Class Levels
1. Beginner
2. Advanced Beginner
3. Intermediate
4. Advanced
5. Expert
Classes & Teachers
WEEK 1: July 9-15, 2017
Steve Baughman is a Celtic fingerstyle guitar and clawhammer banjo player who has recorded with Rounder Records. He has published five instructional books with Mel Bay Publications, and his music has been featured on NPR. Steve has taught at more than 50 music camps across the U.S. and Canada. He has won no awards, musical or otherwise.
​
Clawhammer Banjo: Tunes and Techniques (level 2–4) You’ve spent the time internalizing the “bum ditty.” Now what? In this class we’ll learn how to spice up our playing with a few hot techniques. We’ll then apply these to some new tunes. This class is designed for those who are already bum-dittified.
​
Beginning Celtic Guitar (level 2–3)
We’ll learn a couple of fingerstyle arrangements, a flatpick jig, and explore jig and reel rhythms for accompaniment, most of the time in Orkney Tuning.
CARY BLACK
Cary Black has worked with Howard Alden, Ernestine Anderson, Petula Clark, Dan Hicks, Kathy Kallick, The Kingston Trio, Laurie Lewis, Rose Maddox, Mollie O’Brien, Mark O’Connor, and Ernie Watts, as well as many of the brilliant musicians in the CCMC community. In 2016 Cary played on the soundtrack of Jerry Seinfeld’s Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, in the episode featuring President Obama.
​
Beginning Upright Bass (level 1–2) Starting with some basics of technique, we’ll lay the foundation for playing accurately, dynamically, and effortlessly in various styles. Attention will be given to listening and ensemble skills.
​
Swing Bass (level 3–4) Our goal: to improvise steady, buoyant, and propulsive swing-style two-beat and walking grooves, which define the harmony and provide counterpoint to the melody. We’ll also study bass soloing, intros, tags, and endings.
Flip Breskin is internationally famous as a co-founder of the Puget Sound Guitar Workshop. A major player in the Northwest folk scene since the 1970s, Flip is an inveterate song catcher. She plays old and new folk songs with great sing-along choruses, songs of compassion, outrageous songs, and sweet solo fingerstyle guitar. Peter Berryman says of Flip, “I’d listen to Flip sing the phonebook.” And Bob Franke adds, “I never met a songwriter more grounded in musical and moral values than Flip. She cares more about telling the truth than most people you’re likely to hear and she does it well. At the same time, she’s a lot of fun to listen to.”
​
Very Beginning Guitar (level 1) Learn how to hold the guitar and play chords. Get your ears up and running so you don’t need a piece of paper!
​
Accompaniment Toolkit (level 2) We’ll discuss ergonomics and learning faster by practicing shorter and smarter. We’ll take a look at strums and finger patterns, three chords and 100 great well-known songs by ear. Secrets of playing the F chord without pain will be revealed. Learn to yawn away stagefright.
​
Guitarist and singer Brian Butler is well known on the Seattle music scene. He performs often at festivals and clubs, both as a solo performer and with his electric blues band. An early passion for the blues set Brian to absorbing the wide world of blues music, both acoustic and electric. Brian is an expressive singer and songwriter who is known as an experienced and patient teacher.
​
Beginning Blues Guitar: Take a Little Walk with Me (level 2–3) We’ll tackle a variety of songs in different keys and styles, learning the basic rhythm parts and progressions, then adding licks, chords, and turnarounds as we progress. There’ll be plenty of practice as we move through the week. We’ll cover popular and classic blues, as well as learning techniques that can be generally applied to other songs.
​
Advanced Blues Guitar: Lemon, Lenoir, and Lipscomb (level 3–4) Blind Lemon Jefferson, J.B. Lenoir, and Mance Lipscomb left a legacy of great blues which we’ll explore in depth, learning rhythms, riffs, and licks that make the songs unique. Prepare to dig in a bit and reap the reward as you get the songs under your fingers.
​
Music ran in the family bones, and Barry was no exception. After spending some time with rock, folk, bluegrass, and Celtic music, Barry discovered songwriting in 1996. The next year, he won the Kerrville Emerging Songwriters Contest, and was a finalist in the Wildflower and Napa songwriting contests. His lyrics are simple and to the point, and make use of the ridiculous to the sublime, giving romance the heart it deserves, and making fun of the more tender moments of life. Barry is a sought-after accompanist—his playing has been described as clean, elegant, and sparkling.
