Flatpicking Guitar class:
We'll be studying the basics of right hand pick technique and how they apply to playing fiddle tunes, bluegrass music, swing, and gypsy jazz with a flatpick. New students will find crucial foundational material. For returning students, this will serve as a reinforcement and continuation of previous years, with new tunes, exercises, and ideas.

Fingerpicking Guitar class:
This year, in addition to considering the guitar as a solo fingerstyle instrument, we'll look at the interplay of guitar and voice for the solo performer. We'll deconstruct some specific classic arrangements from both folk and blues genres, learn some tools for arranging our own tunes, and offer students the opportunity to present arrangements in a "master class" format.

Sound Reinforcement
We will learn real world sound skills and wander through some "big picture" theory without getting too technical. Much of what makes good sound is really basic: beat back hums and buzzes, set up your stage well, monitor levels in the right places, have good communication with the stage. Class tips and hands-on experience will come in handy at festivals, coffee houses, and home recording. Class members will be asked to crew on stage and be at the mixer for the final student concerts.

Songwriting
Drawing on a lifetime of experience and insight, he will bring to the class a writer's energy and an editor's overview. Rather than lecture, though, Steve prefers to listen to songs from all the participants. Over years of doing workshops he has found that listening is the best use of the time, and that the songs bring up all the important issues. Many of the same problems are encountered by the writers in different ways. It's a stimulating exchange, and all the more memorable as each writer receives the validation of the group, and some good direction for further work on the song.

Beginning Finger-style Guitar for Intermediate Players
This class is an introduction to finger-style guitar as played by Mississippi John Hurt, Etta Baker, Merle Travis and others. If you have a basic knowledge of chords and rhythm, this class will start you down the road to playing this expressive style. To prepare for class, here's a mantra you can repeat to yourself over and over until camp begins: "The Thumb's the Thing! The Thumb's the Thing!"

Bottleneck Blues Technique
Slide guitar—guitar played with a bottleneck or metal tube on one finger of the fretting hand—is one of the most compelling sounds to emerge from the bluesfields of the American south. This class is directed at advanced-intermediate and advanced students who would like to explore bottleneck playing. We’ll spend the week taking a deep, hands-on look at the subject, talking about tone, intonation, vibrato, right- and left-hand damping techniques, single-string and chord work, and other fundamentals. We’ll also look at different types of bottlenecks (glass, metal, ceramic), tunings, repertoire, and resources. Participants should bring a bottleneck or other tubular slide (or a selection thereof) and a recording device to class.

Morning Song
We'll start each day with vocal warm-ups and wakeups. We'll then move to familiar and not-so-familiar songs for the fun of it. All levels are welcome. Come even if you feel less than confident about your singing.

Appalachian Dulcimer
First time and experienced players will be encouraged and challenged with music selected by Lorraine according to each student's playing level. We'll play both from tab and by ear. If you want to take this class but don't have access to a dulcimer, please contact us in advance.

Intermediate Beginners Guitar
Mostly for lazy guitar players who just want to spruce up what they already play without having to work very hard. Also perhaps, for more dedicated drop-ins needing a technical boost. All Levels

Intermediate Beginners Guitar
As a graduate of the beginning guitar level Bennett will take you to the next step. You’ll become more familiar with the 1 4&5 chords within different keys. This will give you the opportunity to learn a new skills, chords and 11,346 bits of cool new understanding for the week. Bring a favorite song with you. Tape Recorder encouraged

Basic Guitar Technique
In this class, Ernie will cover the finger styles techniques of some of the blues great like Blind Blake, Blind Willie McTell, Lightnin' Hopkins, Mance Lipscomb, Rev. Gary Davis, as well as move into the more complex ragtime/early jazz styles. This class will teach guitar techniques that are at an Intermediate level. Students should feel comfortable switching chords and have some right-hand finger style ability. Some theory will be discussed as the "CAGED" system.

Advanced Guitar Blues and Rags
This advanced class will cover further blues and ragtime styles for fingerpickers, particularly Gary Davis. More complex ragtime/jazz styles bring the student into the music of Louis Armstrong and Bix Beiderbecke. We will also delve deeper into theory and the use of the "CAGED" system

Mandolin
Carl will develop several areas of the mandolin by teaching some good tunes in several keys. He will work to improve right hand technique with a variety of exercises as well as teaching a basic understanding of music theory to encourage confidence "up the neck" and applying it to "backing" up"" songs and tunes. Carl will encourage improvisation and creativity while having too much fun. It is helpful if you have some knowledge of the mandolin prior to camp.

Holy Blues Guitar
A survey of styles and techniques of some of the Gospel and Spiritual guitarists and singers from all over the country such as Blind Willie Johnson, Rev. Gary Davis and s other guitar styles.

Blues Harmonica
This class is intended to introduce basic techniques, styles and approaches to the use of the harmonica in blues and folk music. Topics covered include playing in both 1st and 2nd positions, bends, trills, fanning, tremolo, throat pops and other effects. Students are required to bring at least one harmonica in the key of C.

Southern Fiddle Styles
Beverly's fiddle class will focus on old time tunes from the southern mountains. We'll work with open tunings and bowing rhythms. We'll learn some cool versions of standard tunes and some unusual tunes as well. Some basic familiarity with the instrument is essential.

Vocal Harmony Class with Carl Jones
This class we will be mostly working with duet syle singing.  We'll learn basic three part harmony theory and and how to find parts for some familiar songs,  then we will move on to learning new songs in the duet style.   Working with a duet partner, we'll learn to listen to another person, match quality, style and phrasing -- all those things that make for great harmony singing!   No partner required and you don't need to have a great voice but participants do need to be able to hold a pitch.

Bluegrass Mandolin
In this class we'll focus on the mandolin's role in bluegrass, looking at Bill Monroe, David Grisman, and everything in between. We'll learn some classic mandolin and fiddle tunes (and learn the techniques needed to play them), find new ways to play as accompanists, and work on some improvisation as well. Written materials will be provided.

Beginning Flatpicking Guitar
This class will start guitarists down the exciting and satisfying world of flatpicking. During the week, we'll learn some simple fiddle tunes and bluegrass breaks, focusing on the relationship between the right and left hands. We'll also delve into rhythm playing and the guitar's role within a band.

Voice/Vocal Health
Whether you want to sing Opera, Pop, Gospel, Musical Theater, Blues or Traditional Folk, your instrument is your voice, your body, your intelligence and your soul. Learn vocal technique through vocal exercise and breath management. Learn how to use breath energy to produce a free and effortless tone. Charles will share the tips and techniques that have kept him singing for forty years. You will reach into the depth of your own spirit to bring out the music that is unique to you.