Workshops

Workshop Descriptions

Accordion

Groovin’ Rockin’ Squeezin’ Accordion
Nova Karina Devonie
Sat., June 3, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., $30.
Learn to pick up, strap into, and produce a simple sonic rhythm on the piano accordion. Aimed towards beginners, this workshop will focus on getting comfortable with the instrument and learning the basics of playing an easy melody with chordal accompaniment. Expect to play a lot in this hands-on class.

Intro to Finnish Accordion, Level 1
Pekka Pentikainen
Sat., August 5, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., $30, or $50 for both of this instructor's workshops.
Geared for chromatic (piano or button) accordion players with knowledge of basic accordion playing. Drawing on Finnish folk music's rich history, learn waltzes, schottishes, and polskas. Play by ear or use notes. 2-row (G/C) accordion players and other instruments welcome.

Intro to Finnish Accordion, Level 2
Pekka Pentikainen
Sat., August 5, 1:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., $30, or $50 for both of this instructor's workshops.
Geared toward chromatic (piano or button) accordion players who want to learn more Finnish folk music, melody phrasing , bellows technique, accompaniment, and bass technique. 2-row (G/C) accordion players and other instrumentalists also welcome.

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Appalachian Dulcimer

Beginning Mountain Dulcimer
Lance Frodsham
Sat., June 24, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., $30, or $50 for both of this instructor's workshops.
Learn the basics: tunings, chords, strumming, fingerpicking, and much more. Walk away with resource materials as well as several tunes to work on. There will be new material for those who may have taken this workshop in the past.

Fiddle Tunes for the Mountain Dulcimer
Lance Frodsham
Sat., June 24, 1:30-3:30 p.m., $30, or $50 for both of this instructor's workshops.
Learn Irish and American fiddle tunes, starting with simple tunes and then learning the skills to advance to more challenging ones. Fiddle tunes are incredibly fun to play on the dulcimer. You'll get plenty of music to take home. All levels are welcome. (R)

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Banjo

Bluegrass Banjo—Get Started
David Keenan
Sat., June 3, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., $30.
Dig that banjo out of the closet, bring it down to Dusty Strings, and learn how to get music out of it! Class covers the basics: picks, rolls, chords, hand positions, and basic tunes. For rank beginners and those with some experience too. Expect to play a lot in this hands-on class.

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Fiddle

Irish Fiddle-The Basics
Randal Bays
Sun., June 4, 12:15-2:15 p.m., $30, or $50 for both of this instructor’s workshops.
For anyone who's new to the fiddle, or would like to revisit the basics. Class covers holding the instrument, holding the bow and the mechanics of bowing, and left hand position. Learn a couple of tunes, repertoire-building tips, play in sessions, learn by ear, and more. Registrants please email Randal at randal@foxgloverecords.com to request the music for the class. (R)

Bowing, Ornamentation, and Rhythm in Irish Fiddling
Randal Bays
Sun., June 4, 2:45-4:45 p.m., $30, or $50 for both of this instructor’s workshops.
For those who've been playing Irish fiddle for a while, and want to take their music to a higher level of expression and musicality. A nuts-and-bolts workshop, dealing with the mechanics of bowing, ornamentation, left-hand technique, and rhythm. Handouts will be provided. (R)

Fiddle Part 1
Jamie Laval
Sun., July 23, 12:15-2:15 p.m.,$30, or $50 for both of this instructor’s workshops.
Improve technical ability through understanding the keys and chords of fiddle tunes. Sections of a tune are based on simple double stops which can be easily mapped out on the fingerboard. Based on those double stops (or "blocks") learn to ornament tunes, play quick tempos more easily, back up other musicians, and create your own tunes. Basic violin skills required.

