Classes for Moab Folk Camp 2019
David Roth
Songwriting
Co-Writing for Everyone
Eleven of the twelve songs on one of my newer CDs were composed with other songwriters - people I know, love, and respect. The great thing about co-writing is that you benefit from another writer’s whole toolbox of skills and habits, as do they when they work with you. This can be very stimulating, refreshing, button-pushing, revelatory, and a whole lot more. We'll start by going over some guidelines and ground rules for our time together. We’ll pair off here and there (you’ll have different co-writing partners during the week) and learn what it’s like to work together in "service of the song” rather than our own individual agendas. The results may surprise you, and you’ll come away with new perspectives, appreciation for the process, and perhaps even a song or three.
Performance
Stagefright to Stagestrength/Performance Lab
Let’s spend some time getting over ourselves and fine tuning our performance skills. In this very hands-on class (everyone will get their turn!), we’ll take the 4 major aspects OF a performance into account - the preparation, the introduction, the execution (is that a good word for this?), and the appreciation taken in after we’ve shared some of our selves with our audience. We’ll put “stars and wishes” into practice - noting where things already shine and where they can use a little “polishing” here and there. We’ll also put tools in place to continue our work after camp. Bring a song or two that you know by heart, a willing spirit, and a sense of humor.
Songwriting
Co-Writing for Everyone
Eleven of the twelve songs on one of my newer CDs were composed with other songwriters - people I know, love, and respect. The great thing about co-writing is that you benefit from another writer’s whole toolbox of skills and habits, as do they when they work with you. This can be very stimulating, refreshing, button-pushing, revelatory, and a whole lot more. We'll start by going over some guidelines and ground rules for our time together. We’ll pair off here and there (you’ll have different co-writing partners during the week) and learn what it’s like to work together in "service of the song” rather than our own individual agendas. The results may surprise you, and you’ll come away with new perspectives, appreciation for the process, and perhaps even a song or three.
Performance
Stagefright to Stagestrength/Performance Lab
Let’s spend some time getting over ourselves and fine tuning our performance skills. In this very hands-on class (everyone will get their turn!), we’ll take the 4 major aspects OF a performance into account - the preparation, the introduction, the execution (is that a good word for this?), and the appreciation taken in after we’ve shared some of our selves with our audience. We’ll put “stars and wishes” into practice - noting where things already shine and where they can use a little “polishing” here and there. We’ll also put tools in place to continue our work after camp. Bring a song or two that you know by heart, a willing spirit, and a sense of humor.
David Surette
Guitar
Acoustic roots/rock/blues – A lot of us acoustic players play (or used to play) electric, and the acoustic is great for both acoustic rock tunes and electric stuff that transfers well onto acoustic. We will look at several approaches and classic techniques and riffs to use, and will especially look for common reference points between roots music, blues and rootsy rock. Flatpick technique
Country blues explorations – We will check out a couple of alternating thumb approaches, in both standard and drop D, learning a couple of classic tunes and exploring some ideas of improvising over blues forms.
Guitar
Acoustic roots/rock/blues – A lot of us acoustic players play (or used to play) electric, and the acoustic is great for both acoustic rock tunes and electric stuff that transfers well onto acoustic. We will look at several approaches and classic techniques and riffs to use, and will especially look for common reference points between roots music, blues and rootsy rock. Flatpick technique
Country blues explorations – We will check out a couple of alternating thumb approaches, in both standard and drop D, learning a couple of classic tunes and exploring some ideas of improvising over blues forms.
