Classes for 2024
June 23 - 28, 2024
Classes at Kentucky Music Week are divided into five time periods called sessions. A registrant may select one class for each session. That class will progress over the five days of camp. As many as five classes, one per session, may be selected. Please review the wide variety of offerings and skill levels for each class before making your selections.
Choosing Classes
It is recommended that students select classes according to their individual skill levels and interests. Instructors prepare their material according to these levels. Please review the "Skill Levels" table to the below. These designations are used in the class offerings below. Skill levels are designated for each class as shown below.
| Level | Required Skills |
|---|---|
| B | Is for very beginning players with no experience or those with very beginning skills who really need basic help. |
| B/I | Beginning to Intermediate level players should choose this class. If you can play melody comfortable and some simple chords and are ready for more technique and songs, jamming, and more, this level is for you. |
| B/I-I | This level is for those almost intermediate players starting to explore more difficult techniques and styles, but still working on smoothing out playing. |
| I | Intermediate level takes playing to the next step with more advanced techniques and tunes. You should be able to play smoothly and know chords, and your fret board. |
| I/A | High Intermediate Into Advanced. This class is for the more experienced player who is comfortable playing with a variety of rhythms and tempos as well as able to use dynamics to bring feeling into their music. |
| A | Advanced. This level is for the truly advanced player wanting to learn more from the Masters! Advanced skills and techniques will be taught in these challenging classes. |
Changing Classes
If you find you are attending a class that is the wrong level, or doesn't work for you, you should come to the KMW office to inquire about a change. Any class changes MUST be cleared with KMW staff ahead of time, and they will be happy to help you. No class changes will be allowed after Tuesday morning at 8:30 AM. No one will be allowed to join a class after Tuesday. Registrants are never allowed to “visit” a class, or go from class to class throughout the week.
Instrument Storage
A secure room will be provided for instrument storage that will be accessible throughout the week, from 8:15 AM until 5:15 PM. Instruments may be left overnight, however KMW cannot be responsible for damage or loss. Please make sure that each instrument and carrier that you wish to store is clearly tagged with your name. An attendant will be on duty during the days. Do not drop off or retrieve an instrument without the attendant's knowledge.
Parking, Arrival, Pickup
Plenty of parking is available in areas positioned all around Hampton Inn Conference Center. Please follow all parking regulations; particularly, spaces designated for emergency personnel and those with handicap designation. Dropping off or picking up students at the main entrance is permitted; however, please do not leave a vehicle unattended. Our staff will attempt to assist you in any way possible.
Below are the class descriptions for each Session. You can also print these out HERE. We reserve the right to make changes in personnel or classes due to circumstances beyond our control.
NOTE: Classes shown in red are full.
| Mountain Dulcimer | ||
|---|---|---|
| Level | Instructor | Class Description |
| B |
Judy House |
This class is specifically designed for the beginner who has had little or no experience playing the mountain dulcimer. We will explore tuning, caring for your instrument, strumming and fretting techniques, playing in time, and the basics of reading music and tablature, while we learn lots of great tunes! |
| ALL |
Joe Collins |
Dulcimer Ensembles for Church. This class is an introduction to playing multi-part arrangements in a church setting. Each day we’ll learn a new ensemble piece with parts varying on degree of difficulty. Beginners will be able to contribute and more advanced will be challenged. Plus, you can use them at home! |
| B/I |
Sue Carpenter |
Minor Mode - Major Fun! We’ll learn tunes that will bring a smile to your face, a tap to your toes, some “swing” to your strumming, and a joyful warmth to your heart. You’ll need a capo for some tunes. |
| B/I |
Laurie Alsobrook |
“Playing Around”. We’ll be “playing around” with Rounds, Canons, and Partner Songs this week, bringing instant harmony into your dulcimer life. You will be delighted with the sound we will produce, plus, the combination of familiar tunes played simultaneously will amaze you. |
| I |
Susan Trump |
British Isles Potpourri. (All NEW for 2024 KMW!) There is such a wealth of music from “across the pond”, including ballads, Morris dance tunes, hornpipes, jigs, airs, harp tunes, music hall songs, sea shanties, sacred music, and more. We’ll be busy learning a varied repertoire of time-tested music, sure to be your new favorites. DAD |
| I |
Bing Futch |
Christmas in June. Get a head start on your Christmas season song practice with a festive collection of holiday favorites! Bring your dulcimer and a capo as we take a stroll through a winter wonderland of selections. The tunes will stealthily incorporate skill-building elements like embellishments, flat-picking, and colorful extended chords. |
| I/A |
Stephen Seifert |
Upper Level Finger Picking Tunes & Techniques. DAD Tuning. This class is for players that are already fingerpicking. We’ll spend time on both reading and playing through arrangements as well as somewhat generate finger-picking “arrangements” on the spot. Expect some good melodies, beautiful chord progressions, and plenty of technique tips. |
