Intensives

Basics for Beginners – Gene & Gayla Mills
In this special workshop designed for beginners and advanced beginners of all instruments, we’ll address basic folk music skills that will help you get the most out of the weekend. We’ll particularly look at how to learn tunes by ear, how to jam, how to play backup, how to play melody, and how to play well with other musicians.

Rhythm Guitar – Henry Koretzky
Learn to be a better rhythm section for your band or for your own voice. Using a variety of folk genres, we’ll cover moveable chord shapes, bass runs, strumming patterns, dynamics, and more. For guitar players who are used to using a pick and who know at least 8-10 chords.

Fiddle Techniques (Violas welcome) – Simple Gifts
This class is a safe space to air your fiddle grievances, problematic tunes, and general questions about all things fiddle. Feel free to come with something in mind, or stick around to learn something unexpected. For all levels beyond beginner.

Mandolin Techniques – Steve Buckalew
A survey of all things mandolin, including playing techniques like tremolo and chording, problem-solving, and generally easing the path to mastering the mandolin. For all levels beyond beginner.

Clawhammer Banjo – Jay Best
We will explore several different tunings, double thumbing and drop thumbing techniques, hammer-on and pull-offs, and learn a tune or two using these techniques. For all levels beyond beginner.

Autoharp – Larry Mutti
We’ll explore options for both strumming and chording hand technique, as well as choosing and adapting tunes to suit your autoharp and your voice. Participants should come with a good familiarity with the chord bar layout on their own ‘harp, and with a favorite tune in mind that we might play together. For all levels beyond beginner.

Dobro – Ken Shafranko
Tips and techniques for becoming a better dobro player. For all levels beyond beginner.

Bluegrass Bass (Cellos welcome) – Bill Stetz
We’ll look at bass runs and techniques common in bluegrass music, as well as discussing the important role of the bass as the backbone of the band. The workshop will focus on bass (both acoustic and electric). Laura Alexander, one of the festival’s jam leaders this year, will be there to help interpret bass instruction for cellists.