Cara Luft
School of Rock for Folkies
With voices and instruments working together in a group context, participants will acquire the “tools” necessary for bringing a song to life. Does that sound like fun or what!? Come prepared to rock out folk-style (i.e. taking rock songs and folkin’ them up!). If you sing (untrained more or less) and play an instrument (beyond the beginner stage), then this class is for you. Some of those “tools” mentioned will include: how to learn and arrange a song as a group, dynamics within a song, blending instruments, listening to each other, knowing when to play simply and when to step it up, how to play in support of the vocalist or soloist, and how to get out of the way and let the song speak. We will also explore how to do tasteful fills, how to sing in harmony, and performance techniques. Any acoustic instrument is welcome (guitar, bass, dobro, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, ukulele, bodhran, accordion, etc etc), and don’t forget about the voice! Come prepared to have fun!
Clawhammer Banjo
Geared for the beginner/post-beginner clawhammer banjo player, we'll tackle how to make our banjos sing! From learning the basic clawhammer style and using the drop-thumb technique, to playing tunes that help us incorporate these techniques and utilizing different tunings (open G, sawmill, and double C). Most importantly we'll learn how to use our banjo as an accompaniment instrument while singing songs, writing songs, and taking part in jam sessions with others (use of chords and a capo!).
School of Rock for Folkies
With voices and instruments working together in a group context, participants will acquire the “tools” necessary for bringing a song to life. Does that sound like fun or what!? Come prepared to rock out folk-style (i.e. taking rock songs and folkin’ them up!). If you sing (untrained more or less) and play an instrument (beyond the beginner stage), then this class is for you. Some of those “tools” mentioned will include: how to learn and arrange a song as a group, dynamics within a song, blending instruments, listening to each other, knowing when to play simply and when to step it up, how to play in support of the vocalist or soloist, and how to get out of the way and let the song speak. We will also explore how to do tasteful fills, how to sing in harmony, and performance techniques. Any acoustic instrument is welcome (guitar, bass, dobro, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, ukulele, bodhran, accordion, etc etc), and don’t forget about the voice! Come prepared to have fun!
Clawhammer Banjo
Geared for the beginner/post-beginner clawhammer banjo player, we'll tackle how to make our banjos sing! From learning the basic clawhammer style and using the drop-thumb technique, to playing tunes that help us incorporate these techniques and utilizing different tunings (open G, sawmill, and double C). Most importantly we'll learn how to use our banjo as an accompaniment instrument while singing songs, writing songs, and taking part in jam sessions with others (use of chords and a capo!).
Susie Burke
Voice
Singing for the Joy of It!
Singing for the Joy of It is the name of the class I have been teaching for over 6 years, and just as the title says, we will explore the landscape of our voices with a spirit of fun and discovery. We will learn some helpful, take-away vocal exercises. We will explore and use our voices to sing together, with rounds, call and response, singing in harmony, vocal games that nudge us towards freedom and improvisation. Our goal is to enjoy singing together and sing freely and in a way that will help us keep our voices humming along.
Guitar
Intro to fingerpicking
Fingerpicking is a great solo guitar approach, and is also wonderful for vocal accompaniment. You will find it in folk, blues, ragtime and other styles. This course will be both an introduction to those who already play guitar but don’t fingerpick, as well as to less experienced pickers who want some review or overhaul. We will cover the basics of thumb/finger picking patterns, and will include a repertoire of songs as well as musical forms like a 12-bar blues. There are lots of nice flourishes and ways to dress up basic open chord positions within these patterns, and we will also cover some different voicings and positions of basic chords. I am also a thumb picker who strums, a bit in the Carter style, and we might include some of that.
Voice
Singing for the Joy of It!
Singing for the Joy of It is the name of the class I have been teaching for over 6 years, and just as the title says, we will explore the landscape of our voices with a spirit of fun and discovery. We will learn some helpful, take-away vocal exercises. We will explore and use our voices to sing together, with rounds, call and response, singing in harmony, vocal games that nudge us towards freedom and improvisation. Our goal is to enjoy singing together and sing freely and in a way that will help us keep our voices humming along.