| A |
Dave Haas |
Fun with Fiddle Tunes! Learn tunes that will spice up any jam session. Explore left and right hand techniques that facilitate smooth play. Discover how to easily play in the keys of D, G, A, Am, Em, and C. |
| Bass Dulcimer | ||
| Level | Instructor | Class Description |
| B |
Kirk House |
Introduction to the Bass Dulcimer. This class is designed for those without experience playing the bass dulcimer but some experience playing a standard dulcimer. It is not necessary to bring a bass dulcimer to class with you. This class can be taught on a standard dulcimer tuned to DAD. We’ll cover the basics including bass runs and back-up support. |
| Hammered Dulcimer | ||
| Level | Instructor | Class Description |
| B+ |
Anne Lough |
Forming the Foundation. Start refining and enhancing basic skills and techniques to increase the ease and enjoyment of playing this lovely instrument. We’ll focus on efficient melody mapping, “tuning” up the ear, hammer technique, patterns, and helpful ideas for productive practice. |
| B/I |
Phyllis Brown |
Making the Jump from Simple Melody to Embellishing. So you’ve learned your notes and a few patterns and a few tunes, but you’re ready to make those tunes sound better? Let’s put your knowledge to work for you! Embellishing on the hammered dulcimer is just a matter of being shown a few easy methods and you can take it from there. We’ll work on several pieces during the week within different genres, so you’ll leave with some finished tunes. |
| I |
Katie Moritz |
Embellishing Fast Tunes. Adding embellishments to fast tunes can be daunting because, well, where do you put the notes? In this workshop, you will learn how to “arrange” in situations where it feels like there are already too many notes and there isn’t room to add more. We will learn how to tactfully remove notes to add ornamentation and how to approach difficult passages. We’ll also focus a lot on how to use the unique layout of the dulcimer to our advantage so that we make less work for ourselves while still impressing on these fast tunes. |
| A |
Randy Marchany |
Bach Prelude from Suite No. 1 (Cello). We’ll adapt this famous cello piece to the HD. We will learn a “look ahead” pattern technique to figure out the most efficient hammer patterns for this piece. Learn some simple drills to help you play these patterns effortlessly. This piece is best suited for extended range HD. |
| Vocal | ||
| Level | Instructor | Class Description |
| ALL |
Sadie Gustafson-Zook |
Traditional Hymn Sing to Begin the Day! Join Sadie in learning and singing traditional 4-part hymns. There’s nothing quite like the sweet, chromatic harmonies of traditional church hymns. We will spend this hour singing through old favorites from the 19th Century and beyond. Some experience with sight reading (or aural knowledge of hymns) will be helpful. |
| Ukulele | ||
| Level | Instructor | Class Description |
| B |
Danny Shepherd |
Beginner Ukulele. This class is for people who would like to play ukulele, but have little or no experience. By the end of the course, you will be able to hold, tune, play chords, strum, and play songs using chord progressions. |
| Fiddle | ||
| Level | Instructor | Class Description |
| B |
David Wilson |
This class is perfect for students who want to learn the important basics of playing the fiddle. This beginning class will include the fiddle parts and how to tune effectively, proper left hand posture for fingering melody notes, proper right hand bowing technique and posture, basic bowing patterns, basic melodic scale patterns, and how to play along in a song. We’ll play several popular tunes with melody and rhythm. Lots of handouts! |
| Banjo | ||
| Level | Instructor | Class Description |
| B |
David Brooks |
Beginning Claw Hammer Banjo. Claw hammer style banjo may seem difficult or even alien to some, but it is actually easy to learn and play. The basic stroke, the tunings and the chord shapes are all designed to make it easy to play and to learn new tunes. Learn claw hammer style from the ground up, including chords and melodies for 4 or 5 tunes in the key of G. Tab will be provided. |
| B/I |
Sally Barrett |
JAM Tunes for Claw Hammer Banjo. In this course we will learn a few common jam tunes the old fashioned way, sitting together and going note by note. You should already have a comfortable claw hammer stroke for this class, and be familiar with G Tuning and Double C Tuning. You will also need a capo. Possible tune list includes but is not limited to Fly Around My Pretty Little Miss, Rock the Cradle, Joe, Shove that Pig’s Foot, Sandy Boys, and/or Snake River Reel. |
| Folk Harp | ||
| Level | Instructor | Class Description |
| B |
Jane Johnson |
** Introduction to the Folk Harp. This class will give you an introduction to playing the beautiful, ancient harp of Ireland. We will start with the basics of holding and tuning the harp, and will work on developing good finger technique while learning some simple tunes. You will return home with a foundation for continuing your own study of the harp. This class is open to all styles and sizes of “lever” harps. A $15 materials fee, payable at the first class meeting, will cover the cost of Lorinda Jones’ Folk Harp Tutor, an 85-page book for beginners. |
** Material fees required for this class
| Mountain Dulcimer | ||
|---|---|---|
| Level | Instructor | Class Description |
| B |
Joe Collins |
Tunes For Beginners. In this class we’ll learn some basic tunes that are easy to play to build up your repertoire. Each day will feature a new genre (e.g. Appalachian tunes, hymns, funny songs, Celtic). |
