Workshops

Bryan McDowell Fiddle Workshop, 4/3/2016, 1 - 5 PM The Claire Lynch Band will be in Lexington, MA Saturday 4/2,  for a show with the BBU and talented band member and multi-instrumentalist Bryan McDowell has kindly offered to lead a Fiddle Workshop on Sunday, April 3! *Fiddlers', Intermediate to Advanced Level* This workshop will examine many components of the craft including soloing, backup, double-stops and bowing. Attendees will learn approaches to technique for stronger playing and explore goals in freedom of improvisation. *WHEN: Sunday, April 3rd, 1 - 5 PM* *WHERE: Lexington, MA - location and directions provided upon registration* *COST:  $40. * For more info or to register securely: *Bryan McDowell Fiddle Workshop <http://www.forthesong.com/bryan-mcdowell-fiddle-workshop.html>* A talented multi-instrumentalist, Bryan has amassed twenty-one first place instrumental competition wins including such notables as Merlefest (mandolin '09 & guitar '10), Galax Virginia's Old Time Fiddler's Convention (fiddle '09 and guitar '10), the Wayne C. Henderson Guitar Competition and the most notable at the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas. Bryan Bio <http://www.clairelynch.com/#!the-band/c1qo8>

Grab your instrument and learn Old-Time and Americana Fiddling Songs that you can play with your friends.  Join renowned fiddlers Laura Cortese, violin, and Valerie Thompson, cello as they lead our workshop. This workshop is not just for beginners, but also for those doubling on another instrument.  We'll use several tunes to learn techniques, and will work hard on them so that you know the techniques and some new tunes when you leave.  This is a great workshop if you've been studying privately and want to start playing with other people.  There will be lots of playing, as the best way to learn is with fingers on strings jamming with friends! Bring your enthusiasm and your violin, cello, guitar, banjo, double bass, or mandolin. Ages: 8 to adults, you must have two years experience on your instrument. You will be taught by ear, no music is necessary. All are welcome! Fee: $40 per person.  Register online here.

This will be a 3 hour hands-on workshop, geared for all levels from beginning to advanced. It would be best if you can at least play a few tunes and know some of the rolls. (If you pay for the workshop though and just want to watch that is ok as well.) Tony will be covering: ways to improve your timing (and generally achieve a professional sound), playing the syllables (a very important Earl Scruggs concept), back-up ideas, developing solos, and improvisational strategies. He’ll also be touching upon melodic and single string styles as well. More advanced topics can covered if people are interested. In addition to prepared tabs and materials that he wants to go through, he strongly encourages student participation. Feel free to ask any questions you may have and he encourages you to bring a video or aural recording device. Here is some background on him if you do not know his amazing accomplishments. Tony is not only considered amongst the most innovative of banjo players, he is one of its most respected and sought after instructors creating fifteen instructional books as well as a series of DVDs. In 2009, he launched the groundbreaking Tony Trischka School of Banjo, an advanced, interactive, online instructional site that is the banjo home for students from around the world. He will be inducted into the American Banjo Museum Hall of Fame for his work in education and instruction in Sept of 2017. http://www.tonytrischka.com/bio/ Price $75 per person To reserve a spot contact Tara Linhardt at [email protected] We need at least 6 people committed to run the workshop so reserve your spot right away so we know if we have enough folks. And please tell anyone … Read More »

Mandolin Camp North April 13 - April 15 Guitar & Mandolin Camp North is a three-day celebration of the mandolin, featuring instruction, demonstrations, concerts, and jamming presented by some of the best and best-known guitarists and mandolinists on the planet.  They provide in-depth instruction in Bluegrass, Old Time, Blues, Classical and Jazz/Swing styles.  We always have top-flight support staff on hand as well to lead classes on those instruments and provide support onstage at faculty concerts and demos and at the many jams that run throughout the weekend.

Banjo Camp North is a three-day celebration of the banjo, featuring instruction, demonstrations, concerts, and jamming presented by some of the best and best-known bluegrass and old-time musicians on the planet.  They provide in-depth instruction in Bluegrass, Old Time, Blues, Classical and Jazz/Swing styles.  We always have top-flight support staff on hand as well to lead classes on those instruments and provide support onstage at faculty concerts and demos and at the many jams that run throughout the weekend.