​
Songwriting (level 1–5) Truth or fiction, past or present, heartbreak or humor—what’s your voice? We’ll examine the beauty of melody, meter, chord voicing, and structure, and how to turn that into a song you need to sing. All levels welcome. Bring a song to share—even if you didn’t write it.
​
Fingerpicking Song Arrangements (level 3) Let’s take a song you know and discover simple tools to arrange it for your own performance style. We’ll explore ways to add polish and finesse without using rocket science. You might accidentally hear a wee bit of theory on the way.
​
International performing and recording artist Hilary Field has held faculty positions as the head of the guitar departments at Seattle Pacific University and Pacific Lutheran University in Washington State. Hilary is a past winner of the Northwest Young Artist Series Competition and was the first guitarist to win the Frances Walton Soloist Competition. She has released several award-winning CDs, including her debut recording, Music of Spain and Latin America, which won an award for Classical Album of the Year from the National Association of Independent Record Distributors.
​
Latin American Rhythms (level 4–5) Explore Latin American rhythms, chordal patterns, and fingerstyle guitar music from a variety of Hispanic cultures. Learn colorful musical forms such as samba and tango by ear, tab, or notation.
​
World Folk Orchestra (level 1–5) Everyone learns a part, from very simple to more complex, to play world folk music with an amazingly full and rich group sound. All instruments welcome.
​
Nina Gerber has been playing guitar for over 30 years. She toured and recorded with singer-songwriter Kate Wolf from 1978 until Kate’s death in 1986. Since then, Nina has performed and/or recorded with Nanci Griffith, Greg Brown, Ferron, Tom Paxton, Karla Bonoff and Kenny Edwards, Lucy Kaplansky, Mollie O’Brien, and many others. Nina attended the Guitar Institute of Technology in Hollywood, where she learned how to torture her students with scales and arpeggios.
Sideperson Strategies: Care and Feeding of a Front Person (level 5) Stressing the concept that “less is more than enough,” this class explores how to approach being the second guitar player for a rhythm guitarist/vocalist. Bring your own guitar licks, as the focus here is how to be a sensitive, tasteful, and thoughtful sideperson. The lovely and talented Kristina Olsen co-teaches this class as our “chick singer.”
Theory Applied to Guitar (level 3–5) Play lead and backup guitar. This class uses the C-A-G-E-D method to provide an overview of the fretboard. Learn to build major scales and then to alter them to give you the sounds you are looking for. We’ll go slowly and thoroughly.
CHRIS GRAMPP
Chris Grampp has played jazz, blues, rock, and traditional music in bands and as a soloist for over 25 years in the Bay Area. He has studied guitar with Tuck Andress, Warren Nunes, and Davis Ramey, and has contributed lessons and articles for Acoustic Guitar magazine. He has taught for many years at CCMC, the Puget Sound Guitar Workshop, and music festival workshops. Chris currently performs solo and with bass player Chuck Ervin in the Spin Cats.
​
The Daily Groove (level 2–3) Rhythm backup approaches for pop, country, blues, rock, and related styles. We’ll work on right-hand strumming patterns, syncopation, accents, dynamics, counting, and more. All chordal instruments and bass players welcome.
​
Advanced Soloing (level 4–5) We’ll develop improvised solos to play over jazz, swing, and other styles (blues, rock, pop). We’ll work with modes, scales, and melody; bends and slides; suspensions; arpeggios; and other expressive techniques to get your solo to fit the song. All instruments welcome.
​
Classical. Brazilian. R&B. Jazz. Afro-Cuban. Popular Rock and Roll. Funk. Folk. Ed Johnson’s mastery of so many different styles, coupled with a passion for harmony vocal and horn arrangements, all factor into a magical blend of vibrant, original contemporary jazz that is winning fans and airplay worldwide. Ed’s original music is evocative of Brazilian pop, but unlike anything you’ve heard before. As a vocalist, Ed Johnson is frequently compared to Ivan Lins, Milton Nascimento, Kenny Rankin, and Michael Franks. As a guitarist and bandleader, critics often cite the lushly exotic, accessible sounds of Airto and Flora Purim. Ed has seven recording projects to his credit, in addition to producer credits for numerous artists spanning a multitude of genres.
​
Doo-Woppin’ (level 2–5) What fun to revisit a vital chapter in American vocal harmony music! We’ll explore the roots of “doo-wop,” a unique and infectious style of R&B vocal music, primarily performed with minimal accompaniment or a capella. We’ll explore the roots from ‘Nawlins to New York and all stops in between.
