Moab Folk Camp 2024 classes
Cara Luft
Harmony Singing
Come experience for yourself the fun and unique qualities of singing with others in harmony and earn how to capture the essence of a song with your voice. You will learn listening techniques, how to recognize chordal relationships, how harmony fits into a melodic landscape, how to sing better lines while picking up some vocal techniques and exercises along the way. Join us for a fun and empowering experience! Everything is taught by ear and learned as a group.
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/or 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! www.caraluft.com
Harmony Singing
Come experience for yourself the fun and unique qualities of singing with others in harmony and earn how to capture the essence of a song with your voice. You will learn listening techniques, how to recognize chordal relationships, how harmony fits into a melodic landscape, how to sing better lines while picking up some vocal techniques and exercises along the way. Join us for a fun and empowering experience! Everything is taught by ear and learned as a group.
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/or 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! www.caraluft.com
Nina Gerber
Guitar
Theory Applied to Guitar
Seems knowing where you are, where you’re going, and how to get there makes for a smoother trip. The same can be true for guitar playing. This class will start you on the path to understanding the fretboard. Whether you’re looking to play more leads or find more chords, a little knowledge can go a long way. We’ll use major scales to map out the fretboard, learn which are the most important intervals and how to find them and what to do with them. This class will help demystify the guitar neck and get you playing above the 3rd fret. Theory is really not that scary! You have to be able to count to 7. It helps if you start learning some of the note names on the fretboard ahead of time.
Spicing up your chords
Learn how to add some color to your basic cowboy chords. We’ll explore some simple ways to spice up your chords and chord progressions. Sometimes adding one note to your 3 note chord turns it into a whole new sound. Ah, but which note should you add? Come find out!
Guitar
Theory Applied to Guitar
Seems knowing where you are, where you’re going, and how to get there makes for a smoother trip. The same can be true for guitar playing. This class will start you on the path to understanding the fretboard. Whether you’re looking to play more leads or find more chords, a little knowledge can go a long way. We’ll use major scales to map out the fretboard, learn which are the most important intervals and how to find them and what to do with them. This class will help demystify the guitar neck and get you playing above the 3rd fret. Theory is really not that scary! You have to be able to count to 7. It helps if you start learning some of the note names on the fretboard ahead of time.
Spicing up your chords
Learn how to add some color to your basic cowboy chords. We’ll explore some simple ways to spice up your chords and chord progressions. Sometimes adding one note to your 3 note chord turns it into a whole new sound. Ah, but which note should you add? Come find out!
Abbie Gardner
BEGINNING DOBRO
Love the sound of the lap-style slide guitar but not sure where to start? This class will get you set up and playing by the end of the week! We’ll find our way around melodies and chords using the classic Dobro open G-tuning. If you have a square neck resonator guitar, bring it! If you don’t, you’ll need to bring a regular guitar to temporarily “convert” to lap style playing. You’ll probably want to leave it set up this way all week, so bring an extra guitar for other classes & jams. **Equipment required is a “Nut raiser” and a solid metal slide bar. We’ll have a limited number of slides and nut raisers to borrow and/or purchase, but it’s even better if you can get them ahead of time! Links & options below. (level 2)
BAR (good for anyone with arthritis): https://amzn.to/3TpoXqO
BAR: (basic, good company) https://amzn.to/3Td2LjO
BAR: (less expensive option) https://amzn.to/41dVFxi
NUT RAISER: https://amzn.to/3NkBlVp
SONGWRITING
Let’s bring back the FUN of writing! Each day we’ll do different exercises and prompts designed to draw out your stories, your ideas, your feelings, your metaphors, all that good stuff inside you that’s just waiting to become a song. And since it’s the MELODY that gets stuck in your head, we’ll also look at writing melodies that support your lyrics. Major, minor, chromatic, static, or with steps and jumps, we’ll play with range and walk away with a melodic toolbox to take home. Whether you’re a seasoned writer looking for fresh inspiration or totally new to writing songs and not sure how to start, this energizing supportive class will get you writing!
BEGINNING DOBRO
Love the sound of the lap-style slide guitar but not sure where to start? This class will get you set up and playing by the end of the week! We’ll find our way around melodies and chords using the classic Dobro open G-tuning. If you have a square neck resonator guitar, bring it! If you don’t, you’ll need to bring a regular guitar to temporarily “convert” to lap style playing. You’ll probably want to leave it set up this way all week, so bring an extra guitar for other classes & jams. **Equipment required is a “Nut raiser” and a solid metal slide bar. We’ll have a limited number of slides and nut raisers to borrow and/or purchase, but it’s even better if you can get them ahead of time! Links & options below. (level 2)
BAR (good for anyone with arthritis): https://amzn.to/3TpoXqO
BAR: (basic, good company) https://amzn.to/3Td2LjO
BAR: (less expensive option) https://amzn.to/41dVFxi
NUT RAISER: https://amzn.to/3NkBlVp
SONGWRITING
Let’s bring back the FUN of writing! Each day we’ll do different exercises and prompts designed to draw out your stories, your ideas, your feelings, your metaphors, all that good stuff inside you that’s just waiting to become a song. And since it’s the MELODY that gets stuck in your head, we’ll also look at writing melodies that support your lyrics. Major, minor, chromatic, static, or with steps and jumps, we’ll play with range and walk away with a melodic toolbox to take home. Whether you’re a seasoned writer looking for fresh inspiration or totally new to writing songs and not sure how to start, this energizing supportive class will get you writing!