| ALL |
Molly McCormack |
The Joy of Jamming! You’ll learn a variety of playing techniques, jamming etiquette, and tunes. Most of the time during class will be spent actually JAMMING! You’ll practice training your ear to hear melodies and chord changes. You’ll be jamming on Day One! No paper! |
| B/I |
Dave Haas |
Slow & Beautiful! Learn to play slow songs with precision and feeling. We will begin with simple exercises, plucking the notes one at a time. Discover where to place your right hand to maximize control, volume and clarity. Explore left hand movements which facilitate smooth play and learn simple chord positions to accompany others. DAD. |
| B/I |
David Wilson |
Most mountain dulcimer players use the first string as their primary melody string and use a flat pick. David will show you how to use the second string as the primary melody string while using fingerstyle, with and without finger picks and a thumb pick. Dave will demonstrate how he played the tunes that won the 2023 Winfield National Championship. Learn how these techniques can be used for any tune. |
| B/I - I |
Judy House |
Whooppee TI-YI-YO! Cowboy Songs to Play and Sing! We’ll learn several tunes and take a look at the many verses that tell the stories of long ago and their lives riding the range. |
| I |
Stephen Seifert |
Appalachian Fiddle Tunes Steve Has Been Loving Lately! DAD Tuning, Bring a capo. These tunes have been turning up in jams more and more the last bunch of years. You need some new tunes and I’m sure some of these will scratch your itch! We’ll do one or two a day. Great Fun! |
| I |
Susan Trump |
Singing with the Dulcimer. To get us started we’ll go through basic chords, and then chords in different positions, and notes to connect them to get beautiful accompaniments and harmonies. We’ll have fun expanding our repertoire and singing songs together ….not all in the key of D. In addition to Susan’s favorites, please feel free to bring yours to share. DAD tuning and a capo needed. |
| I/A |
Sue Carpenter |
Four Strings: Tricks, Licks, and a Musical Mix! Unlock another dimension of dulcimer playing by separating your four strings so that they are equi-distant. Enter the realm of full 4-toned chords, new drone string possibilities, intricate arpeggios, and new tuning choices. Even experienced 4-string players are sure to learn new tricks to modify 3-string tab and acquire new strumming/picking licks. Expand your horizon with a wide musical mix including traditional, classical, and ragtime. |
| Baritone Dulcimer | ||
| Level | Instructor | Class Description |
| B/I |
Kirk House |
Exploring What’s So Great About the Baritone! A well-made baritone has a lovely rich and full sound but what are the things that make it so unique? What is it that a baritone can do better than other dulcimers? We’ll explore the answer to these questions and encourage you to focus on these strengths to get the most out of your baritone. Lots of basic techniques and tunes will be covered. |
| Technology for Mountain Dulcimer | ||
| Level | Instructor | Class Description |
| ALL |
Lance Frodsham |
We will look at technology and software for writing, playing and recording music. We will explore programs for writing and arranging dulcimer music with tablature such as TablEdit and Finale’. We will also look at resources using MIDI and ABC files to create dulcimer tablature. We will also learn FourScore in order to create and share libraries, gig lists, and tunes. We will explore recording software such as AudioDesk and Digital Performer. Lance is certified by Portland State Music Technology program. |
| Hammered Dulcimer | ||
| Level | Instructor | Class Description |
| B |
Rick Thum |
“Unlocking Your Dulcimer”. Learn the basics needed to play your hammered dulcimer. You do not need to read music. This class will unlock your instrument and get you started right away. Learn some easy tricks to quickly be able to grow in your playing. Dulcimer layout, tune structure, embellishments, shortcuts to learning and more will be covered. You will understand how your instrument works and be able to make it sound like what made you want to play it. Time permitting you will learn Liberty and Whiskey Before Breakfast. |
| B/I |
Jim Miller |
Chords and Embellishments for HD. In this fun class we will look at scale patterns, hammer patterns, and how to incorporate chords into the melody. We’ll also cover two and three part harmonies as well as hammer techniques to incorporate them into your playing. You will learn how to fill in the spaces between the notes of a melody with the accompanying chord notes. |
| I |
Randy Marchany |
No Strings Attached Tunes and Waltzes. We’ll teach you some of the most popular songs performed by internationally known band, No Strings Attached. We’ll learn a number of original tunes like “French Girl’s Waltz”, “Waltz of the Jewel”, “Princess Waltz”. No Strings Attached created upbeat arrangements like “Music for a Found Harmonium”, “Drowsy Maggie”, and “Star of Munster”. We’ll have lots of fun with these songs! |
| I/A |
Mark Alan Wade |
Songs of the Roaring 20’s! We’ll take a closer look at standards like It Had to be You, Give My Regards to Broadway, and learn how to make them thrive on a dulcimer. These tunes offer an accessible way to learn to play chromatic chords and jazz-inspired chords. They are not only fun to play but fun to learn, too. |
| Native American Flute | ||
| Level | Instructor | Class Description |
| ALL |
Bing Futch |