​
You Can Play Swing (level 3–4) If you love the sounds of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Django Reinhardt, then come learn some timeless standards by those cats, plus more. We’ll cover movable chord shapes and stylistic chord progressions, with a lot of focus on right- and left-hand techniques to get you playing “in the pocket.”
​
David Miles Keenan has been playing music since he was eight years old and performing since the age of 12. He performs in his hometown of Seattle with several bands in a variety of styles. Dave co-music directed Woody Guthrie—American Songs for the Arizona Theater Company, and was the featured instrumentalist in Mama Hated Diesels at the Denver Performing Arts Center. Dave teaches banjo, guitar, and mandolin at many camps throughout the summer, composes background music for film, and is currently writing a musical with creative partner Nova Karina Devonie. For all things Dave, check out www.davekeenan.com.
​
Meet the Flatpick (level 2) It’s the magic-wand for the guitar, and we’ll spend the week learning how to get the magic out of it. We’ll look at some basic grooves—boom-chuck, shuffles, and single-note melodies too. Lots of written materials and lots of playing in this class!
Melodic Soloing (level 2+) Soloing is easier if you have a melody to base it on. We’ll use a 5-note pattern to play 20 songs that most of us know and then learn how to alter them using those same five notes. Sound like magic? It’s Science!
Peter Langston has been playing music since he was 11 years old and seems to play any instrument in every style. He has performed with such diverse artists as Doc Watson, Clark Terry, Roland White, Johnny Gimble, Mike Seeger, Chill Wills, Peter Rowan, and Reverend Gary Davis. He’s a popular teacher at music and dance camps (Puget Sound Guitar Workshop, Sierra Swing, American Banjo Camp, Georgia Strait Guitar Workshop, CBA Music Camp, and, of course, CCMC) and, like most early computer researchers, Peter has a degree in chemistry.
​
Party Guitar—Unplugged (level 1–5) It’s roots music from the 50s, 60s, 70s, shrouded in the mists of time when rock and roll was new! We’ll sing and play great songs from each decade. All instruments, especially voices, welcome.
​
Instrumentalist As one of the Camp Instrumentalists, Peter provides lead and backup for classes and performances. Just ask!
Tony Marcus has found joy playing many styles of music. He has played bluegrass with mandolin legend Frank Wakefield, jug band music and blues with Geoff Muldaur, string swing with Cats & Jammers, big band jazz with the Royal Society Jazz Orchestra, weird old Hawaiian and hokum with R. Crumb and the Cheap Suit Serenaders, and honky tonk country with Rose Maddox, to name a few. Playing music led to a career in theater, with Tony appearing in shows all over the U.S. during the last 20 years. He currently performs with Patrice Haan in the vocal duo Leftover Dreams, which has taken him from Alaska to Florida, and from Japan to Ireland.
​
Swing Band Lab (level 3–5) Okay, so you’ve gained some skill on your instrument of choice. Playing in a group requires other tools. What does it take to form a swinging band? This involves heavy-duty listening and thinking of yourself as part of a whole. We’ll work on riffs, call and response, and how to create a powerhouse rhythm section.
Instrumentalist Tony is on call to provide leads and backup (on almost any instrument you can name).
​
Singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Kristina Olsen has added “author” to her quiver with the release of her e-book with embedded songs. Kristina is an award-winning songwriter whose songs have been covered by artists including Eric Bibb, Mary Coughlin, Maddy Prior and Fairport Convention. With 14 recordings of original songs (four on Rounder/Philo Records), she is typically on the road ten months a year having way too much fun.
​
Sideperson Strategies (level 4–5) Kristina co-teaches this class with Nina Gerber.
​
Pushme Pullyou: The Physics of Partner Dance (level 1–5) Learn universal lead and follow techniques so you can dance with anyone! This class is appropriate whether you are a total beginner or an experienced partner dancer. No partner needed, just a flexible mind and a desire to dance.
Verlene Schermer is a San Francisco Bay Area-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist with an eclectic style that ranges from Celtic and folk to blues and jazz. She performs as a solo artist and also with her band. In solo performance, she accompanies her dynamic and versatile singing voice on Celtic harp, piano, and guitar. Her original songs cover a wide range of topics from themes of dreaming, vision, and creative process, to poignant observations about modern living. These can be heard on her solo recordings Comfortable Blues, Dreamtime, Rendezvous with the Moon, Persephone’s Art, and Peace. Verlene also plays violin, tenor banjo, Swedish nyckelharpa, and Norwegian hardinfele. She is a sought-after performer and clinician for concerts and workshops throughout the country and in Europe. Visit Verlene at www.verlene.com.
