Bluegrass Classes and Workshops

at Swallow Hill Music Association, 71 E. Yale Ave., 303-777-1003
unless otherwised noted

Sponsored by CBMS*

*CBMS Members get Swallow Hill Member price!
Early registration gets a discount, too
7-7:55 pm
Classes / Workshops:
Saturdays ongoing 11 am Free Guitar Class for kids (under 12) at Acoustic Music Revival, 3445 S. Broadway, Englewood, CO, 303-744-1737
Saturdays ongoing 1 pm Free Guitar Class for adults at Acoustic Music Revival, 3445 S. Broadway, Englewood, CO, 303-744-1737
Upcoming Swallow Hill Classes:
Mondays 10/8 - 11/26 6-7 pm

Beginning Bluegrass Banjo I - Keith Frankel
This class is designed as a starting place for students who want to learn the 5-string banjo in the Bluegrass style (also called Scruggs or 3-finger style). Keith will teach you the basics including the "anatom of the banjo", how to tune, basic concepts of chords, rhythm and key, and of course, some great Bluegrass tunes. No experience necessary!
Mondays 11/5 - 12/17 6-6:55 pm

Beginning Bluegrass Singing - Ernie Martinez
Bluegrass music is known for its distinctive singing style. In this class Ernie will teach you a variety of standard bluegrass songs as well as techniques for singing in a manner appropriate to the style. Designed for singers who can carry a melody and are comfortable singing solo. This class is taught "by ear" so please bring a recording device of some sort and a notepad to jot down information. Please note: this class focuses on melody singing and technique as opposed to bluegrass harmony.

Mondays 11/15 - 11/26 7-8:55 pm

Beginning Bluegrass Banjo II, III Combo- Keith Frankel
This class is designed for students who have completed Beginning Bluegrass Banjo I or who have some basic playing skills. Keith will teach good tone and timng, practicing for the utmost progress, essential licks, and backup techniques. Students will learn jamming skills that will be directly applied in low pressure classroom jams. New 2 hour format with lots of jamming!
Mondays 11/5 - 12/17 7-7:55 pm Beginning Mandolin I - Charlie Provenza
This class will teach tuning, basic chords, scales, and picking techniques. The focus will be on bluegrass and old timey music and you'll learn some easy fiddle tunes. Charlie will cover music reading, tablature and playing by ear.
Mondays 11/5 - 12/17 8-8:55 pm Beginning Mandolin II - Charlie Provenza
Learn more challenging fiddle tunes and chords while getting a thorough review of basic techniques. For students who have taken Charlie's first class or have played before.
Tuesdays 11/6 - 11/27 6-8 pm

Intermediate Bluegrass Banjo (Formerly Level IV) - Keith Frankel
This class is for students who have some jamming experience. Keith will continue teaching the "language" of Bluegrass banjo with emphasis on playing both lead and backup in a jam situation. Students will learn how to playh melodies in the Scruggs style, create unique solos, gain speed, efficiently increase repetoire, and sound their best! Keith will also help students unlock the neck and play in all keys. New 2 hour format with lots of jamming!
Tuesdays 11/6 - 12/18 7-7:55 pm

Beginning Bluegrass Guitar - Paul Trunko
This class will give you all the building blocks you need to play bluegrass guitar. You'll start out learning rhythm and alternating bass patterns. Paul will introduce Carter-family style playing, playing melody (single-note) and creating breaks on songs. For students who can play all 1st position chords.
Tuesdays 11/6 - 12/18 7-7:55 pm

Easy Bluegrass Jam - Josie Quick
If you feel in over your head at most bluegrass jams, this class was designed with you in mind. Josie will teach you easy arrangements of classic bluegrass standards as well as tips for learning to jam. Sheet music will be provided for those that read music, and those that don't can learn by ear. We'll learn songs that are often played at the Swallow Hill Bluegrass jam, so you'll be able to join in there as well. Open to students on fiddle, guitar, mandolin, banjo, bass and any other bluegrass instrument. Come join in the fun! (Josie's class focuses mostly on fiddle tunes and instrumentals.)
Wednesdays 11/7 - 12/19 7-7:55 pm Beginning Fiddle I - Ron Jones
In this class, Ron will show you how to produce a good tone and help you develop good playing habits. You'll learn the basics of playing technique and simple fiddle tunes in old timey and bluegrass styles. Open to beginners and players with limited experience. Reading music is not necessary.
Wednesdays 11/7 - 12/19 8-8:55 pm Beginning Fiddle II - Ron Jones
For anyone who's taken Ron's beginning class or who has played before, this class will review basic technique while introducing more challenging fiddle tunes.
Current Swallow Hill Classes:
Tuesdays 9/11 - 10/30 6-6:55 pm