In this workshop you will learn the basics: flute anatomy, how to hold your flute, breath control, major and minor scales, ornamentation techniques, and how to discover your very own spirit song. Key does not matter if you wish to bring your own. You can purchase one from Bing ahead of time at bingfutch@yahoo.com. |
| Ukulele | ||
| Level | Instructor | Class Description |
| B/I |
Danny Shepherd |
Ukulele JAM! A ukulele JAM consists of two or more ukulele players getting together to play and sing some songs. It helps if you can already play some basic chords like C, F, G, Am, and D. Danny will provide a songbook. The goal is to play and sing as many songs as possible. |
| I |
Lil Rev |
Exploring the 20’s & 30’s! This is a repertoire class for ukulele that teaches tunes, techniques, history and lore. |
| Folk Harp | ||
| Level | Instructor | Class Description |
| B/I - I |
Jane Johnson |
Christmas Time’s A-Comin’! In this fun class we will learn some Christmas favorites, as well as a new tune or two. We will work on developing good technique as we build your holiday harp repertoire. A basic ability to read music will be helpful. The class will utilize multi-part arrangements by Sylvia Woods, ensuring that everyone can participate fully regardless of skill level. |
| Guitar | ||
| Level | Instructor | Class Description |
| B |
Cheri Miller |
This class is for the very beginning guitar student. We’ll cover tuning, string names, learning chords and basic strums. Dust off that guitar and come join in! |
| Banjo | ||
| Level | Instructor | Class Description |
| B |
Sally Barrett |
Bare Bones Beginning Banjo. We’ll focus on the basic Bum-Ditty stroke, and be exposed to techniques such as hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides, as well as different tunings. Also learn the art of “faking it until you make it” during a jam. Bring your capo and a smile! (Possible tune list includes but is not limited to Boil Them Cabbage Down, June Apple and/or Liza Jane.) |
| B/I |
David Brooks |
Stephen Foster Songs for Claw Hammer Banjo. Stephen Foster was America’s first commercial song writer. He wrote tunes for minstrel shows, for solo performers, and for the parlor. These arrangements are based on piano music published in the late 1800’s and will be in the key of D. Appropriate for those comfortable with the right-hand stroke and chord changes and beyond. Bring a capo. Tab will be provided. |
| Watercolor | ||
| Level | Instructor | Class Description |
| ALL |
Martin Rollins |
** Watercolor Foundations. This class will focus on how sketching, learning about color tools, and how brushwork and key tools with “water-coloring”. My approach is to begin with tonal washes, then onto using washes of transparent color to build layers of color for depth and self-expression. We will explore a range of papers, watercolor paints - and watercolor techniques. (Materials fee of $15 is payable to the instructor.) |
** Material fees required for this class
| Mountain Dulcimer | ||
|---|---|---|
| Level | Instructor | Class Description |
| B |
Dave Haas |
Welcome to Your New Adventure! This will be easy! Learn how to hold and strum the dulcimer, read dulcimer tablature, play chords and discover left and right hand techniques to insure smooth play. Your confidence will increase daily as we learn to listen and play with each other - all in a very supportive environment. You will love this workshop! |
| ALL |
Judy House Kirk House |
Multi-part Arrangements. In this class we will work on several arrangements with multiple parts. Although challenging, this style of playing is also thrilling and lots of fun as we develop additional skills and learn to use them successfully to add depth and beauty to the sound. |
| B/I |
Laurie Alsobrook |
Need A Little Christmas? Hold on to that Christmas spirit throughout the year! Enduring songs of the holiday season are presented in very easy DAA and DAD tablature. |
| B/I |
Bing Futch |
Singing and Performing with the Mountain Dulcimer. Discover the joy of blending your voice with your dulcimer. Improve your singing with basic vocal techniques, try out folk and contemporary songs, and get the hang of chord progressions, and rhythmic coordination. We’ll explore emotional expression through singing and playing with personalized guidance. No previous experience needed. |
| I |
Sue Carpenter |
Calypso Style Rhythms! We’ll ease into the syncopated swing of Calypso by discovering how “Bile Them Cabbage” can turn into “Calypso Cabbage”. From there we’ll enjoy several traditional island tunes plus original compositions. Finally, explore ways to strum “Oh, Susannah” Calypso style. You’re bound to have fun as the bum-diddies fade away. |
| I |
Butch Ross |
Right Hand Dominance. We’ll be concentrating on the right hand fundamentals, rhythm, strumming, accented rhythms, and dynamics. We’ll also learn to strum fluidly, smoothly, and even fast flat-picking, half-strums, and playing with a back-beat, too. Basically everything you need to know to develop a solid and great sounding strum hand. |
| I/A |
Lance Frodsham |
Irish Session Tunes - This class will learn tunes that can be linked together in medleys. We will cover jigs, reels, and hornpipes, etc. Lance has lots of experience recording and playing Irish Session Music with some of the all-time greats! You are sure to enjoy this fun class! |
| A |
Stephen Seifert |
Mastering the Dulcimer: Advanced Scales and Exercises and How to Use Them. DAD Tuning. (Bring a capo.) Think of each session as a serious workout. Steve will bring all the “stuff” he’s relied on for years to make his playing better. We’ll work on strumming, flat-picking, cross-picking, finger-picking, scales, chord shapes, arpeggios and more. With each concept Steve will introduce just the right amount of improvisation to help you play less predictable and more interesting music. |