Finding Your Voice (level 1–2) New to singing? Understanding how your instrument works will help you not only find your voice, but also keep your voice in great shape as you develop your singing skills. We’ll take a look “under the hood” at the mechanics of singing to gain an understanding of the physiology of singing, using visual concepts and practical exercises along with some fun sing-along songs that will all work together to build strength, range, and confidence.
Vocal Nuances (level 3–5) This advanced vocal class is for those who want to improve their effectiveness in their chosen singing style. We’ll look at the elements of singing that make up the nuances of not only the musical genre, but also the individual’s personal style. Bring in a song to work with and we’ll consider ways to add the stylistic elements that will make your vocal performances stand out.
Ellen Silva is a Bay Area singer/songwriter and a CCMC founder. She’s a vocalist and lead/rhythm guitar player in two bands: The TikiTones (a Hawaiian trio), and Island Dream (Ellen’s originals), as well as singing tenor in the Gryphon Carolers. She has three CDs of original music.
​
Instigator As Instigator, Ellen helps students find the right classes, helps connect people with similar interests, helps newcomers find their way around, helps start jams, and generally serves as a sociomusical tour guide and source of encouragement.
Victoria Vox earned a degree in songwriting from Berklee College of Music in 2001, mostly accompanying her songs with guitar. Then in 2003 a friend gave her a ukulele, and the small, four-stringed instrument proved to be the unexpected, but welcomed vehicle to showcase the upbeat, rhythmic drive that is characteristic of her music. Originally from Green Bay, WI, via Baltimore, MD, Victoria is newly based out of Costa Mesa, CA. She tours across the U.S. and internationally at venues and festivals that celebrate original music, French music, and/or the ukulele.
​
Beginning Ukulele (level 1–2) If you’re new to the ukulele or a bit of a dabbler, this workshop will get you set up to strum very quickly. Bring a smile and your singing voices, as the two go hand in hand. We’ll get into basic strumming and fingerpicking patterns, as well as all of the open-chord forms and some simple melodies. It’s fun and easy, and you’ll be sure to see big progress. Hula skirts optional!
​
Intermediate to Advanced Ukulele (level 3–5) Are you ready to take your ukulele playing to the next level? In this class, we’ll play with movable chord shapes, left-hand muting, strumming patterns, and how to “chunk” (create your own back beat). We’ll also dip into some jazz chord theory, and break you out of the triads. These are all simple techniques to improve your rhythm and playing style. Good times guaranteed.
Born in the Czech Republic and based in California, Radim Zenkl is a U.S. Mandolin Champion whose worldwide credentials include guest appearances at prestigious institutions such as Berklee College of Music in Boston and Sibelius Academy in Helsinki. Radim has taught at more than 70 music camps in the last 23 years.
​
Beginning Mandolin (level 1–2) We’ll start with the very basics (although students with some playing experience will benefit from this class as well). We’ll cover a variety of right-hand techniques, left-hand positions, tremolo, chords, backup rhythms, introduction to improvising, and learn a few tunes. Our goal is enabling you to join a jamming circle in a couple of days.
​
The World of Mandolin (level 3–4) Each day will be dedicated to one musical style—blues, bluegrass, swing, Eastern European, and a few traditional tunes. We’ll discuss chord forms, strumming patterns, and improvisation. On the last day we’ll focus on general playing tips and ideas for practicing after camp.
Class Levels
1. Beginner
2. Advanced Beginner
3. Intermediate
4. Advanced
5. Expert
WEEK 2: July 16-22, 2017
Danny Carnahan has been performing Celtic and eclectic original acoustic music for nearly 40 years. He’s written articles for a slew of magazines, published instructional books and videos, and written and recorded songs now sung from here to Scotland. Based in the Bay Area, he now mostly performs with his psychedelic Celtic sextet Wake the Dead and most recently released Deal, a CD featuring Celtic takes on the Summer of Love. Danny enjoys teaching all skill levels on fiddle, mandolin, guitar, and songwriting, and is delighted to have been part of the CCMC family for over a decade.
