreaded scales and jazz riffs in all 12 keys! Reading music is a plus, but not a requisite.

Fiddle Tune Repertoire (level 2–4) We'll aim for a tune a day--crooked tunes, challenging tunes, easy tunes, harmony-friendly tunes, heart-wrenchingly beautiful tunes--and arrange them into a fiddle orchestra. Class will include the occasional hot tip on violin technique as well.

CHRIS GRAMPP

Vocal/Guitar Duets (level 3–5) In this class, guitarists and singers will form duets and work out arrangements to jazz, swing, and pop tunes. We will discuss appropriate rhythms and chord voicings, how to stay out of one another's way, and how the singer and accompanist can generate interesting interplay.

Guitar/Bass Groove (level 3–5) This class, which will be co-taught by guitarist Chris Grampp and bassist Rene Worst, will help guitarists and bass players learn how to work together to create a strong rhythm section. We will cover a variety of styles, chordal techniques, rhythms, and bass patterns, emphasizing interplay between the two instruments.

KEITH GRENNINGER

Beginning Songwriting (all levels) This class will explore the process of starting to write songs and the importance of finding your own musical voice and vision. Various techniques and exercises will be introduced. Personal inspiration and style will be highly encouraged.

Rhythm and Percussive Guitar Techniques (level 3 and up) This class will look at the vast potential of the guitar as a supportive rhythm instrument for both soloist and group interpretations. Different strumming techniques will be taught and percussive fingerpicking will also be explored.

KENT HILLMAN

Introduction to Fingerstyle Technique (level 2)

For beginners who want to explore fingerstyle technique, this course will introduce basic fingerpicking using solid principles that can apply to classical, folk, country, or jazz. Emphasis will be on troubleshooting problems as they arise, relaxation, and avoiding injury.

Fingerstyle Jazz Options (level 4–5)

For fingerstyle players already exploring alternating patterns, this course provides a survey of some fingerstyle jazz tools for incorporation into your own arrangements. Traditional chord melody approaches will be discussed and "spiced up" with some artificial harmonics, walking bass line ideas, and tri-tone comping C la Lenny Breau.

SYLVIA HEROLD

Intro to Swing Guitar (level 3)

In this class we'll learn a few of the most useful swing chords and apply them to various songs. Each day we'll learn new songs and review the ones we've already worked on. We'll discuss strumming techniques and how to make the songs swing. Bring a tape recorder, and expect lots of in-class playing.

Swing Band (level 3–5)

Vocalists, bassists, rhythm and lead guitarists, and other instruments are all welcome in this class. We'll form small groups and perform a song per day. We'll discuss tempos and keys, and transpose songs out of fake books to create our own easy-to-read chord charts. Other subjects may include counting off tunes, getting "in the pocket," playing dynamically, and listening.

JIM HURST

Chet, Jerry, and Beyond (level 3–5)

We'll explore the feel and grooves of fingerstyle guitarists such as Jerry Reed and Chet Atkins. Emphasis will be on technique, improvisation, alteration, and embellishment.

Flatpicking Guitar (level 4–5)

Get a fresh perspective on flatpicking lead and rhythm guitar. Emphasis will be on timing, dynamics, and improvisation. We'll also work on such areas as melody, timbre, and introducing swing, blues, jazz and old-time inflections into bluegrass solos and rhythms.

ED JOHNSON

Multi-Part Vocal Harmony and Arranging (level 3 and up)

Learn to sing luscious 3 -, 4 -, 5 -, and even 6(!) -part vocal arrangements in the jazz, gospel, r&b, and ethnic fusion styles. We'll also discuss some basic vocal arranging techniques. Arrangements will be written, but there will also be an emphasis on learning by ear. Students should have some experience singing harmonies.

Brazilian Band (level 3 and up)

Learn to play a variety of tunes that cover the broad spectrum of Brazilian music in an ensemble setting. Our repertoire will include samba, bossa nova, choro, baiao, frevo, and forro. Guitarists, bass players, mandolin players, singers, percussionists, accordionists, and other melodic instruments are welcome. Percussion will be provided.

KEITH LITTLE (Camp Instrumentalist)

PETER LANGSTON (Camp Instigator)

American Juke Box (level 2–5)

These are the songs from the original soundtrack for mid-twentieth-century America, each one a complete story in two-and-a-half minutes! We'll learn all the licks, riffs, lyrics, and harmonies to songs from Chuck Berry to Elvis Presley, Little Richard to Aretha Franklin, Julie London to the Lovin' Spoonful. Come to sing, or play, or both! "Drrrop the coin right into the slot; you've gotta hear something that's really hot!"