| KMW Remembers | ||
| Level | Instructor | Class Description |
| B/I & Up |
Molly McCormack |
MD and all other instruments welcome! This class honors the music of some of KMW’s long time instructors who are no longer with us. You’ll learn songs from the repertoire of Jean Ritchie, Jon Pickow, Sam Stone, Maddie MacNeil, Cathy Barton, and more. Lyrics and chord sheets will be provided for all songs, and some music and tablature for a few. Class is open to all singers and players who can play basic chords on their instruments. |
| Hammered Dulcimer | ||
| Level | Instructor | Class Description |
| B |
Katie Moritz |
Hammered Dulcimer Fundamentals. You will learn some easy and efficient warm-ups that will get you to navigate your instrument faster and more fluidly. You will also learn to play a few useful tunes that are not only fun and easy but get played at most jams, and they contain passages that will help you improve as a player. |
| B/I |
Anne Lough |
Beautiful Celtic Melodies. Enjoy the plaintive, haunting beauty of these classic Celtic Airs as we glean ideas for embellishment and expression. |
| I |
Mark Alan Wade |
Animal Tunes for Wild Jams! This fun repertoire class will cover tunes like Cluck Old Hen, Flop-Eared Mule, Chicken Reel, Turkey in the Straw, Spotted Pony, Old Grey Cat, etc., with embellishments for some great Jams! |
| I |
Rick Thum |
Formula for Finding Embellishments! This is the “Holy Grail” of dulcimer playing! Rick has devised a system of finding embellishments by just knowing WHERE the melody note is located. No names needed. Imagine yourself being able to embellish a song the first time you play it, and to change it up every time. No more memorizing arrangements. Make it up as you go. This allows you to play with more confidence and more creativity. |
| Ukulele | ||
| Level | Instructor | Class Description |
| B/I |
Jim Miller |
Uke Tunes in the Key of D. Learn the melody and chords to several common jam tunes played in the key of D. We will cover scales, pick techniques, and strum patterns. Play along in any jam! |
| I |
Lil Rev |
Claw Hammer Ukulele. Learn to play the ukulele like a banjo in this fun, hands on class. We’ll learn the claw hammer stroke, some basic melodies, how to drone, and much more! |
| Fiddle | ||
| Level | Instructor | Class Description |
| B/I |
David Wilson |
This class is intended to help a novice fiddler learn proper technique for right hand bowing and left hand fingering. It will also include a variety of useful, common bowing patterns, learning how to play double stops, how to make different tones while bowing, and important left hand/right hand coordination exercises. David will show you how to vibrato also. You’ll learn how to combine separate techniques to make a simple tune sound more interesting and fun. We’ll play more involved tunes. Lots of handouts. |
| Guitar | ||
| Level | Instructor | Class Description |
| B/I |
Sadie Gustafson-Zook |
Rhythm Guitar for Jams. Jamming is a great way to have fun making music with other people, but for guitar players it can get boring. In this class we will work on ways to up your accompaniment game, keeping jams fun, providing a solid base line for your jamming pals, as well as rhythmic right hand strumming techniques that will add momentum to any jam you’re in! Knowledge of basic chords will be helpful. |
| Folk Harp | ||
| Level | Instructor | Class Description |
| B/I - I |
Jane Johnson |
The Music of Turlough O’Carolan. Turlough O’Carolan is the best known of the ancient Irish harpers. Although he was blind, he traveled all around Ireland, composing music and playing his harp. About 200 of his tunes still exist, and we are still playing them more than 350 years after he was born. In this class we will work on developing good technique as we explore O’Carolan standards as well as some of his lesser-known tunes. A basic ability to read music will be helpful, although we will also learn some tunes by ear. The class will utilize multi-part arrangements by Sylvia Woods, ensuring that everyone can participate fully regardless of skill level. |
| Banjo | ||
| Level | Instructor | Class Description |
| B/I |
David Brooks |
Three Essential Claw Hammer Banjo Tunings. There are over 70 distinct tunings for Claw Hammer Banjo tunes. All are intended to make the tunes easier to play. Three tunings, along with a capo, will meet your needs over 90% of the time. Open G, Double C, and Sawmill (G modal) are the three tunings. This class will introduce these tunings, their chord shapes, and several tunes in each tuning. Bring a capo. Tab will be provided. |
| Drawing | ||
| Level | Instructor | Class Description |
| ALL |
Martin Rollins |
** Basic Drawing. A drawing class is a “seeing” class, and one where open eyes and open minds will be our focus. We will investigate exercises in sketching and drawing in both black and white and color to build a foundation for seeing the drawing and for self-expression. A range of drawing tools and surfaces will be explored in this lively class. (Materials fee of $15 is payable to the instructor.) |
** Material fees required for this class
| Mountain Dulcimer | ||
|---|---|---|
| Level | Instructor | Class Description |
| B |
Molly McCormack |
Beginning Mountain Dulcimer. Just starting out on the instrument and don’t have a clue how or what to play? If you have limited or no experience playing the music, this class is for you. You’ll be smiling and strumming sweet, simple tunes on your dulcimer quickly! |
| ALL |
Lance Frodsham |