​
Beginning Mandolin (level 1–2) Get cool music out of your mandolin from the get-go! From basic playing position and how to handle your pick to navigating the fretboard, we’ll go step-by-step using tunes you probably know and love. By the end of camp, you’ll have a handle on playing melodies, forming chords, and being at ease in an ensemble. Sheet music and tab will be provided but ability to read music is not necessary. Larger members of the mandolin family also welcome.
​
Instrumentalist Danny will be delighted to accompany students on guitar, mandolin, octave mandolin, fiddle, and/or vocal harmony. He can also help arrange songs and spiff up performance chops.
Rich DelGrosso is a widely regarded exponent of the music of the African-American mandolinist. He was a writer/editor for Blues Revue magazine for 16 years and Mandolin Magazine for 11. He has published several instruction books for Hal Leonard, including Mandolin Blues: From Memphis to Maxwell Street. Over the past 40 years he has performed and conducted workshops in the U.S., Canada, Colombia, the U.K., Australia, and Europe.
​
The Black String Bands (level 3–4) Explore the black string bands of the South, from Mississippi and Tennessee to Texas; bands like the Sheiks, the Mudsteppers, and the Dallas String Band. You’ll pick up some new ideas and pieces for your mandolin repertoire. Music in standard and tablature will be provided. Bring a recording device.
​
Jug Band Blues (level 2–4) Learn music from the 20s made popular by buskers and bands like the Memphis Jug Band and Gus Cannon’s Jug Stompers. And we got more to choose from! So bring your instrument and your voice. And a jug, if you have one (preferably one that’s full and ready to pass). Lead sheets with tablature will be provided so you can take this music home and annoy your neighbors. Bring a recording device.
In her three decades of teaching guitar, Sylvia Herold has developed an innovative method that gets people playing musically and effectively from the first class. Herold’s performance credits include Cats & Jammers, Wake the Dead, Euphonia, The Hot Club of San Francisco, Sylvia Herold and the Rhythm Bugs, and The Sylvia Herold Ensemble.
​
Swing Band Lab (level 2–4) Gain experience playing with others in this high-energy, hands-on workshop. Each day you’ll be given a new song, a fresh band configuration, and 15 minutes to work up a compelling arrangement that you will perform in class. Use teamwork to create renditions that pop! This class is open to all singers and instrumentalists.
Swing Guitar Repertoire (level 3–4) Immerse yourself in the joys of swing guitar! Build chord vocabulary as you learn elegant songs in this medium-paced class. We’ll pay special attention to changing chords efficiently, getting good tone, and driving the rhythm. Come prepared to play a solo (if inclined) or sing lead as we play and sing enduring gems from the Great American Songbook.
Carol Elizabeth Jones has made her mark as a singer of traditional mountain music, a guitar player, and as a writer of new songs in the traditional style. She has many albums to her credit, including those with Jones & Leva, Laurel Bliss, and most recently, the New Reeltime Travelers. Rounder Records has featured Carol Elizabeth on several anthologies, including the bestselling O Sister—Women In Bluegrass collection. She was a member of the Hopeful Gospel Quartet with Garrison Keillor and Robin & Linda Williams on A Prairie Home Companion.
​
Guitar 101 (level 1–2) This class is for absolute beginners and for those who can play basic guitar chords but want to learn to play music with others. We’ll play backup for songs and learn to hear the structure of fiddle tunes. You’ll learn to play solid rhythm and understand how to hear chord changes in songs and instrumentals.
Songs from the Lomax Collection (level 1–5) John and Alan Lomax collected and recorded folk traditions from the 1930s to the 1990s, preserving cultural variety as represented through traditional music, dance, story, and song. We’ll learn a selection of songs from the recordings Lomax made on trips to the Southeastern U.S., from Madison County to the Georgia South Sea Islands.
Kathy Kallick has been leading bluegrass bands since 1975. She continues to evolve as one of the genre’s highly regarded composers, vocalists, and guitar players, releasing 14 albums (which include over 100 of her original songs) and receiving an Honorary Lifetime Membership from the California Bluegrass Association, as well as a Grammy award for her part on True Life Blues: The Songs of Bill Monroe. From the Good Ol’ Persons to the Kathy Kallick Band, she delivers hot bluegrass and cool originals.
​
Hit Parade of Love (level 1–5) This is a bluegrass/country repertoire class that doesn’t feature the blues, heartbreak, or wrist-slasher sad songs. We’ll spend the week giggling over gems like “Chug-a-Lug,” “Sugar-Coated Love,” and “You Never Even Call Me by My Name.”