Guitar
Intro to fingerpicking
Fingerpicking is a great solo guitar approach, and is also wonderful for vocal accompaniment. You will find it in folk, blues, ragtime and other styles. This course will be both an introduction to those who already play guitar but don’t fingerpick, as well as to less experienced pickers who want some review or overhaul. We will cover the basics of thumb/finger picking patterns, and will include a repertoire of songs as well as musical forms like a 12-bar blues. There are lots of nice flourishes and ways to dress up basic open chord positions within these patterns, and we will also cover some different voicings and positions of basic chords. I am also a thumb picker who strums, a bit in the Carter style, and we might include some of that.
Eric Jones
Beginning Mandolin
Beginning mandolin class is tailored to first-time players and those considering the addition of mando to their musical tool belt. We will focus on fundamentals like pick-control exercises, chord building and the amazing coincidence of having four fingers on your left hand and four pairs of strings on your mandolin. We will learn to play a fiddle tune melody or two and chord along with folk songs. Mandolin rhythm, double stops and back-up will round out the class.
Cosy Sheridan
SONGWRITING
Cosy's Songwriting Kit
As we journey along our road as a songwriter, we might find that we develop grooves in the blacktop: habits of how to start a song, and how to finish it. Here’s a chance to open the window and let a fresh breeze blow through your songwriting vehicle. Each day we’ll try something new to start or continue a song. We might try assembling a song from found objects and see how beautiful the rough edges are. Or maybe we’ll build one like a swiss watch where everything is balanced and running smoothly. We will support each other in bringing forth our song inside.
Lunchtime Songwriting: Sing Us Your Song
Bring your lunch; we will workshop songs during the lunch hour. This class will be a safe place to try out your song. Maybe you're still writing it, or you wrote it last winter and you're not sure if it's done. Each day we will listen to each other's songs and help each other move our songs forward - with compassionate listening and feedback. We'll talk about songwriting, too - how do we start some new songs, or finish older ones. Come to listen or come to sing - everyone is invited.
SONGWRITING
Cosy's Songwriting Kit
As we journey along our road as a songwriter, we might find that we develop grooves in the blacktop: habits of how to start a song, and how to finish it. Here’s a chance to open the window and let a fresh breeze blow through your songwriting vehicle. Each day we’ll try something new to start or continue a song. We might try assembling a song from found objects and see how beautiful the rough edges are. Or maybe we’ll build one like a swiss watch where everything is balanced and running smoothly. We will support each other in bringing forth our song inside.
Lunchtime Songwriting: Sing Us Your Song
Bring your lunch; we will workshop songs during the lunch hour. This class will be a safe place to try out your song. Maybe you're still writing it, or you wrote it last winter and you're not sure if it's done. Each day we will listen to each other's songs and help each other move our songs forward - with compassionate listening and feedback. We'll talk about songwriting, too - how do we start some new songs, or finish older ones. Come to listen or come to sing - everyone is invited.
Dave Steward
Swing Style Rhythm Guitar
This class will concentrate on learning the fundamentals of swing rhythm as heard in the styles of Django Reinhardt, Freddie Green of the Count Basie band and the cowboy bands of the 30’s and 40’s such as the Sons of the Pioneers. We will learn the unique three- finger chord voicings that can be moved all over the neck (and are easier than barre chords!) These chords will be used in conjunction with the four to the bar down-stroke pattern that gives this style its drive. We will learn some basic songs and how to “jazz” them up by adding additional chords.
Swing Style Rhythm Guitar
This class will concentrate on learning the fundamentals of swing rhythm as heard in the styles of Django Reinhardt, Freddie Green of the Count Basie band and the cowboy bands of the 30’s and 40’s such as the Sons of the Pioneers. We will learn the unique three- finger chord voicings that can be moved all over the neck (and are easier than barre chords!) These chords will be used in conjunction with the four to the bar down-stroke pattern that gives this style its drive. We will learn some basic songs and how to “jazz” them up by adding additional chords.