Children’s Songs for Mountain Dulcimer. Children love singing and hearing songs, especially on the mountain dulcimer, and it’s a great way for different ages to relate to each other. Using the traditional repertoires of Ruth Crawford Seeger, Jean Ritchie and more, this class will work on fun sing-a-longs from Appalachia and the UK. |
| B/I |
Sue Carpenter |
Finger-Picking FUNdamentals! Discover how easy and fun it can be to get your fingers dancing across the strings. Learn right hand technique and basic fundamentals as Sue guides your fingers to pick some simple exercises and several traditional and original tunes. |
| B/I - I |
Laurie Alsobrook |
Are My Irish Roots Showing? Get ready for a week of Irish tunes to add to your repertoire. From ancient to recent you’ll find these melodies range from sublime to ridiculous! Take a trip to the Emerald Isle from our Bardstown classroom. |
| I |
Dave Haas |
All About Arpeggios! You can already play slow melodies by plucking the notes one at a time. Discover how to improve smoothness of play, volume, and expression. Move the melody to the bass and octave regions of the fretboard. Create complete arrangements of your favorite melodies. Add harmonies and other extras to your play. DAD |
| I |
Lil Rev |
Blues Styles for Mountain Dulcimer. We’ll explore the wide and wonderful world of playing Blues on the dulcimer, including boogie patterns, turnarounds, repertoire, riffs, 12 and 8 bar progressions, and much more in DAD. You will also need a capo for this class. |
| A |
Susan Trump |
Making Interesting Arrangements. Let’s use all the techniques we know (and maybe some new ones) to arrange tunes to take your interest and take your music to another level. We’ll use arpeggios, broken chords, substitute chords, bass melody with chords, rhythmic variations, and more. BRING A PENCIL AND TAB PAPER. DAD tuning. |
| Chromatic Dulcimer | ||
| Level | Instructor | Class Description |
| I - I/A |
Stephen Seifert |
Backup All Kinds of Styles with Your Chromatic DAD Tuning - Please bring a capo. Chromatic mountain dulcimer backup really spices up a jam or performance. It is also a good way to learn more about how music works so you can sit in with just about anyone anywhere. I will show you how to use chords, chops, two-string mando tremolo, and bass runs to match the chord progressions of common jam tunes. We will cover a number of keys as we focus on playing more and talking less. Genres include old-time, bluegrass, country, blues, jazz, and more. |
| Baritone Dulcimer | ||
| Level | Instructor | Class Description |
| I |
Joe Collins |
How To Get The Most Out Of Your Baritone Dulcimer. Topics include: How to adjust your technique (minimizing those squeaks), choosing the right songs, adjusting the tab that you already have for the baritone, and playing your baritone in standard dulcimer groups. |
| Hammered Dulcimer | ||
| Level | Instructor | Class Description |
| B/I |
Phyllis Brown |
A Hymn a Day to Soothe Your Heart. Would you like to be able to play at your church or at a nursing home, but don’t feel like you have the repertoire? Almost everyone loves to hear those good ole’ church tunes. We’ll take one a day and first learn the melody and then a simple embellishment to make it pretty. We can even put it into a singable key and learn to just play the back-up chords so others can sing along with you. |
| I |
Rick Thum |
Everything Chords! We’ll learn everything about chords that we can: how to play them, how to use them, chords for backup, chords for embellishment, chords to learn a melody, chords to make a great arrangement. Become a chording expert! Lots of playing and lots of fun! |
| I - I/A |
Anne Lough |
O’Carolan Tunes. The 18th Century Harp tunes of Ireland’s bard, Turlough O’Carolan, come alive on the hammered dulcimer. Learn some of these dearly loved classic tunes and explore creative ideas for embellishment. |
| Penny Whistle | ||
| Level | Instructor | Class Description |
| B+ - B/I |
Mark Alan Wade |
First Tunes for Penny Whistle. Let’s learn to make music on our whistles using accessible tunes that teach good habits and finger patterns. Selected tunes will get your fingers to cooperate and your breathing working for the whistle. We’ll have fun with exercises to help you develop your playing fast, and learn some fun new tunes to show off, too! |
| Banjo | ||
| Level | Instructor | Class Description |
| B/I |
Sally Barrett |
Sawmill Tunes for Claw Hammer Banjo. In this course we’ll learn tunes in Sawmill Tuning. You will need a capo and should be confident in your basic claw hammer stroke. You will be exposed to techniques such as hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides, and learn how to incorporate them in your music. (Possible tune list includes but is not limited to Cluck Old Hen, Tam Lin, Shady Grove, Red Rockin’ Chair, and/or Cuckoo.) |
| Fiddle | ||
| Level | Instructor | Class Description |
| B |
David Wilson |
This is a duplicate of David’s Session One Beginning class. This beginning class will include the fiddle parts and how to tune effectively, proper left hand posture for fingering melody notes, proper right hand bowing technique and posture, basic bowing patterns, basic melodic scale patterns, and how to play along in a song. We’ll play several popular tunes with melody and rhythm. Lots of handouts! |
| Vocal | ||
| Level | Instructor | Class Description |
| ALL |
Sadie Gustafson-Zook |
Vocal Harmony. Group singing is one of the joys in life, being able to find a harmony line that goes well with the melody is a skill that anyone can learn. Whether singing in duos, trios, or quartets, there are a lot of fun options. In this class we’ll sing through classic songs to cover the basics of finding a harmony line, as well as filling in a 3rd or 4th part. |