Bluegrass Rhythm Guitar (level 2–3) This is flatpick, boom-chuck, bluegrass guitar: the pulse, heartbeat, and groove of the music. By learning bass runs, classic G runs, strum patterns, chord shapes, and more, we’ll study the ways rhythm guitar signals chord changes, underlines the emotions of a song, and drives the dynamics. We’ll also focus on the different ways to accompany lead instruments, including the human voice!
Carol McComb is a vocalist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist with over 40 years of performing, recording, and teaching experience. She wrote a best-selling guitar instruction book and has taught thousands of people to play guitar and sing in her workshop series at Gryphon Stringed Instruments in Palo Alto. She is a frequent contributor to Acoustic Guitar magazine and has taught at several music camps around the country. Carol was a member of the popular California-based band the Gryphon Quintet, and has toured with both Linda Ronstadt and Joan Baez. She is currently one-half of the duo Kathy and Carol.
​
Harmony Singing Like the Pros (level 1–5) After covering the building blocks of harmony theory, we’ll discover what makes those stellar harmonies you love so memorable by learning exact transcriptions of duets and trios from a wide variety of sources including folk, blues, bluegrass, and rock and roll. Sight singing is not a prerequisite for this class. Appropriate for both beginning and experienced singers.
​
Your First (or Next) Band (level 2–5) There is nothing quite as fun as playing in a band. Whether this is your first experience or you’ve played in ensembles before, you will have a great time learning the ropes and arranging songs in a band this week. All instruments and singers welcome.
Brian Rice, a graduate of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, is a well-rounded musician and highly acclaimed performer, educator, and recording artist. Brian is an expert on Brazilian and Afro-Cuban percussion, but can be heard playing a multitude of styles and is one of the more versatile percussionists in the area. Brian plays with Mike Marshall’s Choro Famoso, Wake the Dead, Cascada de Flores, Berkeley Choro Ensemble, Samba Rio, and freelances with many other bands and artists in the Bay Area and on the West Coast. Brian teaches at U.C. Davis and at the California Jazz Conservatory, and is a frequent resident teacher at colleges in Brazil and around the U.S.
​
Samba Pagode (level 1–5) There are many styles of samba from Brazil, but one of the most infectious is samba pagode (pah-go-jee). This style, unlike the drum heavy carnaval samba, is more suitable for a backyard barbeque than a street parade. It’s all about the singing really, but there are many drum parts to fill it out. Nylon string guitar and cavaquinho are the two string instruments that are needed to make this class happen. If you have those skills I will have my cavaquinho for you to use. (A ukulele can work as an alternative). One cavaquinho and all percussion instruments will be provided.
​
Rhythm in a Box (level 1–5) This class is for cajón players (and cajón “owners”) and for people who want to improve their rhythm in general. We’ll learn some traditional and not-so-traditional uses of the cajón while developing a better sense of rhythm. If you don’t have a cajón, contact me ahead of time and I’ll see what I can bring or round up.
Valerie Rose is a versatile fiddler who plays a variety of traditional styles, including Irish, Scottish, Balkan, English, and contradance. She plays for Irish set dancing with the band Western Shore (with Jason Pollack, Kyle Alden, and Will Wheeler), and for contra dances with the band Rose & Thorns (with Erik Hoffman and Bill Cope). She also sings, arranges, and conducts, and is an enthusiastic and supportive teacher.
​
Instrumentalist Valerie is available to provide leads on fiddle for classes or students working on backup and/or performance skills.
​
Beginning Celtic Fiddle (level 1–3) Dive into the fun world of Irish/Scottish fiddling. For fiddle beginners as well as fiddlers/violinists from other genres. We’ll explore the phrasing and ornamentation that give Celtic music its unique sound, plus learn some session tunes.
Eric has been obsessed with guitar since 1959 and has taught since 1963. He’s toured the U.S. and Europe as a solo fingerstyle guitarist; written a book, Fingerpicking Beatles; and released two solo albums on Rounder Records, Acoustic Guitar and Steel Strings. Eric owns and runs Eric Schoenberg Guitars in Tiburon, CA, and produces a line of high-end steel-string guitars.
