of Traditional Music and Culture
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Beginning Fingerpicking Guitar “Fingerpicking” is a broad term for a range of American folk styles. Generally, it means playing the treble strings with the fingers of the right hand while simultaneously playing a pattern in the bass strings with the thumb. It can be used to accompany singing (or other instruments) or to play melodies and solos. This class will introduce you to the styles of players including Elizabeth Cotton, Mississippi John Hurt, Merle Travis, Doc Watson, Rev. Gary Davis, and Brownie McGhee. Teens and adults welcome, must have ability to play basic chords. Listen to a sample of the music by downloading this mp3 file or this mp3 file. Each file is less than 0.9MB. Instructor: Mark Greenberg • 10-week session begins Tuesday, September 16th, 2008 • Location: Monteverdi Music Bldg, 46 Barre St, Montpelier • Time: Tuesdays, 6:30-7:45 pm • Cost: $200 |
Beginning Bluegrass Banjo – Scruggs Style The 3-finger, syncopated, rolling banjo playing pioneered by Earl Scruggs is probably the most recognizable characteristic of bluegrass music. Although it is a complex sounding style and can be quite challenging, no prior knowledge of, or experience playing, the 5-string banjo is necessary. We will begin with basic left hand positions and right hand “rolls” applied to simple, traditional melodies. We’ll progress at a pace determined by the class members’ progress, learning essential licks and new tunes along the way. Teens and adults welcome, this is a beginner class, no prerequisites necessary. |
American Harmony Singing Learn to sing three and four-part New England shape-note hymns, close harmony Appalachian songs, and Carter Family tunes. Explore the history of the music, and trace popular songs to their Appalachian and European roots with Katie Trautz. This is a great place to start singing informally, with special instruction on style and harmonizing. Most tunes are taught by ear. Join the Folk Choir! (No experience necessary-welcome one and all.) Listen to a sample of the music by downloading this mp3 or wma file. Each file is 1.4MB |
Old-Time Fiddle This class will be for beginner/intermediate fiddlers or classically trained violinists who want to learn about old-time fiddling techniques. We will focus on different bowing techniques, listen to old recordings, and learn many standard tunes, including: Angelina Baker, Cindy, Cluck old Hen, and June Apple. West Virginia tunes will also be taught, with a focus on bowing and style. All ages are encouraged to take the class, but some experience playing the fiddle is necessary. Listen to a sample of the music by downloading this mp3 file of "Lost Girl." The file is 3.2MB |
Intermediate Mandolin For those who know some basic chords and melodies, we'll explore more complex chords and tunes along with some music theory as an approach to improvisation. Folk, Blues, Fiddle and simple Jazz tunes are included. Listen to a sample of the music by downloading this mp3 of "Redwing" or mp3 of "Over the Waterfall." Each file is 2MB |
Irish Session Repertoire For many players of Irish traditional music, a good session with a few like-minded musicians is among life's greatest pleasures. We hope that this class will help participants develop a good working repertoire of popular session tunes (both "standards" and some less well-known) that will stand them in good stead both locally and further afield. The class is open to all players of melody instruments from lower intermediate level on up. Technique on individual instruments will not be covered as the primary focus of the class will be on learning tunes, finding good groupings of tunes, and trying to capture the distinctive "flavour" of Irish music. |
General West African Drumming Styles If you have learned some basics of West African drumming, and are ready to move on to improve your percussive skills, this 10-week class is for you. This class will cover many styles of drumming, and will survey the music and dance traditions of West Africa. Beginner and Intermediate drummers are welcome. Listen to a sample of the music by downloading this mp3 or wma file. Each file is 1.4MB Instructor: Jordan Mensah • 10-week session, begins Thursday, September 18th, 2008 • Location: Monteverdi Music Bldg, 46 Barre St, Montpelier • Time: Thursdays, 7:00pm-8:30pm • Cost: $200 |
Intermediate/Advanced Clawhammer Banjo Come explore the ever expanding world of the banjo. We will work on a variety of old- time styles, from frailing to clawhammer to round peak to blues. You should have a good grip on the basic strum and be aware of the standard tunings. We will work on solo playing as well as playing within a group. Listen to a sample of the music by downloading this mp3 of "Shaving a Dead Man." The file is 1.6MB |
Morris Dancing You've probably seen them wearing bells and waving hankies and leaping about to the fiddle or accordion — Morris Dancers, whose English folk ritual tradition goes back into the Middle Ages and maybe beyond. Long a feature of village life in the Cotswold region of the U.K., Morris Dancing has crossed the Atlantic and is now performed by "teams" around the U.S. But New England has been the heart of the American Morris revival for over thirty years, and the Midnight Capers of Cabot, Vermont (and Danville, Middlesex and Montpelier) are among New England's best-known and most widely emulated teams. Capers "squire" Lisa Ginnett will teach Morris steps and figures, with the assistance of other teams members and musicians, and course "graduates" will be invited to join the team. No prior experience is necessary, but Morris Dancing can be aerobically demanding. |
Folk Guitar for Beginners In this introductory course, you'll learn to accompany yourself on guitar with
basic chords and strumming techniques. Bring the joy of music-making into your life! Group classes in a relaxed atmosphere. Class size limited. All ages welcome. Listen to a sample of the music by downloading this mp3 of "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot." The file is 1.6MB. For more info regarding this course, please contact Rebecca at: 802-223-9685. |
Address: P.O. Box 646, Montpelier, VT 05601