Fiddle Part 2
Jamie Laval
Sun., July 23, 2:45-4:45 p.m., $30, or $50 for both of this instructor’s workshops.
Within a framework of Celtic fiddle style, focus on rhythm and groove-making, and playing any tune with a more danceable feel. Using short phrases of a standard session tune, work on different bowings that give a good rhythmic feel by incorporating natural body movement and rhythm. Other instruments welcome. Basic violin skills required.

Beginning Finnish Fiddle
Perttu Paappanen
Sat., August 5, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., $30, or $50 for both of this instructor's workshops.
Learn simple, light-hearted Finnish folk tunes including waltzes, polskas, and schottishes. Learn tips for phrasing the melody, bowing, and improving technique. A short history of Finnish music illuminates the art form. Other instruments welcome.

Advanced Finnish Fiddle
Perttu Paappanen
Sat., August 5, 1:30-3:30 p.m., $30, or $50 for both of this instructor’s workshops.
Experience the essence of Finnish fiddle tradition by learning waltzes and schottishes with harmonies, and some extraordinary modalic polskas. Focus on ornaments and phrasing the melody for a more danceable feel. A brief history of Finnish music provides context.

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Guitar

Slide Guitar
Dave Mullany
Sat., July 8, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., $30, or $50 for both of this instructor's workshops.
For beginning slide/bottleneck guitarists. Class covers open tunings, damping techniques, integrating slide fills into your rhythm playing, and getting a great sound with a slide. Tablature provided. (R)

Fingerstyle Blues
Dave Mullany
Sat., July 8, 1:30-3:30 p.m., $30, or $50 for both of this instructor’s workshops.
An introduction to thumb-style country blues guitar. Learn shuffle rhythm, fills, turnarounds, and techniques to get an authentic blues sound in the style of Robert Johnson and Big Bill Broonzy. All songs provided in tablature. For those with basic chord knowledge through advanced players. (R)

Mississippi Blues Guitar
Steve Cheseborough
Sun., July 9, 12:15-2:15 p.m., $30, or $50 for both of this instructor’s workshops.
Robert Johnson and Mississippi John Hurt - very different in style, temperament, and life story, these two rural musicians profoundly affected American music. Working from the original recordings, learn to appreciate and play a song or two from each of these Mississippi masters. Students should have some experience on the guitar and an interest in the blues. Bring an acoustic guitar, a notebook, and a tape recorder. (R)

More Mississippi Blues Guitar
Steve Cheseborough
Sun., July 9, 2:45-4:45 p.m., $30, or $50 for both of this instructor’s workshops.
Memphis Minnie and Bo Carter—extremely popular in their own time but somewhat neglected now, Minnie and Bo were fabulous artists and killer guitarists. Working from the original recordings, learn to appreciate and play a song or two from each of these Mississippi masters. Students should have some experience on the guitar and an interest in the blues. Bring an acoustic guitar, a notebook and a tape recorder. (R)

Flatpicking the Blues
Eric Madis
Sat., July 15, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., $30, or $50 for both of this instructor’s workshops.
Explore the early, urban blues style of flatpicking, popularized by greats such as Lonnie Johnson, Eddie Lang and Scrapper Blackwell . Flatpicking is fundamental to the more modern styles of T. Bone Walker and Charlie Christian. Class covers rhythm accompaniment and single-string improvisation, with a good supply of classic, authentic techniques. (R)

Bottleneck Blues Guitar
Eric Madis
Sat., July 15, 1:30-3:30 p.m., $30, or $50 for both of this instructor’s workshops.
Learn bottleneck techniques in G tuning, and improvisation using these techniques. Learn the Muddy Waters acoustic classic "Rollin' and Tumblin.' " National Guitar Workshop faculty member Eric Madis is a recording artist, performer and instructor with over 40 years of experience. (R)

John Renbourn Master Class
John Renbourn
Tue., July 25, 7:30-9:30 p.m., $40.
The influential British guitarist and founding member of Pentangle will discuss alternative tunings and how they can be applied to Celtic and British music, including guitar renderings of tunes originally performed on other instruments. Explore Renbourn's approach to dance tunes and accompanying ballad singing.