Charlie Koch
Survival Bass
Would you like to be able to play electric bass at a jam ? Or maybe in a band that already has a guitar player? We will focus on a few basic approaches to playing electric bass: moving between the root and the 5th of the chord, and walking from one chord to another. If you already have some skill playing guitar then by the end of this class you should be able to play along on many 3 chord tunes.
Survival Bass
Would you like to be able to play electric bass at a jam ? Or maybe in a band that already has a guitar player? We will focus on a few basic approaches to playing electric bass: moving between the root and the 5th of the chord, and walking from one chord to another. If you already have some skill playing guitar then by the end of this class you should be able to play along on many 3 chord tunes.
Peter Danzig
Ukulele
Beginning to intermediate Ukulele
This class is a warm supportive home for first time players as well as folks who’ve already got the basics but want something a little more. Over the course of the week we’ll arm beginners with the skills to enjoy a lifetime of strumming their favorite tunes while at the same time giving intermediate players the skills to spice up their three chords and the truth with new chord positions and arrangement ideas. We’ll have plenty of music available but feel free to bring along any songs you are hoping to learn to play.
Ukulele
Beginning to intermediate Ukulele
This class is a warm supportive home for first time players as well as folks who’ve already got the basics but want something a little more. Over the course of the week we’ll arm beginners with the skills to enjoy a lifetime of strumming their favorite tunes while at the same time giving intermediate players the skills to spice up their three chords and the truth with new chord positions and arrangement ideas. We’ll have plenty of music available but feel free to bring along any songs you are hoping to learn to play.
Anke Summerhill
GUITAR
Beginning Guitar
3 EASY CHORDS AND A SONG
We will learn a few basic beginning guitar chords and an easy song or two.
This class is for the beginner who would like to explore the instrument as a means
of accompanying themselves while singing. (*Level 1)
Chad Niehaus
Open-Air Art Class
Linoleum Block Printing
This year, we will be spending time in the empowering, gratifying world of
linoleum block printing. You will transform a quick sketch into a finished
block, which can be used to print a long list of items, including
stickers, greeting cards, and clothing. We will visit a couple of spots
near Moab for our inspiration, and then will work outside (weather
permitting) to complete the process. All you need to bring is a sketch
book or journal, and a pen (Sharpies work well) — I’ll provide the rest of
the materials. No experience necessary. Come check out this simple yet
powerful art form!
Open-Air Art Class
Linoleum Block Printing
This year, we will be spending time in the empowering, gratifying world of
linoleum block printing. You will transform a quick sketch into a finished
block, which can be used to print a long list of items, including
stickers, greeting cards, and clothing. We will visit a couple of spots
near Moab for our inspiration, and then will work outside (weather
permitting) to complete the process. All you need to bring is a sketch
book or journal, and a pen (Sharpies work well) — I’ll provide the rest of
the materials. No experience necessary. Come check out this simple yet
powerful art form!
Jon Fuller
Sunrise Photography
Join professional landscape photographer Jon Fuller each morning for a short photo excursion to a good location each morning to learn how to take better photos while getting some beautiful images of the Moab landscape at sunrise. The classes are open to photographers of all skill levels, including iPhone-graphers. We will be carpooling each morning, so you don't have to have your own transportation in order to participate. Come and join us to bring home some beautiful visual memories of the Moab Folk Camp along with your musical ones.
Sunrise Photography
Join professional landscape photographer Jon Fuller each morning for a short photo excursion to a good location each morning to learn how to take better photos while getting some beautiful images of the Moab landscape at sunrise. The classes are open to photographers of all skill levels, including iPhone-graphers. We will be carpooling each morning, so you don't have to have your own transportation in order to participate. Come and join us to bring home some beautiful visual memories of the Moab Folk Camp along with your musical ones.
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* A note about guitar class levels: For our guitar classes this year we are listing the level at which the class will be taught.
Level 1: Beginners and those who need time to pause between changing chords Level 2: Can change chords without pausing and can play an F chord Level 3: Comfortable with barre chords and some familiarity with playing up the neck |
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