Beginning Bluegrass Banjo I - Keith Frankel
This class is designed as a starting place for students who want to learn the 5-string banjo in the Bluegrass style (also called Scruggs or 3-finger style). Keith will teach you the basics including the "anatom of the banjo", how to tune, basic concepts of chords, rhythm and key, and of course, some great Bluegrass tunes. No experience necessary!
Tuesdays 9/11 - 10/30 7-7:55 pm

Beginning Bluegrass Banjo II - Keith Frankel
This class is designed for students who have completed Beginning Bluegrass Banjo I or who have some basic playing skills. Keith will teach standards such as "Foggy Mountain Breakdown", "Cripple Creek", "old Joe Clark", Rocky Top" and more, while helping you refine both your left and right hand technique.

Tuesdays 9/11 - 10/30 8-8:55 pm

Beginning Bluegrass Banjo III - Keith Frankel
This class is designed for students who have completed Beginning Bluegrass Banjo II.

Mondays 9/10 - 10/29 7-7:55 pm

Beginning Bluegrass Banjo IV - Keith Frankel
This class is for students who have completed Beginning Bluegrass Banjo III. Continue with the Flatt and Scruggs style of banjo picking and build up your repertoire. Learn more of the hot banjo licks that made this due bluegrass legends!
Tuesdays 9/11 - 10/30 6-6:55 pm Intro to Bluegrass Fiddle - Trish Osthoff
Come learn the basics of bluegrass style fiddle. In this class, Trish will teach standard bluegrass fiddle tunes along with bowings and back-up techniques. You'll also learn the basics of improvising a break in the bluegrass style. For intermediate level players who have a firm command of first position. Music reading skills are recommended but not essential.
Wednesdays 9/12 - 10/31 8-8:55 pm Beginning Fiddle I - Ron Jones
In this class, Ron will show you how to produce a good tone and help you develop good playing habits. You'll learn the basics of playing technique and simple fiddle tunes in old timey and bluegrass styles. Open to beginners and players with limited experience. Reading music is not necessary.
Wednesdays 9/12 - 10/31 7-7:55 pm Beginning Fiddle II - Ron Jones
For anyone who's taken Ron's beginning class or who has played before, this class will review basic technique while introducing more challenging fiddle tunes.
Wednesdays 9/12 - 10/31 6-6:55 pm Reading Fiddle Tunes - Ron Jones
It's easy to read notes if yo approach it the right way. Come learn to read basic fiddle tunes. Ron will start from the very beginning and have you reading at least one fiddle tune a week. This class is a must for the fiddle students who want to be able to read the fiddle fakebooks. Beginners welcome.
Mondays 9/10 - 10/29 8-8:55 pm Beginning Mandolin I - Charlie Provenza
This class will teach tuning, basic chords, scales, and picking techniques. The focus will be on bluegrass and old timey music and you'll learn some easy fiddle tunes. Charlie will cover music reading, tablature and playing by ear.
Mondays 9/10 - 10/29 7-7:55 pm Beginning Mandolin II - Charlie Provenza
Learn more challenging fiddle tunes and chords while getting a thorough review of basic techniques. For students who have taken Charlie's first class or have played before.
Tuesdays 9/11 - 10/30 7-7:55 pm

