Bluegrass Instrumental Course – with Bruce Thompson and Sam Katz
April 29, May 6, 27 and June 3
5:45 pm – 7:45 pm
$195
For instruments: Guitar, Fiddle, Mandolin, Bass, Banjo, Dobro
Experience level: students should be familiar with basic chords and have done some melodic playing as well.
Instructors: Bruce Thompson and Sam Katz
Summary: This course is intended for folks interested in learning bluegrass instrumentals (fiddle tunes) commonly played at jams. Each week we will focus on at least one instrumental tune. Students will have the time to listen and prepare tunes in advance of each class Links to audio and/or video examples as well as music (standard notation and tabs) will be provided. Each class will review the tune as a group then divide into small groups to work on playing the tune together. We will also discuss learning techniques and tools such as StrumMachine and a metronome. Students will become familiar with the tunes covered in the course and develop techniques to quickly learn new tunes.
Topics:
Memorizing, learning and mastering a melody
Learning the rhythm part and accompaniment
Switching from rhythm to lead parts
Setting the tempo, kickoffs and endings
Leading the tune in a group
Improvising ideas, tips and techniques
Jam etiquette
Possible Tunes (subject to change):
Angeline the Baker (D)
Old Joe Clark (A)
Soldier’s Joy (D)
Cold Frosty Morn (Am)
Big Sandy River (A)
