Moab Folk Camp 2025 - Classes
Adam Levy
Guitar
Cooking with Fresh Ingredients
It’s easy to feel stuck or burned out on the same familiar chords we use all the time. Great writers like Paul Simon, Carole King, and Elliott Smith use those chords too — but they also seem to have a whole other bag of harmony to draw from. In this class, you’ll learn new chords (including inversions, diminished, and “slash chords”) to invigorate your chord progressions. You’ll also learn how to “borrow” chords from related key centers, and I’ll show you a simple rhythmic framework to generate loads of new riffs.
Let Your Guitar Sing
Ever wanted to play a dynamic, memorable solo? Or play one of your favorite melodies on the guitar? In this class, you’ll learn to let your guitar do the singing. We’ll use a few common scale forms (major scale, natural minor scale, and major and minor pentatonics) but don’t worry about getting overwhelmed with new scale patterns. Our main goal in this class will be to find the music in the scales. We’ll also study expressive techniques like bending, sliding, and vibrato.
Guitar
Cooking with Fresh Ingredients
It’s easy to feel stuck or burned out on the same familiar chords we use all the time. Great writers like Paul Simon, Carole King, and Elliott Smith use those chords too — but they also seem to have a whole other bag of harmony to draw from. In this class, you’ll learn new chords (including inversions, diminished, and “slash chords”) to invigorate your chord progressions. You’ll also learn how to “borrow” chords from related key centers, and I’ll show you a simple rhythmic framework to generate loads of new riffs.
Let Your Guitar Sing
Ever wanted to play a dynamic, memorable solo? Or play one of your favorite melodies on the guitar? In this class, you’ll learn to let your guitar do the singing. We’ll use a few common scale forms (major scale, natural minor scale, and major and minor pentatonics) but don’t worry about getting overwhelmed with new scale patterns. Our main goal in this class will be to find the music in the scales. We’ll also study expressive techniques like bending, sliding, and vibrato.
Susan Cattaneo
Songwriting & Repertoire
It's the FUNdamentals of Songwriting!
This comprehensive class will explore the nuts and bolts of songs! We'll explore various song forms like verse/chorus, verse/refrain, verse/prechorus/chorus, and learn what role each section plays in a song! We'll also study and work with simile/metaphor, rhyme scheme, rhythm and point of view and you'll see how each element can transform your listener's experience of a song. This class is for all levels. Join me as we demystify the magic that goes into great songwriting!
Cowboy Songs – The Best of the West
Calling all cowpokes! This workshop explores the magic behind some of the most classic and unforgettable cowboy songs. We'll try some new songs, explore the Nashville number system and work and play these familiar hits. Great songs don’t have to be complicated, and this hands-on class will show you the beauty behind three chords and the truth!
Songwriting & Repertoire
It's the FUNdamentals of Songwriting!
This comprehensive class will explore the nuts and bolts of songs! We'll explore various song forms like verse/chorus, verse/refrain, verse/prechorus/chorus, and learn what role each section plays in a song! We'll also study and work with simile/metaphor, rhyme scheme, rhythm and point of view and you'll see how each element can transform your listener's experience of a song. This class is for all levels. Join me as we demystify the magic that goes into great songwriting!
Cowboy Songs – The Best of the West
Calling all cowpokes! This workshop explores the magic behind some of the most classic and unforgettable cowboy songs. We'll try some new songs, explore the Nashville number system and work and play these familiar hits. Great songs don’t have to be complicated, and this hands-on class will show you the beauty behind three chords and the truth!
Sloan Wainwright
Voice
SINGING WITH YOUR HEART, SOUL, AND BODY
Inside each of us lives a beautiful and unique instrument, so let's sing together with joy and freedom! In this playshop we will move our bodies, soften our hearts, open our mouths and let our voices out to play. With an emphasis on vocal health and self-care, we’ll use a combination of vocal warm-ups and work-outs – traditional and non-traditional – to help relax, release, strengthen and be in relationship with the voice, making it more flexible and reliable. Individual attention is offered as well as to the group as a whole, and each student will be supported in developing their own personal vocal practice. This class is for singers AND non-singers alike.
