One Week 'til Guitar
Hello <<First Name>>
All the Guitar Classes start next week!! The 'time off' this week has been fun, but I'm looking forward to getting back at working through some ideas with everyone in the Harmony classes, technique in the FingerPickin' class and singin' some great songs with so many familiar faces and some new ones in the Campfire Bootcamp for both Adults and Youth. I am also looking forward to trying out some new materials for the classes. Registration can be done by calling (403) 440 6821 or if you are a former student of the Conservatory, you can register online here. I hope to see you there.
The Conservatory gave us a glimpse of what will be the new home of the guitar classes a couple of weeks ago. Boy, they sure didn't understate the beauty and functionality of what they are creating. I'm sure looking forward to being a part of that next year.
We've had a bit of a hiatus from hosting house concerts and other performances, but we have a few events planned for the spring. For those of you who were fortunate enough to have attended Tim William's wonderful performance at our last house concert, you can appreciate the great venue we have here at Asylum Headquarters. Stay tuned for the details of the next event and also for my Solo performance at The Leacock Theatre on Thursday, April 9.
In addition to the performances we have planned, we are also hosting some workshops this spring, starting with the Guitar Maintenance workshop on Saturday, March 7 conducted by yours truly.
Below is the schedule of classes, a brief description and important upcoming dates. Please email or call me (403) 969 7257 if you have any questions or comments,
scott
Winter 2015
February 10, 11, 12 - June 16, 17, 18
Tuesdays
5:30 - 7:00 Campfire Bootcamp 101 (Adult) CRN 1609
7:00 - 8:00 FingerPickin' Part 1 CRN 1296
8:00 - 9:30 Campfire Bootcamp 101 (Adult) *SOLD OUT*
Wednesdays
7:00 - 8:00 Fretboard Harmony 201 - Theory CRN 1298
8:00 - 9:30 Campfire Bootcamp 101 (Adult) *SOLD OUT*
Thursdays
6:00 - 7:00 Campfire Bootcamp 101 (Youth) CRN 1300
7:00 - 8:00 Fretboard Harmony 101 - Theory CRN 1301
8:00 - 9:30 Campfire Bootcamp 101 (Adult) *SOLD OUT*
Adult Campfire Bootcamp 101
Class Website
Here we cover a lot of songs. 32 in total. Most of these songs will be chosen by you, written out by me and played by everyone. The notation is structured in my signature way with lyrics and chords, detailed rhythm shorthand, alternate voicings for the chords, scales for soloing, bass notes and sometimes melodies, intros, fills, etc. Since the notation supports many different styles and levels of playing, this class is perfect for beginner and advanced players to pick and choose the material they want to work on and create their own curriculum of study. It should be noted that we do a lot of songs, so beginners should be up for a challenge, but in a very friendly and supportive environment.
Youth Campfire Bootcamp 101
Class Website
Very similar to the adult version of the class, but we typically only do about 12 -15 songs. I've extended the age range to 9 - 15 because everyone seems to like it that way. The notation is similar to the adult class so beginners to advanced pickers are comfortable finding their place together.
Fretboard Harmony*
Fretboard Harmony 101 - Theory
Class Website
This is a comprehensive look at the way music works in general, and applied specifically to the guitar. Fundamentally, the material is derived from classical harmony, primarily traditional SATB. This material translated poorly to the guitar and, with some modifications and with the use of popular examples, Fretboard Harmony was born.
In this part we work exclusively with major keys. We examine scales, melodies, chords and improvisation. We see what the patterns are on the guitar and how it all works together to make the songs we love sound as good as they do. The examples are from a wide variety of styles from Tarrega to Johnny Cash to Leonard Cohen to Joan Baez to Gershwin to Mozart and back to Carulli to emphasize that all music is structured essentially the same, to stretch our comfort zone and to keep things fun and interesting
Fretboard Harmony 201 - Theory
Class Website
This is a continuation of Fretboard Harmony 101, but in minor keys with a few extra chords and harmonic ideas that expand our language deeper into the jazz contemporary art music idiom.
FingerPickin' Guitar*
Part 1
Class Website
Just that - Pickin' and Grinnin'. First, we look at strumming patterns with bass lines, then we move on to arpeggio patterns with bass lines, then double and triple stops, and finally finish up with some Travis Pickin'. All the while, we learn a few licks and tricks to make our songs sound unique and interesting
*Practice is necessary for musical and technical development, however to stay afloat in fretboard harmony and FingerPickin', it is essential to review and practice the concepts and techniques between classes. Students often comment on the thrill of their expanding knowledge in these courses. It is not a pass/fail, because the material goes very deep and everyone's foundational knowledge and practice schedule is different. It is not uncommon for students to take the course more than once to gain a fuller understanding of the harmonic relationships and techniques we explore.
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