David Roth
Songwriting 101 ~ Here’s a class to give you some basic tools to start writing a new song, and it’s geared for all levels, including those who’ve never written a song before all the way to those who’ve written many. We’ll cover a lot in a short period of time, all the way from mining inspiration to honing themes, developing lyrics, adding melody, rhythm, and chord progression where appropriate. We’ll engage in lively discussion, exercises, and Q & A all along the way, and by week’s end you’ll be on your way to your next masterpiece!
Performance
Step Up to the Stage w/David Roth ~ Performance lab! Here's your opportunity to step fearlessly in front of your peers and coworkers and hone in on your performance. We’re all at different places on the spectrum, and we’ll use this time to hear everyone and enter into respectful and constructive discussion about shining moments and ones that can perhaps use a little polishing. What we'll strive to do is help one another discover our unique strengths and how to make every performance moment count. Bring a song you know by heart, a sense of humor, and a willing spirit.
Songwriting 101 ~ Here’s a class to give you some basic tools to start writing a new song, and it’s geared for all levels, including those who’ve never written a song before all the way to those who’ve written many. We’ll cover a lot in a short period of time, all the way from mining inspiration to honing themes, developing lyrics, adding melody, rhythm, and chord progression where appropriate. We’ll engage in lively discussion, exercises, and Q & A all along the way, and by week’s end you’ll be on your way to your next masterpiece!
Performance
Step Up to the Stage w/David Roth ~ Performance lab! Here's your opportunity to step fearlessly in front of your peers and coworkers and hone in on your performance. We’re all at different places on the spectrum, and we’ll use this time to hear everyone and enter into respectful and constructive discussion about shining moments and ones that can perhaps use a little polishing. What we'll strive to do is help one another discover our unique strengths and how to make every performance moment count. Bring a song you know by heart, a sense of humor, and a willing spirit.
Lewis Mock
Guitar Right Hand, the next steps!
Ok, so you know how to strum and bang on that guitar a bit, how about learning some basic fingerpicking, hybrid picking, and flat-picking technique? You can do it! Spice up your playing by adding some sweetness and some fire! Lewis will work with you on the basics and show you how to take your playing to a higher level. Please bring a thumb-pick, your fingers, a flat-pick, and some attitude and we will get you going!
Basic Jazz and Swing Chords
Did you ever wonder where and how players come up with those jazzy or swinging sounds when they play? We will talk about where those cool chords come from and how to apply them to some songs you know. Bring your guitar, flat-pick, and fingers and we will open your head up to the basics of harmony beyond triads and we will talk about using those chords and also some soloing ideas based on these concepts! Fun, fun, fun!
Guitar Right Hand, the next steps!
Ok, so you know how to strum and bang on that guitar a bit, how about learning some basic fingerpicking, hybrid picking, and flat-picking technique? You can do it! Spice up your playing by adding some sweetness and some fire! Lewis will work with you on the basics and show you how to take your playing to a higher level. Please bring a thumb-pick, your fingers, a flat-pick, and some attitude and we will get you going!
Basic Jazz and Swing Chords
Did you ever wonder where and how players come up with those jazzy or swinging sounds when they play? We will talk about where those cool chords come from and how to apply them to some songs you know. Bring your guitar, flat-pick, and fingers and we will open your head up to the basics of harmony beyond triads and we will talk about using those chords and also some soloing ideas based on these concepts! Fun, fun, fun!
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. www.mandylynndanzig.com
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. www.mandylynndanzig.com
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) www.ankesummerhill.com
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) www.ankesummerhill.com
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.
Karee Wardrop
Outdoor Art
Art & Resonance
From the broadest landscape to the tiniest twig, we encounter resonance from different sources on different days. We’ll be on the move during the week, visiting different locations (outdoors or in, weather-dependent), exploring resonance through visual art. This class is an opportunity to experiment, not necessarily to hone a technique. I’ve got supplies (pastels, pencils, paper). If you have supplies you’d like to bring—watercolor, camera, whatever—great! Come eager to experiment. Zero pressure, good chance of surprise, 100% delight.
Outdoor Art
Art & Resonance
From the broadest landscape to the tiniest twig, we encounter resonance from different sources on different days. We’ll be on the move during the week, visiting different locations (outdoors or in, weather-dependent), exploring resonance through visual art. This class is an opportunity to experiment, not necessarily to hone a technique. I’ve got supplies (pastels, pencils, paper). If you have supplies you’d like to bring—watercolor, camera, whatever—great! Come eager to experiment. Zero pressure, good chance of surprise, 100% delight.