Easy Bluegrass Jam - Josie Quick
If you feel in over your head at most bluegrass jams, this class was designed with you in mind. Josie will teach you easy arrangements of classic bluegrass standards as well as tips for learning to jam. Sheet music will be provided for those that read music, and those that don't can learn by ear. We'll learn songs that are often played at the Swallow Hill Bluegrass jam, so you'll be able to join in there as well. Open to students on fiddle, guitar, mandolin, banjo, bass and any other bluegrass instrument. Come join in the fun! (Josie's class focuses mostly on fiddle tunes and instrumentals.)
Past Classes / Workshops:
      Bluegrass Masters Sampler- Jay Genender
Come learn the songs and techniques of the bluegrass masters! In this class Jay will take you on a tour of the bluegrass fiddle grats from Kenny Baker to Bobby Hicks to Byron Berline and everyone in between. You'll learn some great tunes by these legendary artists that formed the genre of bluegrass with Bill Monroe as well as the playing techniques that make each one unique. For intermediate level players who have a firm command of the first position. We will also explore fiddle breaks in other positions that every fiddler should have in their bag of tricks.
      Beginning Fiddle I - Jay Genender
In this class, Ron will show you how to produce a good tone and help you develop good playing habits. You'll learn the basics of playing technique and simple fiddle tunes in old timey and bluegrass styles. Open to beginners and players with limited experience. Reading music is not necessary.
      Beginning Fiddle II - Jay Genender
For anyone who's taken Ron's beginning class or who has played before, this class will review basic technique while introducing more challenging fiddle tunes.
      Intermediate Fiddle - Ron Jones
Designed for students who have completed Beginning Fiddle II or who have played before, this class will begin to explore more advanced fiddle techniques. You'll strengthen your playing skills while getting an introduction into concepts such as ornamentation and improvisation.
     

Bluegrass Improv - Ernie Martinez
Come learn how to improvise solos and "take a break" in bluegrass music! Ernie will show you patterns, scales and techniques (along with a little bit of music theory) that you can use to create interesting bluegrass lead parts. The class is designed to teach you how to improvise, but the techniques can also be used to work out solos that you can memorize and play again and again. This class is taught "by ear" so please bring a recording device of some sort and a notepad to jot down information. For intermediate level players on guitar, banjo, mandolin, dobro and bass.
      Foggy Mountain Breakdown & Dueling Banjos - Ernie Martinez
"Foggy Mountain Breakdown" and "Dueling Banjos" are probably the two most famous bluegrass banjo songs of all time. In this 8 week class, Ernie will break down these two legendary tunes and show you how to conquer them. Designed for intermediate level Scruggs-style players. This class is taught "by ear" so please bring a recording device of some sort and a notepad to jot down information.

 

    

Backup 5-String Banjo Technique - Keith Frankel
Learn to play backup, up the neck, and down the neck. Keith will cover playing in any key, playing in jam sessions or with a band, waltz time, substitute chords, essential licks, and much more. Concentrating on Scruggs style, all players beginning throug advanced will learn backup techniques and patterns used to accompany any song, instrument and singer. In addition, learn fresh approaches to backing up bluegrass standards.

 

    

Greatest Hits of Bob Wills - Trish Osthoff
Bob Wills is the undisputed king of the Texas Swing style. In this class you'll get an introduction to his legendary music as sell as some techniquest for learning to make your fiddle swing! Trish will teach songs such as "Faded Love" and "Deep in the Heart of Texas" as well as other tunes by this fiddle master. For intermediate level students who can read music and are comfortable playing in first position. No swing experience necessary.

      Intro to Bluegrass Singing - Ernie Martinez
Come learn how to sing in the classic bluegrass style. For singers who know how to hold a melody.
      Melodic Techniques and Avant-garde Banjo Styles - Keith Frankel
For those who have some basic experience playing 5-string banjo in the three-finger style. The class will introduce the melodic style of banjo playing, including playing fiddle tunes, as well as melodic approaches to bluegrass/Scruggs standards. This class will also explore various music forms not typically played on the banjo such as classical, jazz, Celtic, and world music

 

    

Intro To Bluegrass Banjo - Keith Frankel
Come learn some basic bluegrass banjo techniques! Bring your instrument and come ready to play! No experience necessary.

 

    

Beginning Fiddle I - Anders Hyde and Ian Hyde
In this class, Anders and Iain will show you how to produce a good tone and help you develop good playing habits. You'll learn the basics of playing technique and simple fiddle tunes in old timey and bluegrass styles. Open to beginners and players with limited experience. Reading music is not necessary.