Blues Guitar
Roy Book Binder
Tue., August 8, 7:00-9:30 p.m., $100.
Learn guitar licks and tricks developed by blues guitar masters of the 20s and 30s, some of whom the instructor studied with in the '60's. Focus on special chords and techniques (lots of turn-arounds, endings, and chord inversions) within tunes to learn finger positions in different keys. Apply these techniques to your current repertoire. Emphasis on developing your own sound. Instructional DVDs available. Audio recording is encouraged, no video cameras please. (R)

Blues Guitar
Doug MacLeod
Sat., August 19, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., $30, or $50 for both of this instructor’s workshops.
Learn the building blocks of the blues as a foundation for your own music. Emphasis on the importance of a strong groove featuring the right hand, using regular tuning, open tunings, and slide. Discuss the philosophy of the blues; as MacLeod says, "it's not just the notes, but the feeling that lives behind the notes."

More Blues Guitar
Doug MacLeod
Sat., August 19, 1:00-3:00 p.m., $30, or $50 for both of this instructor’s workshops.
This class will expand on the previous one by further exploring the importance of rhythm and drive in blues guitar while slipping in that distinctive, syncopated, 'blue note' that so defines this roots music. If you have taken the first class, stay for the second and take advantage of this rare visit from master bluesman Doug MacLeod. Bring your questions and guitar.

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Hammered dulcimer

Music Theory for the Hammered Dulcimer
Rick Fogel
Sat., August 26, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., $30, or $50 for both of this instructor’s workshops.
For all levels of dulcimer players. Scales, chords, chord progressions, circle of fifths, arpeggios, and much more. The emphasis will be on learning patterns and exercises. All of this will help the student understand the instrument better, improvise more readily, and communicate about musical ideas with other musicians. Come early if you need help getting your instrument in tune by class time. (L)

Ear Training for the Hammered Dulcimer
Rick Fogel
Sat., August 26, 1:30-3:30 p.m., $30, or $50 for both of this instructor’s workshops.
For all levels of dulcimer players. Instructor will play recorded music from actual jams in the Seattle area and explain how you can join in the melody, harmony, or chords. Learn to find chord changes and chord progressions, and gain the confidence you need to play with other musicians. (L)

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Harp

Beginning Harp
Michael MacBean
Sat., June 10, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., $45.
For those with little or no previous experience with the harp. Start with the basics-tuning, tone, fingering, and rhythm-then have fun learning chord structures. By the end of class everyone will have learned to accompany a selected traditional song by ear. (L) (R)

Beginning Harp
Alys Howe
Sat., August 26, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., $30, or $50 for both of this instructor’s workshops.
Explore this fascinating and beautiful instrument: historical aspects of the harp, different playing styles, tuning the harp, healthy posture, and technique. Learn a simple tune and chordal accompaniment. (L) (M)

Intermediate Harp
Alys Howe
Sat., August 26, 1:30-3:30 p.m., $30, or $50 for both of this instructor’s workshops.
Enjoy this amazing instrument to the fullest. Explore the different styles of playing available to harpists of today; identify what is working for you and what may be holding you back in terms of your technique; learn some new tunes, accompaniment rhythms and patterns, and develop your ornamentation skills. (L) (M)

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Mandolin

Beginning Mandolin 1
Zak Borden
Sun., June 25, 12:15-2:15 p.m., $30, or $50 for both of this instructor’s workshops.
Establish a solid foundation for developing new skills in an inviting atmosphere geared towards beginners and anyone seeking direction in their playing. Cover variations on chords, basic right- and left-hand techniques, tremolo, and shortcuts to unlocking the mystery of the fretboard. Bring a mandolin and a pick. (R)