| Ukulele | ||
| Level | Instructor | Class Description |
| I |
Butch Ross |
Chord/Melody Uke. Learn to take tunes and turn them into full arrangements. With not too much effort, you can sound like a full band. It’s not as hard as you might think and there is a secret to being successful at it. |
| Guitar | ||
| Level | Instructor | Class Description |
| B - B/I |
Cheri Miller |
Beginning Rhythm Guitar. This class will cover tuning and chords, practice strums, alternating bass, and simple bass runs. Become the heartbeat of any JAM! |
| Mandolin | ||
| Level | Instructor | Class Description |
| B/I |
Jim Miller |
Celtic Mandolin. This class covers many of the most common Celtic tunes played at jams. Learn jigs, reels, and hornpipes along with picking and strumming technique. Tunes in the Key of D. Learn the melody and chords to several common jam tunes played in the key of D. |
| Bodhran (Irish Drum) | ||
| Level | Instructor | Class Description |
| ALL |
Danny Shepherd |
This class is for people who would like to play Bodhran, but have little or no experience. By the end of the course you will be able to play a variety of Irish traditional rhythms and accompany other instruments. The class includes - holding and bodhran, the beater, playing basic strokes and variations, reel and jig patterns, and Bodhran care and maintenance. A few rental drums are available and drums are on sale in the vending area. Contact Danny Shepherd at ihitstuf@yahoo.com to reserve a rental. |
| Watercolor & Acrylic | ||
| Level | Instructor | Class Description |
| ALL |
Martin Rollins |
** Expressive Watercolors AND Acrylics! Accuracy in a painting is one thing - but expressive qualities are what transform many ordinary watercolor paintings into artistic statements! This class utilizes lights / darks, color choices, and brushstroke as the tools for moving beyond “representation” to create more expressive and successful watercolors AND acrylics. (Materials fee of $15 payable to instructor.) |
** Material fees required for this class
| Mountain Dulcimer | ||
|---|---|---|
| Level | Instructor | Class Description |
| B |
Susan Trump |
Beginning Chords and Melody - the Ultimate Connection. We’ll learn three basic chords and see how they support the melody. Playing both together will now be so much easier and fun, AND help you join the jam sessions early in your playing experience. |
| B/I |
Laurie Alsobrook |
Stephen Foster Slept Here! Charmed by “Kentucky’s Out of State Native Son” Stephen Foster’s enduring melodies? Then this is the workshop for you! We will spend the week diving into these songs, sometimes fun, sometimes sad, and always beautiful. |
| B/I |
Judy House |
Lending Support by Playing Backup. Learning to play back-up chords adds another dimension to your group playing. This skill is important when playing in a group if you don’t know the song and also backing up your voice, or voices of others. Here’s three techniques to get you started. |
| B/I |
Molly McCormack |
Singing Sea Shanties! Ahoy! Grab ye dulcimers, maties, and let’s learn some rousing sea shanties from around the world! We’ll sing and play chords to back up our voices, and learn some simple melodies, too. |
| I |
Lance Frodsham |
MODES for the Dulcimer. This class will explore playing in different modes with contemporary as well as traditional tunes and others. We’ll learn about each of the seven modes of the mountain dulcimer. This class is intermediate level but beginners are also welcome. Bringing electronic tuners will be helpful. |
| I |
Bing Futch |
Key Changes Made Easy! Infusing depth, complexity, and emotion into your playing becomes possible by taking a straightforward melody and chord progression in one key and seamlessly shifting to another during the song. In this workshop we will explore a few simple ways to do this, using many tunes to demonstrate. |
| Baritone Dulcimer | ||
| Level | Instructor | Class Description |
| I & Up |
Butch Ross |
Tune, Then Tune Again! We’ll explore how a baritone dulcimer is easier to tune than other dulcimers and how it actually lends itself to different tunings. We will explore common tunings and how to use them to open up new notes and ideas. AEA, ADA, GDG and GCG will be all explored and discussed with instruction on how to find your way quickly in and BACK out of these tunings. And we’ll also do some weird stuff, too. |
| Hammered Dulcimer | ||
| Level | Instructor | Class Description |
| B/I |
Katie Moritz |
Sparkling Waltzes. Waltzes offer the perfect palette for solo performance arrangements and are a great place to start with implementing embellishments. You will learn how to add fullness and unique ornamentation to these beautiful, simple melodies. Upon leaving, you’ll have the ability to make any waltz in your repertoire sparkle and sing. |
| B/I |
Mark Alan Wade |
The Big Picture! We’ll have a fun week of getting to know your dulcimer and making sense of the layout by learning great tunes! These chosen tunes are not only rewarding to learn, but they teach you something new about the layout and patterns on your dulcimer, so you can keep learning long after KMW. Mark will also share his best tips and advice for new players mixed in with humor and lots of fun! |
| I |
Phyllis Brown |
CHORD CAMP! (All Week Long) This class is for those that are serious about learning their chords - where they are and how to play them, why we like them, how we can substitute this one for that one, and more! All embellishments come from knowing your chords. If you don’t know them you are forever tied to someone else’s arrangement. |
