Build an iconic percussion instrument: the cajón! Spanish for “box” or “crate,” this wooden drum has a fascinating history, from its 19th-century origins with enslaved Africans in Peru, to its use today as accompaniment for a range of modern and traditional Latin American dance music. Learn to construct your own cajón, plus get a hands-on introduction to the variety of rhythms and tones this versatile instrument can produce. All levels welcome. Note: materials fee may exceed $100.

Dive into techniques for playing bass in various American roots styles including jazz, old-time, bluegrass, and folk. Hone both the technical and artistic sides of your playing as we learn helpful exercises, refine playing techniques, and work on creating musical ideas. Learn strategies for creating logical and beautiful bass lines and get inspired by examples and transcriptions from recordings. Weird bass player fun guaranteed. Intermediate students welcome.

Do you love to sing? Do you love (or want to feel more comfortable) singing harmony? If you can hold a tune, join us! Learn dozens of rounds, from cheerful and upbeat to ancient and haunting. Enjoy the mesmerizing effects of a group starting the same song at different times. Learn the mechanics of what makes a great round and write one together! No musical reading ability is required.

Join this legendary musical duo to explore a handful of beautiful old tunes and discover the easy techniques that really make it sound like fiddling! Fiddlers will explore drones, double stops, and phrasing with the left hand; with the bow, hand-slurs, dips, and pulses. Guitarists will learn techniques to take their rhythm playing to the next level with runs, bass lines, and rhythmic drive. For intermediate players comfortable playing in the keys of A, D, and G.

Delve into the American musical tradition that gave us iconic and comforting tunes such as “Simple Gifts.” In this active and collaborative class, explore Shaker songs from a historical and cultural perspective and learn to read the various notation systems used in Shaker hymnals. Get familiar with the songs, dances, and “motioning” used by the Shakers during their meetings, or worship services. Then, choose and learn Shaker songs of personal interest to present individually and/or in groups.

Unlock the mysteries of getting that old-time fiddle sound in this intermediate to advanced class. Refine your bow work, try your hand at double fiddling with a fellow fiddler, and beef up your tune repertoire. Explore a deep well of traditional music including more archaic tunes of Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. All instruments (not just fiddle!) are welcome, including back-up instruments such as guitar.

Family, friends, mentors, rare recordings, and old manuscripts are all wonderful ways to learn old-time fiddle tunes. Learn tunes from these sources and more as the instructors share well-loved and more obscure tunes from their home states of Kansas and Texas plus the surrounding areas. We’ll explore second fiddling and guitar back-up. Students will learn all tunes and techniques by ear. For intermediate to advanced fiddlers.

Making music together is one of the joys of the holiday season. Gather ‘round for a weeklong exploration of country Christmas music, from familiar favorites to hidden gems. We’ll discuss songwriting for this genre, looking at distinctive characteristics, common themes, instrumentation, and arrangements. As we share stories about our own favorite holiday memories and traditions, we’ll learn and create songs to sing and play together.

Start with the basics: tuning, right- and left-hand techniques, and bum-ditty rhythm. We’ll also delve into applicable music theory, fretboard understanding, and different approaches to accompanying songs and tunes on the clawhammer banjo. Study the historical and cultural context of the music, as well as stylistic considerations. Explore approaches that remain useful and exciting for long-time banjo pickers. Students will learn by ear, with written resources provided.

Tune your hands and ears to the fundamentals of playing the mandolin. Build right- and left-hand techniques that allow you to play with good sound and no tension. Learn two- and three-finger chords and strumming techniques that will get you playing tunes with other folks very quickly. Get started on your new favorite instrument and have a great time doing it!

Roses are red, violets are blue, a luscious week of love songs is waiting for you! From happy to desperate, and from old to brand new, we’ll explore songs from American folk traditions and beyond, embracing all harmony options as we go. Get ready for a week of nonstop singing, learning all new songs by ear. Fall in love with the satisfying experience of singing good songs with good harmonies. All levels welcome; some singing experience helpful.

Songs that celebrate the gifts and struggles of the seasons, the turning of the day, and daily rituals such as meals can be a way to mark time and be present for the world around us. Come explore songs on topics of seasonal change, sunrise, sunset, and more. We’ll sing a mix of rounds, ballads, layered songs, and folk songs from contemporary community singing movements and traditional English and Scottish sources. All levels welcome.

Get beyond the basics with this tiny yet mighty instrument! Elevate your playing style as we dive into advanced chord shapes and techniques such as fingerpicking and arpeggios. Learn to find melodies and scales, unlocking a new level of creativity and expression on the uke. Say goodbye to simple strumming patterns and hello to intricate and beautiful melodies. Best suited to players at an intermediate level or above.