 

    

Beginning Fiddle II - Anders Hyde and Ian Hyde
For anyone who's taken Beginning Fiddle I or who has played before, this class will review basic technique while introducing more challenging fiddle tunes.
      Contest Fiddling 101 - Trish Osthoff
If you've ever wanted to try your hand at contest fiddling, you won't want to miss this class! Trish will help each student choose and prepare the three pieces needed to participate in a fiddle contest (a waltz, a hoedown and a tune of choice). Throughout the session you'll work on preparing your tunes, playing for each other and getting tips to polish your performance. The class will culminate with a low-key performance for family and friends. Trish has both competed in and judged numerous fiddle contests, and has a wealth of knowledge and experience to get you on your way. Colorado hosts two fiddle contests in early August, so this is the perfect opportunity for students who think they might want to give it a try this summer. For students of any level.
      Bluegrass Jammers (Ages 8-12) - Elli Gauthier and Keith Frankel
Do your kids sing or play fiddle (or violin), guitar, mandolin, bajo or bass? If so, they won't want to miss this fun-filled workshop! Elli and Keith will teach kids a variety of simple bluegrass songs and have them jamming before the afternoon is out! This is a grat chance for kids to meet each other and have fun playing in a group setting. No bluegrass experience necessary, although kids should have basic playing skills or their instrument (reading music is helpful but not necessary).
      Intro to Bluegrass Singing - Ernie Martinez
Come learn how to sing in the classic bluegrass style. For singers who know how to hold a melody.
      Bluegrass Harmony Singing - Ernie Martinez
Bluegrass vocals are characterized by their tight chordal harmonies. In this class, Ernie will teach you a whole host of bluegrass standards in traditional arrangements. He'll also teach you how to hear these harmonies for yourself, so you can harmonize on any traditional bluegrass song. This workshop has special pricing because the class size is limited to 3 people, so register early! Designed for people who have completed Bluegrass Singing or who have experience singing in the bluegrass style.
      Bluegrass 101 - Keith Frankel
This class will take you on a musical tour through the history of Bluegrass, from Bill Monroe all the way up to today's "newgrass" and "jamgrass" bands. This will be a fun class incorporating playing, listening, watching videos and discussion. Open to players, singers or anyone who just wants to explore the highlights of this uniquely American music.
      Intro to Bluegrass Banjo - Ernie Martinez
Come learn some basic bluegrass banjo techniques! Bring your instrument and come ready to play!
      Foggy Mountain Breakdown - Ernie Martinez
Foggy Mountain Breakdown is THE quintessential bluegrass banjo song. In this workshop, Ernie will teach you to play this legendary tune in 2 hours. For intermediate-level Scruggs-style students.
      Dueling Banjos- Ernie Martinez
"Dueling Banjos" is one of the most famous bluegrass banjo songs. In this workshop, Ernie will teach you to play this legendary tune in 2-hours. For intermediate level Scruggs-style stuents.
     

Intro to Melodic Banjo - Keith Frankel
Come learn the basics of the melodic banjo style. For intermediate level players who know the basics of 3-finger technique.

      A Banjo Holiday - Ernie Martinez
Get into the holiday mood with this great workshop. Ernie will teach you great holiday tunes such as "Oh Christmas Tree" and "auld Lang Syne". For intermediate-level Scruggs-style players.
      Bluegrass Banjo Standards - Keith Frankel
This class is designed for students who have some basic playing skills and want to expand their bluegrass repertoire. Keith will teach standards such as Foggy Mountain Breakdown, Cripple Creek, Old Joe Clark, Rocky Top and more. Students should know basic chords and rolls in the Scruggs style.
      Festival Picking - Ernie Martinez
Have you ever sat at a Bluegrass Jam as the tunes whizzed by, not knowing how to jump in? If so, this workshop is for you! Ernie will teach you some basic bluegrass standards as well as techniques such as playing back-up, improvising leads and singing multi-part harmony in the bluegrass style. No music reading is required, although you should be able to hold your own on your instrument.

 

    

Slow / Easy Bluegrass Jam Sesson - Keith Frankel
Join us for a drop-in style jam designed for people who want the experience of playing with others but feel most jam sessions move too fast. Keith will moderate the session and keep it running smoothly. For students on guitar, mandolin, banjo, fiddle, bass or resonator guitar who can tune their instruments and change smoothly between simple chords. Ability to solo not necessary. Singers are also welcome. Come enter the exciting world of bluegrass jamming with no pressure and players at a similar level! Please note: This jam is limited to 10 students per week. You can reserve a spot up to one week in advance. (Keith's class focuses on learning chords for singing bluegrass standards.)

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