Beginning Mandolin 2
Zak Borden
Sun., June 25, 2:45-4:45 p.m., $30, or $50 for both of this instructor’s workshops.
Know some basic technique, chords, and melody but need help getting to the next step? Learn tips for improvisation, applying new skills, and getting the most out of your practice time. Intermediate techniques such as double stops, crosspicking, slides, and ornaments. Learn an old-time tune or two. (R)

Mandolin Part 1 - Technique & Melody
Ashley Broder
Sun., July 23, 12:15-2:15 p.m., $30, or $50 for both of this instructor’s workshops.
Learn to play cleanly without the distraction of "pick clack" or accidentally hitting open strings. Class covers basic chord shapes and technical exercises for the left and right hands. Improve musicality by adding dynamics and ornamentation to melodies. All levels welcome.

Mandolin Part 2 - Rhythm & Harmony
Ashley Broder
Sun., July 23, 2:45-4:45 p.m., $30, or $50 for both of this instructor’s workshops.
Investigate various chord shapes and learn to improvise a solo using motifs within those chord shapes. Learn to accompany others in many different situations.

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Ukulele

Chord Melody a la Smeck Level 1
Joel Eckhaus
Sat., July 1, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., $30, or $50 for both of this instructor’s workshops.
An exploration of the chord melody style of the Wizard of the Strings, Roy Smeck. Start out singing a couple of well known 1920's style songs with simple 1st position chords, and gradually develop them into chord melody solos, using inversions and more complex chord voicing. Learn right hand techniques and some of Roy's infamous audio-visual tricks. Please have a soprano or concert uke with a high G string. No music reading required. Beginners welcome. Handouts will be provided. (R)

Old Time & Folk Styles for the Uke
Aaron Keim
Sat., July 1, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., $30, or $50 for both of this instructor’s workshops.
Break out of the strumming rut by learning fingerpicking, clawhammer, Carter style, Travis picking, and more. Broaden your approach to the ukulele with new tools for arranging, performance, and improvisation. Intermediate to advanced.

Chord Melody a la Smeck, Level 2
Joel Eckhaus
Sat., July 1, 1:30-3:30 p.m., $30, or $50 for both of this instructor’s workshops.
Continue the chord melody process with more songs from the Tin Pan Alley era, with more complex chord arrangements and strumming techniques. Learn to develop your own chord melody solos. Soprano and concert ukes are preferred. The use and tuning of tenor ukes will also be discussed. Level 2 students should be familiar with some basic 1st position chords. Handouts will be provided. (R)

Fingerstyle Techniques for Ukulele
Aaron Keim
Sat., July 1, 1:30-3:30 p.m., $30, or $50 for both of this instructor’s workshops.
Useful for beginning to intermediate players interested in the many ways to fingerpick ukulele. A fun and simple way to add a level of sophistication to your playing.

Beginning Melody and Chord-Melody Arranging
Kailin Yong
Sat., July 1, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., $30.
Learn tools for getting started playing melodies and arranging solos in the chord-melody style. Useful tips for unlocking the mysteries of melodies, chords and scales.

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Whistle

Beginning Penny Whistle
Stuart Esson
Sun., June 11, 12:15-2:15 p.m., $30, or $50 for both of this instructor’s workshops.
A lively, step-by-step program for learning not only the whistle, but also the jigs and reels of Scotland and Ireland. Covers the fundamentals of ornamentation, basic techniques of tune memorization, and analytical listening skills. Learn specific drills for rapid progress, as well as some beginning tunes. Bring a notebook, pencil with an eraser, and a whistle in D. (R)

Intermediate Penny Whistle
Stuart Esson
Sun., April 9, 2:45-4:45 p.m., $30, or $50 for both of this instructor’s workshops.
A continuation of the earlier class, or for those with some experience. Geared toward preparing the budding musician for session playing. Learn how to build strength in your performance, develop good breathing skills, and put a solid, danceable rhythm into your tunes. Explore the finer points of ornamentation and improvisation, and how to build repertoire through memorization. (R)