2008

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.

June Cannon

Absolute Beginner Fiddle:
If you’ve always wanted to play the fiddle but are not sure how to get started, this is your opportunity. How to hold it and look cool, basic bow control, rhythm patterns, how to get the notes and maybe even a wee tune. Bring your own fiddle if you have one in working order, or June will have a limited number to lend for the weekend.

Celtic Fiddle Tunes:
If you have already begun your fiddling journey and can play, in this class you can learn a couple of tunes from the Celtic repertoire, some details of the Celtic styles, advance your bowing technique, explore shuffling and slurring to give your tunes accent and drive, and find answers to other questions you may have about fiddling.

Bob Evans

Fingerstyle Guitar Accompaniment (B/I):
In this class we’ll discuss finger-picking techniques for accompanying songs in standard and drop D tuning. The course will discuss several right hand accompaniment techniques, including brushed thumb, arpeggiated and alternating bass patterns; adjusting the right hand accompaniment pattern to change the “groove” of the accompaniment; using alternate chord voicings, turnarounds and endings to make your accompaniments more interesting.

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; choosing an appropriate key for the arrangement; the challenges of playing the bass and the melody on one instrument (you can’t be in two places at once – or can you?) and how to enhance the basic arrangement. The examples will be presented in the context of developing instrumental breaks to insert in a vocal piece.

Bonnie Ferguson

Vocal Technique:
The class will begin with a guided relaxation technique connecting your mind to your breathing process. We will gradually add sound to the breath with some playful exercises. This will teach you to have conscious control of your breath and lead to greater control of, and confidence in your singing and speaking voice.

Repertoire Class:
We will be sampling a wonderful variety of music from swing to folk to gospel and songs from musicals in a stimulating and encouraging atmosphere. You will learn how to choose repertoire that suits your particular tastes and style. By trying material from a wide range of styles you can make new discoveries and new connections that broaden your musical palette.

Neil Fraser

Advanced Improvisation (I/A):
Explore single note soloing over jazz tunes using scales, triads and arpeggios to create substitutions that will add colour to your playing. Knowledge of a scale system (for example, the C-A-G-E-D system) would definitely be an asset.

Advanced Jazz Chords (I/A):
This class will explore how to create interesting chords while supporting a soloist by: manipulating the basic inversions of the chords; using chord scales; 1/2 step approaches, and other devices. Pre-requisite: knowledge of inversions of min7, maj7, dom7 chords on the top four strings.

Rueben Gurr

R & B Band:
Don’t wait ’til that midnight hour, R & B fans! 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.

Improv 101 – Building a Solo:
This workshop will focus on building 12 & 16 bar solos from a thematic point of view. Using just a few rhythmic patterns and melodic ideas, we will work through tunes that everyone knows, exploring common short cuts used to play over specific chords. Les Paul could make a solo out of three notes! First time soloists and all instruments are especially welcome.

Guido Heisteck

Simple Guitar (B/I):
It doesn’t need to be fancy to be good! A low-key class aimed at helping students expand on the basic mechanics of Ukulele: If you take the two lowest strings off a guitar and put a capo on the fifth fret you have a ukulele. It’s a little piece of a guitar. This class will explore chord melody on the uke as well as some pieces out of old Hawaiian ukulele methods and maybe even some claw-hammer playing. Final decisions on content will be made when we see who signs up. So look up in your attic or crawl space, there may be a uke up there. Borrow one from a friend. If you have two bring em’ both! You may make it possible for a poor ukeless someone to try out this little four-stringed wonder! Open to all students with guitar or uke experience.

Orville Johnson

Bottleneck Slide Guitar (B/I):
Learn how to control the slide, muting and damping techniques, what to do with your picking hand, and how to get good tone. We’ll start in standard tuning and explore some open G and/or D as time permits. Get a slide that fits on your pinky

Accoustic Lead Guitar (I):
Wondering what to do when the singer looks at you and says ‘take it!’? She means take this class! Learn how to play solos and fills, try some patterns and licks, look at some blues and fiddle tune styles, and figure out how to meld technical skills into a coherent and expressive solo. Use space to your advantage, provide sensitive accompaniment, and when your time comes, you’ll be ready to burn that solo up.

Dave Lidstone

Country Repertoire:
We will learn some great songs from the masters of country music–nothing newer than 1970. 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 songs with others.

Introductory Lead Guitar (B/I):
We will study and practice what can be played (scales, melodies, chord forms, tricky licks), where it can be played (intros, fills, solos and 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 couple of 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.

Bob Stark

Songwriting:
We will review the basic elements of songwriting: lyrics, melody, form. This will involve: CD listening sessions, written exercises and “sweatshops”, class participation, including (positive) critiques of finished compositions and/or works in progress. The goal will be to move you beyond where you are currently – “take a sad song and make it better”. The course will be guitar-oriented but open to all. Humming is a musical instrument! Bring a pen, some paper, and a-muse.”

Brian Tate

The Swing and Beyond Choir:
This course is a fun-filled introduction to the music of swing and beyond. Lift up your voice with fellow singing enthusiasts with arrangements of swing, bebop, and the roots of jazz: gospel, blues, African and Afro-Cuban music. Learn how to sing parts and develop a repertoire of different vocal styles. All levels are welcome: music reading skills are not essential. There will be opportunities for soloists.

The Singers Master Class:
An intimate and dynamic class designed for you to discover your power through your voice, expand your confidence and creativity, connect powerfully with your audience, and take any song and make it uniquely yours. You need not have any singing experience to do this workshop! Come with a song of your own choice memorized.