​
Fingerstyle Beyond Strumming (level 2) Let’s get those fingers (right hand) more educated, using various techniques such as Maybelle Carter style, arpeggios, alternating bass notes, Travis style, blues. Pattern picking is a great way to get those fingers flying, and can be taken beyond by examining the bigger picture of how the patterns are constructed, so you’re not trapped into merely memorized patterns.
Melodic Fingerstyle the Easy Way (level 3) Mississippi John Hurt would mimic his voice in the treble strings of his guitar, while his thumb would supply a solid pulse behind the melody. Big Bill Broonzy would do the same thing in a different way. Two different styles of playing, very approachable when broken down to their basics, and a very sweet way to start picking the blues. We’ll take a couple of their more basic tunes, and slide into fingerstyle the easy way.
Considered the finest jazz vocal improviser in Canada by her peers, her fans, and the musicians who work with her, Jennifer Scott is an important jazz voice. She has sung with such jazz greats as Gene Bertoncini, Clark Terry, Tommy Banks, Paul Horn, and Kenny Wheeler, to name a few. She has been nominated for Juno and Jessie Awards with Mythos and the theatre production War of the Worlds, and frequently teaches at music camps on the West Coast.
​
Sing Around the World (level 1–5) Using grooves and repertoire inspired by music from different nations, and even exploring some Qi Gong concepts, we’ll construct a gentle, effective method for strengthening and gaining profound knowledge of our voices. Some repertoire will be used, but this is a chance to explore the techniques of singing in the purest form.
​
The Complete Jazz and Swing Vocalist (level 3–5) In this class we’ll explore the repertoire, nuances, stylization, and techniques needed to be a confident and swinging singer. I’ll bring the tunes and exercises—you bring your voice!
Cosy Sheridan has been called “one of the era’s finest and most thoughtful singer/songwriters.” She first appeared on the national folk scene in 1992 when she won the songwriting contests at The Kerrville Folk Festival and The Telluride Bluegrass Festival. Since then she has released 10 CDs, written a one-woman show, and her music has appeared in books and film. She has taught songwriting, guitar, and performance workshops at music camps for the past 15 years, including Puget Sound Guitar Workshop and the Swannanoa Gathering. Cosy is the director of The Moab Folk Camp in Moab, Utah.
​
Stagecraft (level 1–5) Who is your performing self? How can you find a way to take charge of the moment? Come sing a song and we’ll work together to help you become your best self on stage.
​
Songwriting: The Basics (and Beyond) (level 1–2) Have you always wanted to write a song, but you’ve never known where to start? Let’s have fun this week and by-the-way learn how songs are put together: how to get started, and how to keep going. Lots of in-class games to help you acquire tools of the trade.
Mark Simos is an acclaimed songwriter, fiddler, tunesmith and composer, guitar accompanist, teacher, and author. His songs and tunes have been recorded by many bluegrass and roots artists including Laurie Lewis and Tom Rozum, Alison Krauss and Union Station, Del McCoury, and Ricky Skaggs. For the past decade, teaching in the Songwriting Department at Berklee College of Music in Boston, he’s developed innovative curricula for songwriting, guitar techniques for songwriters, collaboration, and traditional tune composition. His book Songwriting Strategies: A 360Ëš Approach (Berklee Press/Hal Leonard, 2014) embodies his approach to songwriting, celebrating exploration, self-challenge, and risk-taking.
​
Advanced Songwriting (level 3–5) Move forward with your songs and writing processes. We’ll listen closely to traditionally rooted examples of great songwriting and use them as a springboard for our own writing challenges.
Net of Jewels (level 2–4) This shape-based exploration of theory, technique, and creative inspiration on the guitar fingerboard will help you become a fearless explorer of new voicings, textures, and progressions, whether you’re accompanying or writing songs on guitar.
A sophisticated guitarist and inspired singer/songwriter, Cyd Smith is a longtime member of the Northwest music scene. From swing jazz classics and Americana to her own impeccably crafted original songs, her music sparkles with wit, whimsy, and passion. An early background in classical guitar and a long study of swing jazz inform her unique sound. Cyd performs regularly as a soloist in the Southern Oregon area and is a popular teacher at adult music camps throughout the United States, including the Centrum Vintage Jazz Workshop, Augusta Heritage Festival, and WinterSongs West. Visit www.cydsmith.com.
​
Instigator As Instigator, Cyd helps set the friendly, supportive tone that pervades the CCMC experience. She helps people with similar musical interests find each other, gets jams rolling, helps students find classes that fit their needs, and provides both information and encouragement.
