of Traditional Music and Culture
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Flatpicking Guitar Flatpicking is an essential technique of old-time and bluegrass guitarists - from Mother Maybelle’s basic “Carter Scratch” to Doc Watson’s adaptations of fiddle tunes and beyond. You don’t need a nickname, just a working knowledge of basic chords to learn back-up and lead styles using a little piece of plastic (flat pick) and a steel-string guitar. Class space is limited. 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 • 12-week session begins Tuesday, January 15th, 2008 • Location: Classroom 3B, Woodbury College, Rt. 12, Montpelier • Time: Tuesdays, 6:00-7:00 pm • Cost: $240 |
Blues in the Night Explore the history of the blues from its 19th century beginnings in the Deep South, through its electrification in the 1940’s Chicago, to its impact on popular music world-wide. This course makes extensive use of recordings, video, and live music and is suitable for people of all ages. . |
Traditional American Harmony Singing Learn to sing three and four-part New England shape-note hymns, Appalachian ballads, and a special focus on three-part close harmony songs. Explore the history of the music, and trace popular songs to their Appalachian and European roots with Katie Trautz. Join the chorus! (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 |
Introduction to Appalachian Fiddle Styles This class will be for 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. Some different regional styles, such as West Virginia old-time fiddling, will also be introduced. 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 "West Virginia Gals." The file is 1.8MB |
Introduction to the Mandolin Learn the basics of playing the mandolin in this 12-week course for beginners. Students will develop the skills needed to play old-time tunes, such as Angelina Baker and Red Wing! . Sounds like - a whole lot of fun! Open to all ages. Listen to a sample of the music by downloading this mp3 of "Redwing" or mp3 of "Over the Waterfall." Each file is 2MB |
A: West African Drumming: Intermediate Level If you have learned the basics of West African drumming, and are ready to move on to the intermediate level, this 12-week course is for you. You will improve your percussive skills, and also rehearse and prepare for a performance at the end of the semester. Listen to a sample of the music by downloading this mp3 or wma file. Each file is 1.4MB Instructor: Jordan Mensah • 12- week session, begins Thursday, January 17th, 2008 • Location: Capital City Grange, Rt. 12, Montpelier • Time: Thursdays, 7:00pm-8:30pm • Cost: $240 |
Intermediate Old-Time 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 |
Appalachian Clogging Learn traditional Appalachian clogging and flatfooting steps along
with basic choreography in a class geared to all levels of dancing.
Beginning and experienced dancers welcome! |
Beginning Old-Time Banjo Learn to play the banjo in the old-time Clawhammer style! This course starts from scratch for adult beginners (over 16) with little or no experience. You will master the basic clawhammer strum and combine it with the left hand techniques, using simple versions of old-time tunes to put both hands to work. You will explore old-time tunings, listen to recordings of great players, and choose songs to work on collectively and individually. By the end of the session, students will be able to play several songs in standard tunings, use tablature wisely, and jam at a moderate tempo with classmates. You will need a 5-string banjo (preferably “open-back”), and an electronic tuner. Listen to a sample of the music by downloading this mp3 of "Barlow" or mpg medley of "Rally Round the Flag." Each file is over 2MB |
Address: P.O. Box 646, Montpelier, VT 05601