| I/A - A |
Randy Marchany |
Improvisation Techniques. We’ll learn some basic improvisation techniques and apply them to well-known chord progressions. You’ll be able to play different international scales to jazz up tunes you already know. |
| Reading Musical Notation | ||
| Level | Instructor | Class Description |
| ALL |
Jim Miller |
How to Read Music If You Don’t! This class will cover notes, time signatures, scales, chords and chord progressions. This is a step-by-step class for learning how to read and understand music notes and finding them on your instrument. Covers note names on treble and bass clefs, note values, timing, and key signatures. Instruments include guitar, mandolin, mountain dulcimer, and hammered dulcimer. |
| Songwriting | ||
| Level | Instructor | Class Description |
| ALL |
Sadie Gustafson-Zook |
Intro to Songwriting. Have you ever had a fleeting idea and thought, “Woah, this would make a great song!” In this course we will explore how to move from that initial “song seed” into a fully-fledged song. Through group-writing activities and individual free-writes, we will explore various ways to approach the craft of writing a song. |
| Harmonica | ||
| Level | Instructor | Class Description |
| B - B+ |
Lil Rev |
Intro to Harmonica and Beyond. Learn the very basics of how to play the harmonica including breath control, puckering, holding it, simple scales, chords, train sounds, riffs, position playing, and much more. Bring a key of C, 10 hole, diatonic harmonica. For players past beginning, we will progress onto playing at the next level. |
| Mandolin | ||
| Level | Instructor | Class Description |
| B/I |
David Wilson |
This class is intended to help a novice mandolin player learn proper technique for right hand picking and left hand fingering and chords. It will also include a variety of useful new chord forms, learning how to tremolo, how to make different tones while picking, rhythm techniques, and important left hand / right hand coordination exercises. We’ll play more involved tunes. Lots of handouts! |
| Banjo | ||
| Level | Instructor | Class Description |
| B/I - I |
Sally Barrett |
Sawmill Tunes for Singing with Your Claw Hammer Banjo. In this course we will learn songs in Sawmill Tuning. You’ll need a capo and be confident with your claw hammer stroke. We’ll use techniques such as hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides, and learn how to incorporate them in your music. We’ll focus on playing the tune, but also learn how to vary our playing between singing verses and instrumentals. Same tunes as Session Four, with the focus on backing up your singing. |
| Folk Percussion | ||
| Level | Instructor | Class Description |
| ALL |
Danny Shepherd |
OPEN TO ALL! Play some fun percussion instruments and improve your rhythm skills. You’ll play spoons, washboard, body percussion, and other interesting instruments. We’ll play along with a variety of musical styles. Danny will provide spoons, washboards, limber jacks, and other instruments. You are welcome to bring your own percussion instruments! |
| Dance | ||
| Level | Instructor | Class Description |
| ALL |
Anne Lough |
All Join Hands and Circle Left. Take a healthful break from sitting with your instrument as we have fun with a variety of folk dances, including Appalachian Play Parties, squares, circles, and contras. No dance experience is necessary. We’ll learn at an easy pace, and no need to bring your own partner, just a sense of fun! |
| Social Orchestra | ||
| Level | Instructor | Class Description |
| ALL |
Stephen Seifert |
The music will be drawn from many cultures and we will explore the background of the piece as well as the notes. This is an exercise in learning to function as a section. It is NOT a jam class. In the past we have done fiddle tunes, Northumbrian tunes, Scottish tunes……you get the idea! |
| Acrylic Painting | ||
| Level | Instructor | Class Description |
| ALL |
Martin Rollins |
** Basic Acrylic Painting. Martin’s approach with acrylic paints begins with understanding lights-and-darks by mixing and applying the paints in a tonal painting. We’ll then move quickly into color mixing and painting techniques while learning the special qualities of acrylic paints and how we can focus ourselves to make the most of acrylic painting. (Materials fee of $15 payable to the instructor.) |
** Material fees required for this class
| SESSION 1: 8:30 am - 9:30 am | PLAYING THE MOUNTAIN DULCIMER & UKULELE |
|---|---|
| Instructor | Class Description |
| Dottie Shepherd | Beginning Level, Instruments are furnished or you can bring your own. |
| SESSION 2: 10:00 am - 11:00 am | LEARNING THE AGE-OLD CRAFT OF BASKET MAKING |
| Instructor | Class Description |
| Mary Carty | Beginning Level, Materials Provided. (Older children may do more intricate baskets.) |
| BREAK TIME: 10:50am - 11:20am | SNACKS |
| SESSION 3: 11:30 am - 12:30 pm | EXPLORING THE HAMMERED DULCIMER |
| Instructor | Class Description |
| Phyllis Brown | Beginning Level, We’ll have a few instruments you can use to practice your skills each day. |
| LUNCH BREAK: 12:30pm - 2:00pm | Parents or Guardians Pick Up During This Time! |
| SESSION 4: 2:00 pm - 3:15 pm | SINGING AND LEARNING FOLK SONGS |
| Instructor | Class Description |
| Judy & Kirk House | All Levels. You will learn some of the standard folk songs everyone used to learn as children but are no longer taught by relatives or at school. |
| SESSION 5: 3:45 pm - 5:00 pm | CRAFTS & STORIES |
| Instructor | Class Description |
| Karen Bain | A variety of crafts, games and stories will be explored each day. No experience necessary. |