Workshops

 LAURA (voice/fiddle):

SONGWRITING (all levels welcome) 

We will explore a few different ways of generating song ideas, including lyrics, melodies, rhythms, harmony; and explore ways to develop these ideas into a first draft of a song. For longer formats, we will take time to perform songs for each other and get feedback from the class. 

FIDDLE (intermediate and advanced) 

What is that elusive element that makes some jams last till dawn? Or that special magic that makes some players sound so distinct? In this class, we will learn tunes that have propelled jams into the wee hours from a variety of regions in the US, Canada, and abroad (Scotland, Belgium, Sweden & more). We will also work to distill our own instrumental strengths toward an unmistakable personal style. 

GROOVING on THE FIDDLE (intermediate and advanced)

Learn to chop and groove along to fiddle tunes and songs and other rhythmic accompaniment for fiddle, viola, and cello. 

SINGING & SONG REPERTOIRE (all levels welcome)

What is more freeing and fun than connecting with a room full of people in song? Bring your voice and your other instruments as we explore newly composed folk songs from Ireland, Scotland, the US, and Canada.  We will touch on harmony singing as well as techniques for developing confidence and personal style. 

BAND OFFERINGS (Bass or Cello)

BASS:

FOOLPROOF BASS LINES (Beginner and Intermediate)

In this class we will learn how to play effective and simple bass lines, in a variety of styles and keys. We will study, practice and break various conventions of bass playing. Upright and electric bass welcome.

A BASS PLAYER’S GUIDE TO JAMMING (Beginner and Intermediate)

In this class we will learn a variety of survival skills for jamming along with songs you’ve never heard before. Upright and electric bass welcome.

TIME & FEEL FOR BASSISTS (intermediate and advanced)

What is “good time feel” and why is it important? As a bass player, the notes you play are secondary to where you place them. In this course we will work on techniques for improving your sense of rhythm. Upright and electric bass welcome.

CELLO

FOLK CELLO (intermediate/advanced)

Learn tunes from many traditions that fit well on the cello & dig into a deeper understanding of bowing, accompaniment, chopping,!ornaments & adapting fiddle tunes to the cello. (Can also be offered at a beginner level - New to playing by ear?  Consider yourself a beginner cellist?  We’ll slowly breakdown learning tunes by ear and find the easiest way to get around the cello in a non-classical context.)

CELLO & SONG 

Cello is considered to be the closest instrument to the range of the human voice so what better way to use it than to pair it with the voice!  We’ll learn songs & approach different paths of using our instruments as the perfect accompaniment to song by looking at chords, groove, countermelody & bass lines.

BAND together

ACCOMPANYING A SONG 

Are there differences in the choices we make when accompanying a singer or a song? We will discuss how our choices as an instrumentalist can serve the story and emotion of the song/singer. We will experiment with dynamics, texture, riffs, fills & groove.

ENSEMBLE 

Have you ever wanted to play in a band, trio or duo? Join us in exploring techniques for arranging, listening and grooving together as a band. We are prepared to work with existing bands as well as individuals who we will group into ensembles.