2007

Laurel Bliss

Beginning Harmony:
Come sing classic harmonies and learn the basics of creating your own, all by ear, in styles including folk, early country, bluegrass and gospel. If you can match pitch and can sing a basic melody, you’ll find this class easy and fun.

Intermediate Harmony:
This is a class for those who have sung some harmony and want the fun and challenge of fine tuning. We’ll learn how to work out harmony arrangements in duets, trios and quartets and perform for each other using folk, early country, bluegrass and gospel songs.

Brian Butler

Fingerstyle Blues (B/I):
We’ll play several picking styles derived from blues masters like Jimmy Reed and Mance Lipscomb. We’ll cover a few different keys and learn turnarounds, chord inversions and licks that’ll sound low-down and tasty!

Acoustic Rock and Roll (B/I):
We’ll cover songs from rock and roll artists like Chuck Berry and Delbert McClinton. We’ll work on getting a big sound on our acoustics for songs that were originally intended for a full band. We’ll employ chord inversions, bass runs and riffs to get a good groove going while getting a full and varied sound.

Bob Evans

Fingerstyle Guitar Acompaniment (B/I):
This class will introduce finger picking guitar for accompanying songs. Arpeggio and alternating bass (Travis style) patterns will be presented; we’ll discuss right hand technique. We’ll apply the basic patterns in several keys and time signatures through song examples.

Introduction to Arranging Fingerstyle Guitar Solos (I/A):
This class will provide an introduction to arranging instrumental solos for fingerstyle guitar. Topics discussed will include tips on how to pick out a melody by ear; finding an appropriate key that works for the arrangement, the challenges of fitting the bass and melody on one instrument (you can’t be in two places at once – or can you?) and how to enhance the basic arrangement. Two arrangements will be discussed.

Rueben Gurr

R & B Band:
This “I Feel Good” workshop features chords, progressions, grooves and arrangement ideas for one or two guitars as well as arrangement ideas for larger groups exploring late fifties to mid sixties Rhythm & Blues. Discover what the Raylettes were singing behind Ray. Discover what Sam thought of Dave. This class is open to all levels and all instruments including voice.

Tunings (I):
Explore basic to advanced open tunings of G, D, and DADGAD and how these tunings apply to standard folk, blues and classic rock repertoire. There will be plenty of handouts in standard tab-everything from Joni to Muddy.

Dave Lidstone

Country Repertoire:
We will learn some great songs from the masters of country music. Along the way, we will learn and use the Nashville numbering system, a range of strumming patterns for accompaniment, and introductions and exits that will make it easier to play these tunes with others.

Lead Guitar for Country & Folk:
We will study and practice what can be played (scales, melodies, chord forms, tricky licks), where it can be played (intros, fills, solos, exits), and how it can be played (left and right hand exercises, ways to view the fingerboard). We will put this in the context of soloing for a few familiar songs.

Lauri Lyster

Beginner Percussion:
This class will start with some basic rhythmic practice which we’ll then apply to tastefully fit into various styles including latin, swing, pop, etc. We’ll use some of the more common percussion instruments that you’ll encounter including bells and clave, shakers, tambourine, hand and stick drums. Bring percussion instruments if you have them.

It’s all in the Groove:
In this intermediate class we’ll analyze various recorded grooves and decide what/when/how to add percussion. This class is all about creating a groove and listening carefully to the “track” and/or other musicians to see what “fits”. Bring favourite recordings and percussion instruments if you have them.

Craig McGregor

Play What You Hear (I):
Learn a system that will let you play familiar melodies by ear. We’ll begin with diatonic melodies we all know and work through a series of exercises to get you started playing anything you hear.

Motif-based Soloing (I/A):
Learn to improvise cohesive musical solos by developing one motif over a harmonic cadence or chord progression. We’ll look at a variety of motifs including ideas from the songs we are playing. Prerequisite: Be able to play a major scale and be comfortable with chord progressions.

Ron Peters

Advanced Swing/Jazz Improvisation:
Improvisation is a language. In this class we will learns the basic vocabulary of the style. Learn to build scales into arpeggios and arpeggios into phrases that outline the chord changes. Some theory will be discussed but emphasis will be on playing these ideas. Start turning heads at those jams!

Advanced Guitar Chord Voicing:
This class is a systematic look at the “voicing” (note arrangement) of chords on the guitar. Learning these techniques can help you find new ways to play familiar chords. We will cover Raise 2, Raise 2 & 3, Drop 2, and 4th Voicings through all inversions. Take that comping to a new level!

Jaime Rokeby-Thomas

Groovin’ West Coast Fiddle Tunes:
The newest fiddle “tradition” in Canada is that of the west coast. We will explore this new and eclectic music.

Fiddle Ensemble Explorations:
Making Music with Others: In this class we will take some standard fiddle repertoire and discover how to transform music into a multi dimensional listening experience in a fun and informative group setting. We will explore harmony, rhythm and texture in creating great ensemble arrangements. Fiddles, violas, cellos, bass, mandolin, flute, whistle, and possible others are welcome.

Jennifer Scott

Vocal Technique:
For beginners or as a “brush-up” for more experienced singers. Learn about tone quality, flexibility of voice and comprehensive breathing. All will be achieved in a peaceful and safe environment that will enable you to utilize your singing voice to its top potential. Taping of the class is highly recommended!

Song Styles and Repertoire:
Learn some new styles of music or expand your existing knowledge of reggae, gospel, jazz and swing, roots and blues. We’ll look at these song styles and figure out how to make them sound authentic. The goal of this class will be to broaden your horizons and enjoy singing these beautiful songs both in an ensemble and as a solo performer. We’ll also look at performance techniques and some stage-craft.