Performance
FIND JOY ON STAGE!
How to find your calm and peaceful center in the eye of the storm....in the eye of the energy of expression.How to claim space on stage and be in the beautiful and exciting moment of performing. Exploring the world of "owning it"! Experience being your authentic self and in the flow with an audience. Releasing your inner strengths to savor the moment so you can perhaps remember your performance instead of the memory being erased by nervousness. Sloan will provide a safe and supportive atmosphere for all-around performance. Song selection, intros, elements of taking care of yourself on and off stage, tools for preparing, practicing, facing and engaging happily with an audience. We're gonna talk a little and check in with what you need, and everyone will get a chance to get on stage and do their thing!
Voice
SINGING WITH YOUR HEART, SOUL, AND BODY
Inside each of us lives a beautiful and unique instrument, so let's sing together with joy and freedom! In this playshop we will move our bodies, soften our hearts, open our mouths and let our voices out to play. With an emphasis on vocal health and self-care, we’ll use a combination of vocal warm-ups and work-outs – traditional and non-traditional – to help relax, release, strengthen and be in relationship with the voice, making it more flexible and reliable. Individual attention is offered as well as to the group as a whole, and each student will be supported in developing their own personal vocal practice. This class is for singers AND non-singers alike.
Performance
FIND JOY ON STAGE!
How to find your calm and peaceful center in the eye of the storm....in the eye of the energy of expression.How to claim space on stage and be in the beautiful and exciting moment of performing. Exploring the world of "owning it"! Experience being your authentic self and in the flow with an audience. Releasing your inner strengths to savor the moment so you can perhaps remember your performance instead of the memory being erased by nervousness. Sloan will provide a safe and supportive atmosphere for all-around performance. Song selection, intros, elements of taking care of yourself on and off stage, tools for preparing, practicing, facing and engaging happily with an audience. We're gonna talk a little and check in with what you need, and everyone will get a chance to get on stage and do their thing!
Glen Roethel
Guitar
Guitar Party
Harmony
Singing In Harmony – Queen Who Ate Meatloaf
From the day we’re born we use our voices to share or exchange information and knowledge; when we sing together in harmony, our many voices become one. What a thrill! So join Glen’s new company, Queen Who Ate Meatloaf (QWAM) and experience an immersion into glorious harmony singing. Know the joy of raising our voices together, and bring your instruments too!
Guitar
Guitar Party
- Join Glen in a swirling circle of fun where you will learn — in slow motion — to play a few upbeat songs. We'll take one apart and then start learning and playing it together, unpacking the many techniques and lessons it holds, while adding another gem to your repertoire. This is a great opportunity to also apply what you've learned in other guitar classes. Drop-ins are welcome. Singing is not required, but you might not be able to help yourself! A guitar is best, but you can bring any instrument you like and play along.
Harmony
Singing In Harmony – Queen Who Ate Meatloaf
From the day we’re born we use our voices to share or exchange information and knowledge; when we sing together in harmony, our many voices become one. What a thrill! So join Glen’s new company, Queen Who Ate Meatloaf (QWAM) and experience an immersion into glorious harmony singing. Know the joy of raising our voices together, and bring your instruments too!
Cosy Sheridan
Songwriting
There are moments of inspiration when a song seems to be delivered into our ear and all we have to do is write it down. And then there is the rest of the time when we need tools and some knowledge of how to use them. How do we build a song that will run on the energy of our emotions? How can we find an idea for a song? Bring your instrument, something to write on, and also some way to record your song-in-process (an iPhone works fine).
Lunchtime Songwriting Session
Each day of camp we will gather with our sandwiches and salads and soups and have a supportive songwriting critique and feedback session. We generally get to about 4 or 5 songs each day. We have been doing this for 10 years now and it has become one of my favorite times of camp; each camper brings their own gentle listening skills to each songwriter's song-in-progress.
