Banjo and Mandolin

 You are in Week 2 Banjo and Mandolin Courses
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These classes are offered as part of the DC Bluegrass Union Bluegrass & Oldtime Camp.
Enrollment is open to any and all who wish to take them.
To See the DC Bluegrass Union Daily Schedule, Click Here

Bluegrass Banjo I - Scruggs 101: Beginning/Intermediate Any of the great bluegrass banjo players will tell you that if you want to learn correctly, begin your study (and return to it often) with the playing of Earl Scruggs.  This class will teach you how to play in that great banjo style that is the rock-solid cornerstone of bluegrass music.  You will emerge from the class with a few Scruggs tunes under your belt, and a whole new lease on life.  Dave Kiphuth, Period 2

Bluegrass Banjo II: Intermediate/Advanced  This class is will cover a wide range of topics especially as indicated by student interest.  Topics may include chromatic style, Keith style, and many more.  Randy Barrett, Period 4

Oldtime Clawhammer Banjo I:  Beginning/Intermediate This class is for folks just starting out with the claw hammer style, whether total beginners or  Scruggs-style players looking to expand their horizons.  We will work to achieve fluidity with the right hand, precision with the left, and co-ordination between the two. We will explore the standard tunings as well as a few specialized ones and techniques for efficiently transitioning between tunings. During every session time will be allotted to assist each student with their individual needs. By the end of the course students should be comfortable with the claw hammer style, able to play a few standard tunes and ready for the festival season.  As this course will be taught by the methods of the oral tradition, students should bring a recording device such as cassette recorder, mini disk, etc.  Period 4,  Jim Hale

Oldtime Clawhammer Banjo II:  Intermediate  - Advanced  A strong clawhammer stroke will be our first goal, maing sure everyone is comfortabale enoguht to express themselves on the bnajo: having a relaxed hand, confident rhythm, a basic knowledge of tuning in your technique, making old tunes resonante more fully and with greater sensitivity. Different regional and historic styles as well as personal styles will be discussed.  Group learning will be augmented by individual instruction and critique.  Please come prepared with questions or special requests. Period 3, Dave Bing  

Bluegrass & Oldtime Mandolin I:  Beginning - Intermediate  The mandolin is an extremely accessible instrument to learn to play.  Melodies are easily found and played on the instrument and simple chord formations repeat themselves throughout the fretboard.  This class will get you started on a wonderful musical journey.  Students will learn scales and chords that will quickly reveal the world of mandolin/fiddle tunes, the bedrock of oldtime and bluegrass music.  Period 4, Tara Lindhart 

Bluegrass Mandolin II: Intermediate - Advanced   This class is will cover a wide range of topics especially as indicated by student interest. Period 2, Tara Lindhart

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