Instructional Slow-Jam for Bluegrass, Old-time country, Folk, Bluegrass Gospel, Mountain music

Here’s a chance to spend an afternoon/evening/day having fun while working on your individual instrumental skills. Learn the ins-and-outs of jamming with other musicians that will include individual instruction time. Acoustic instruments including bass fiddle, guitar, banjo, Dobro, mandolin, autoharp and fiddle. Course includes take home instructional materials. You might want to bring an audio recorder so you can review the information later.

Topics to be discussed:
• Playing by ear
• Arranging a song on-the-fly & arranging songs in general
• Singing in pitch, working out vocal parts (lead and harmonies)
• Creating your own instrumental solos
• Performance: Playing vs. Making Music
• Stage jitters, playing under pressure, connecting with your audience
• How to transpose and use a capo
• Stepping into a group and jamming pointers
• Hearing chord changes and learning chord structure
• Taking solo breaks
• Runs, fill and back-up licks
• Jam etiquette
• Instrument care and when to change strings
• Buying an instrument when you out-grow your current one.

Prerequisites:
• Should be able to tune with an electronic tuner and play basic chords
• Bring a capo.
• Be prepared to play standing up

Fee:
• (varies) per individual -
• $19 Music Maker’s Guide with CD (optional) List for $29.00
• Location: Call for one near you
• Registration/reserve your space – 540-209-3540

Workshop conducted by Don DePoy and Martha Hills
www.meandmartha.com – 540-209-3540