Songwriting
There are moments of inspiration when a song seems to be delivered into our ear and all we have to do is write it down. And then there is the rest of the time when we need tools and some knowledge of how to use them. How do we build a song that will run on the energy of our emotions? How can we find an idea for a song? Bring your instrument, something to write on, and also some way to record your song-in-process (an iPhone works fine).
Lunchtime Songwriting Session
Each day of camp we will gather with our sandwiches and salads and soups and have a supportive songwriting critique and feedback session. We generally get to about 4 or 5 songs each day. We have been doing this for 10 years now and it has become one of my favorite times of camp; each camper brings their own gentle listening skills to each songwriter's song-in-progress.
Eric Jones
Mandolin
Beginning Mandolin
This class is tailored to first-time players and those would like to add mandolin to their musical tool belt. It will help you develop pick control, build chords, and navigate the melody-friendly fret board. We will learn to play a fiddle tune or two and chord along with folk songs. Mandolin rhythm, double stops, and back-up will round out the class.
Mandolin
Beginning Mandolin
This class is tailored to first-time players and those would like to add mandolin to their musical tool belt. It will help you develop pick control, build chords, and navigate the melody-friendly fret board. We will learn to play a fiddle tune or two and chord along with folk songs. Mandolin rhythm, double stops, and back-up will round out the class.
Mandy Danzig
Ukulele & Banjo
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.
Beginning/Intermediate Old Time Banjo
Always wanted to play old time banjo but were afraid you might frail? (It’s a banjo joke.) Bring or borrow a banjo and come learn how to build a tune clawhammer style. We’ll go over the basics of old time banjo playing, teach you the clawhammer strum, initiate you into the arcane secrets of old time banjo tunings, teach you to play a few tunes, and get you enough skills to back yourself or a friend up on a song or two or join a local jam. The class is a warm supportive home appropriate for beginners and will also provide intermediate players with some room to grow. Guitar players and Scruggs style pickers are welcome to join. The right hand technique is like nothing you’ve done before. It’ll put a grin on your face and drive away the kind of folks you don’t really want to know.
Ukulele & Banjo
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.
Beginning/Intermediate Old Time Banjo
Always wanted to play old time banjo but were afraid you might frail? (It’s a banjo joke.) Bring or borrow a banjo and come learn how to build a tune clawhammer style. We’ll go over the basics of old time banjo playing, teach you the clawhammer strum, initiate you into the arcane secrets of old time banjo tunings, teach you to play a few tunes, and get you enough skills to back yourself or a friend up on a song or two or join a local jam. The class is a warm supportive home appropriate for beginners and will also provide intermediate players with some room to grow. Guitar players and Scruggs style pickers are welcome to join. The right hand technique is like nothing you’ve done before. It’ll put a grin on your face and drive away the kind of folks you don’t really want to know.
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)
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)
Charlie Koch
Bass & Guitar
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.
Bass & Guitar
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.
Deb Cox
Guitar
Intro to Swing Chords
Have you ever wanted to play songs from the Great American Songbook? It seems tough, but come to this class and you’ll learn the chords that will allow you to do it. They are four-note chords, adding a 6, 7 or 9 that create such a rich sound. The chords are challenging at first, but you’ll learn new shapes that can be repeated up the neck for new keys. These new shapes will open all sorts of jazzy doors and can spice up your original songs too.
Guitar
Intro to Swing Chords
Have you ever wanted to play songs from the Great American Songbook? It seems tough, but come to this class and you’ll learn the chords that will allow you to do it. They are four-note chords, adding a 6, 7 or 9 that create such a rich sound. The chords are challenging at first, but you’ll learn new shapes that can be repeated up the neck for new keys. These new shapes will open all sorts of jazzy doors and can spice up your original songs too.