Acoustic guitarist Doug Smith is a Grammy award winner and winner of the prestigious Winfield International Fingerstyle Guitar Competition. His playing can be heard in the popular movie August Rush, and his original compositions can be heard everywhere from Good Morning America to National Public Radio. In 2016 Doug played a concert tour of Japan and South Korea. His enthusiastic teaching style has made him a workshop favorite all over the country. Visit Doug at www.dougsmithguitar.com.
​
Fingerstyle Guitar: The Many Ways of Chord Shapes (level 3) Can you fingerpick a C chord? Try sliding it up the neck to the 6th position to play a beautiful-sounding Fadd9. We’ll explore different sounds using mostly recognizable shapes that can add color to your playing. The ability to read tablature will be helpful. (Not sure what the 6th position is? We’ll discuss that, too!)
​
Arranging for Solo Fingerstyle Guitar (level 4–5) From “Wayfaring Stranger” to “Wonderful Tonight,” how do we take a favorite melody and make a fingerstyle arrangement for solo or vocal accompaniment? We’ll start with arranging concepts, guitar-friendly keys, and which key is appropriate for which song. Later, we’ll arrange tunes from scratch. The ability to read tablature will be helpful.
Daniel Ward was born in Los Alamos, NM, where he was exposed to a wide variety of musical styles, including Mexican mariachi, Spanish flamenco, world music, and jazz. By the time Daniel completed his degree in classical guitar and composition, he was playing flamenco guitar with dancers, electric jazz, trumpet, lute and world beat music. As a guitarist, he toured with Dance España, Maria Benitez, and Yjastros, went around the world with Ottmar Liebert, and toured with numerous other groups, playing everything from soft jazz to hard rock. In 2009, he was introduced to the ukulele and all of the music inside him found a new home on the four strings. Since then, he has become a premier ukulele performer and clinician, known for his command of Latin and world styles. He has been a featured performer and workshop instructor at ukulele festivals across the country, most recently at the Ukulele Festival of Great Britain. His first ukulele CD recording, El Ukulele, is a lively adventure in what the instrument can do. Visit Daniel at www.danielward.net.
​
Ukulele Fingerstyle Meditations (level 1–2) One of the most valuable tools you can have in your ukulele toolbox is the ability to “center” yourself on the instrument. This class will provide you with that tool. We’ll play slowly through the material until it starts to sink into your bones, while learning about tone, rhythm, and right-hand patterns.
Ukulele Latin and World Strums (level 3–5) Learn the sexy strums and picking styles that will give you instant access to a spicy palette you can sprinkle on any song. Flamenco, rhumba, bossa nova, disco, and island styles broken down into clear and easy-to-learn steps.
Guitarist Mike Wollenberg has performed solo and in Bay Area bands for the past 30 years. He has released two solo guitar CDs: The Hand That Feeds Me, and Just Another Fool on the Hill. In his most recent recording, A Common Language, he partners with Seattle violin great Julian Smedley.
​
Your First Lead (level 3) This class is designed to help you get started playing single-note leads on folk, country, and blues songs. We’ll take the plunge, starting at the shallow end of the pool and wading in a little deeper as the week progresses. Only one or two scales, lots of open strings, and lots of fun.
​
Advanced Single-Line Soloing (level 4–5) We’ll look at effective ways to play leads in a variety of styles, focusing on development of melodic content, phrasing, and motifs. Each day we’ll explore a different song, using the melody and feel of the song as a springboard into a beautiful solo.
​
René Worst has been performing, recording, and producing music since 1973. He has been teaching in colleges, as a clinician and at music workshops/camps for just as long. René has worked with many artists: Joe Pass, Herb Ellis, Chet Baker, David Bowie, Freddie Hubbard, Jennifer Scott, Paul Horn, among many others. As a producer, he has worked with many singers and musicians such as Skywalk and Rita McNeil. He and music and life partner, Jennifer Scott, have just released their tenth CD. René is in demand as a session and live performance bassist and clinician.
​
Bass 1 (level 1–2) This class starts right at the beginning with the care, holding, and drawing a sound out of your bass. We’ll try to learn a tune a day and play the original bass parts from songs from artists like Hank Williams, the Drifters, Van Morrison, and Iris Dement. All bass instruments welcome.
​
Bass 2 (level 3–5) We’ll examine feels by learning tunes in different styles, concentrating on a particular groove each day. We’ll also look at each student’s needs and use that as a focus for all of us to learn.