Page 6 of 7
Workshop
Syllabus
Note: Each Instructor has the discretion to alter the course outline listed below. As a general guideline, each topic may be presented separately as a complete presentation of an hour plus or the topics can be blended in a variety of ways over what time is available.
Banjo Sessions To Be Taught By Alan Munde
- Three Finger Rolls & the Banjo - Alan will demonstrate three finger rolls and provide examples for the beginner and the intermediate player.
- Roll Logic - Beginning and Intermediate level students will learn about roll logic and how rolls are used.
- Creating Solos to Songs - Alan will explore the development of solos when playing a song (Intermediate and Advanced).
- Tools and Techniques - All levels of banjo students will learn about playing 3rds and 6ths and how they are used.
- Fretboard Geography & the Banjo - Alan will provide the students with tips and hints on how to find your way around the fingerboard (All Levels).
- Playing Back-up on the Five-String Banjo (Part I) - In the first of a two part back up series, Alan will discuss moving up the neck on the banjo by playing closed chord positions for accompaniment in bluegrass style banjo (All Levels).
- The Melodic Style Banjo - Students will learn how to play melodic style banjo with fiddle tunes.
- Munde's Tunes - Alan will take a look at, and demonstrate some of his original compositions, including "Peaches and Cream", "Molly Bloom", Uncle Clooney Played The Banjo" and others (Intermediate and Advanced).
- Playing In Different Key - Alan will explain the importance of a banjo player learning how to play in different Keys without a capo aside from the open G Tuning.
- Playing Back-up the Five-String Banjo (Part II) - In the second part of a two part back up series, Alan will discuss moving down the neck on the banjo in open chord forms, for accompaniment in bluegrass style banjo (Intermediate/Advanced).
- Analysis of Selected Classic Bluegrass Banj0 Solos - Alan will demonstrate and explain how to play solos for classic bluegrass tunes.
Fiddle & Mandolin Sessions To Be Taught By Byron Berline
 |
 |
- Double Stops & the Fiddle & Mandolin - Double stop technique is an important element of playing both the mandolin and the fiddle. Byron will demonstrate how to use double stop technique while playing these instruments.
- Playing Mandolin Out of Chord Forms - Mandolin students will learn how to develop melody lines out of chord positions.
- Creating Solos to Songs - Byron will explore the development of solos when playing a song (Intermediate and Advanced).
- Tools and Techniques - All levels of mandolin and fiddle students will learn about playiong lines and riffs and how to work out breaks on their instrument while playing lead.
- Swing, Blues & Bluegrass - Byron will mix it up and teach students that fiddle and mandolin players can benefit by playing various genres of music (All Levels).
- Playing Back-up on Mandolin & Fiddle - Three quarters of your time is playing back up on the instrument. Byron will explain various back up techniques for both mandolin and fiddle players (All Levels).
- Improvising - Using many of the techniques explain in these session, students will learn how to improvise on the mandolin and with fiddle tunes.
- History of these Instruments - Byron will provide a history of the mandolin, the fiddle and some of the great performers of these instruments (All Levels).
- Playing In Different Keys - Learning how to play in different Keys is essential to playing with others. Byron will advise students about the various keys and how to perform with others..
Guitar Sessions To Be Taught By Jim Hurst
A Personal Note From Jim:
I've been playing guitar for 53 years and have had a wonderful time making my living only as a pro musician for the past 23 years. In that time I have gained much in the way of real-time musicianship, how to be a band member, how to be a solo artist (live and in studio), how to learn quickly, and how to motivate myself to get better. I also have learned to teach and help others find and achieve their best. That is my mission, as I teach in the many camps, workshops, clinics, private in-person and online lessons. How can we each get better at what we do, and how can we best achieve what we want to do. We'll work on this and more. I am a flat-picker and a finger-stylist. I love many types of music and learning how to get my style to blend in and add to those genres.
At the Fret Mentor workshops, we'll work on basics, for both right and left hands. Together we'll work on the many facets of playing well:
- Timing - One of two most important elements of music. Without timing, we can't play with others.
- Control - Being aware of what each hand is doing, how to master them, and how that affects our music.
- Melody - Melody is the other most important elements of music. The reason we play music are melodies.
- Chords -Where are they and how can we best use them.
- Volume - Too loud or too soft all the time is not the way.
- Dynamics - Playing or singing at one volume is lifeless. Learning to play expressively is how we enjoy music.
- Instrument Care & Selection - Choosing the correct instrument and taking care of it is vital.
- Practice - How best to get the most out of our playing depends on what, when, and how we practice.
- Task Lists - The time we have to practice can be utilized more efficiently and we can gain more from it.
- Physical and Mental Posture - Important to play-ability and longevity.
- ...and More As Time Permits
And Keeping Motivated. Come and Join Me, we'll have some fun!
Jim
The Banjo, Mandolin & Fiddle and Guitar Workshop is structured for beginners through advanced players. There will be a variety of topics addressed to keep all participants actively engaged and involved with these fine instructors. Although specific topics are specified above, this syllabus provides a general outline of the type of instruction that the workshop will entail. Each instructor will differ in their approach to explaining the various topics and musical concepts described above. Each Instructor will be available (as time permits) through the sessions, to answer specific questions or speak on topics not included in the syllabus. Question and Answer sessions may also be provided and each student is encouraged to bring their instrument to play along at various times.