CAROL McCOMB

Your First (or Next) Band (level 2 and up)

Open to all singers and instrumentalists. Tons of fun with lots of practical information and experience. Learn how band dynamics work, how to create tasteful arrangements in any style with the instruments and voices you have handy, and how to express yourself musically while others express themselves as well.

Country and Bluegrass Harmony By Ear (all levels)

Learn how to find harmony for country and bluegrass style duets and trios by ear. We'll start with some chord theory, using basic harmony technique. From there we'll learn how to make harmonies more interesting, explore the bluesier side of bluegrass, and cover some vocal technique in these styles. Keith Little will be on hand to assist in teaching this class. Y'all come!

TENA MOYER

Licks Picks and Tricks (level 3–5)

We will learn to break up fingerstyle accompaniment into right hand picking patterns, left hand licks based on chords and use chord substitutions to enhance a basic fingerstyle accompaniment.

Melodic Development for Songwriters (level 3–5)

We'll use scale tones, intervals and passing tones to develop a compelling melodic line. How to build tensions and release, how melody progresses throughout the song and tailoring the melody to the lyric, style and sentiment of the lyric. We'll listen to different styles of songs to see how these principles are applied on a practical level.

RAY PIPER

Beginners Brazilian Guitar (level 3)

This course will explore how to get an authentic swinging sound for bossa nova and samba rhythm guitar. We will look at basic open string and swing chords and apply them to some simple songs.

Advanced Brazilian Guitar (level 4)

This class will look at more advanced bossa nova, samba, choro, and baiao rhythms. We will look at some interesting tunes that typify the different styles and melodies. A knowledge of swing chords would be helpful; there will be a lot of playing in the class.

MISSY RAINES

Bluegrass Bass (level 2–4 )

Take an in-depth look at timing, tone, intonation, timing, scales, technique, timing, playing in a band, taking solos, timing, and more. Did I mention timing? It is perhaps the most important topic we will discuss; bring your metronomes! We will also discuss the trials of setting up and amplifying the bass.

Bluegrass Jam (level 2–4)

Delve into the art of bluegrass jamming. How do people know when it's their turn to solo? What should the banjo player do when the mandolinist is soloing? What's the role of the bass? How are bluegrass harmonies put together? This class will help you discover the fun of jamming with others.

TOM ROZUM

Beginning Mandolin (level 2)

We will learn basic solos to bluegrass and country tunes in different keys. Techniques will include tone production, tremelo, picking, and rhythm playing, and will be applicable to all styles of music.

Advanced Mandolin (level 4)

We will explore the whole fingerboard, focusing on improvising in the bluegrass style, especially Bill Monroe tunes. We will also cover swing, jazz, and blues chords and tunes.

JENNIFER SCOTT

Swing/Jazz Vocals (level 3-5)

Explore the styles and repertoire of swing and vocal jazz. The emphasis will be on learning cool tunes, "scat" singing, and comparative vocalist appreciation. Students should have two or three swing tunes to polish up and perform in class.

Brazilian/World Song styles (level 3)

We'll learn some of the world's most beautiful music with an emphasis on traditional and contemporary Brazilian songs. We'll also cover Spanish, French, and other traditional songs. Pronunciation and quick learning tricks will be covered.

SUSAN (STREITWIESER) ANDERS

Vocal Style: Pop, Folk, Rock, Country, and Blues (level 3–5)

We'll learn a lot of "vocal doodads" (ornamentation) to stretch a song into new areas, and look at altering melodies, rhythmic phrasing, lyric interpretation and dynamics to further personalize each song. Along the way we'll look at how much and which kinds of vocal styles area appropriate for different musical styles.

The Nuts & Bolts of Singing (level 1–2)

We'll start with how to breathe correctly, and from there go through the essentials of good singing, including ways to increase your range and volume, build resonance and good tone, stay in tune, warm up, and deal with nervousness. We'll sing exercises and songs in a bunch of styles. Absolute beginners and more experienced singers are both welcome.

ALICE STUART (Camp Instigator)

Blues for Alice (level 2-3)

We will concentrate on learning how to alternate the thumb in drop D tuning on songs like Statesboro Blues. We will also cover figures up the neck and techniques for learning to play solos. The last couple days, you will practice the techniques learned earlier in the week and practice taking solos on simple shuffles.

RENÉ WORST

Beginning Bass (level 1–2)

So "bassic" that you can come even if you aren't sure what a bass is. We'll learn holding, carrying, packing and unpacking, and basic technique. We'll make it fun by learning simple, classic lines. If our fingers get sore, we'll do bass appreciation.

Guitar/Bass Groove (level 3–5)

This class, which will be co-taught by bassist René Worst and guitarist Chris Grampp, will help bass players and guitarists learn how to work together to create a strong rhythm section. We will cover a variety of styles, chordal techniques, rhythms, and bass patterns, emphasizing interplay between the two instruments.