Moab Folk Camp 2023 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
Beth Wood
Songwriting
Writing The Songs Only You Can Write
Songs are my favorite story-delivery system. Songs can be powerful tools for preserving and honoring story, expressing emotion, and sharing your unique perspective. In this interactive workshop we will work together in a safe, non-judgmental space to access our unique stories and translate them into song. What are the nuts and bolts of songwriting and how can we utilize them to convey our message? What makes a memorable melody? How does song form influence the communication of a narrative? We will explore tools for beginnings and engage in wordplay exercises and guided free-writing. We will examine songs as examples and refine our awareness in noticing the choices that songwriters make. We will write, share, listen and learn from each other. Bring your open heart, your open mind and your curious spirit. All levels of songwriting experience are welcome.
Poetry Is Storytelling Workshop/Playshop
Are you curious about poetry? Do you have memories of trying to connect to old poems in school, but feeling confused and uninspired? I am here to invite you to think about poetry in a different way. Poetry is everywhere! And just like songs, poems can lead us to healing, convey stories, help us process emotions and connect with others, all while having fun. I believe that play is essential to creative practice, and in our time together, we will dive into the world of poetry with writing exercises, games, and wordplay. How do words suggest rhythm and melody, and vice versa? What makes a great story, a memorable character? You do not have to be a wordsmith to enjoy the world of poetry. And as songwriters, we can carry forth into our songwriting practice some of our discoveries through poetry. www.bethwoodmusic.com
Songwriting
Writing The Songs Only You Can Write
Songs are my favorite story-delivery system. Songs can be powerful tools for preserving and honoring story, expressing emotion, and sharing your unique perspective. In this interactive workshop we will work together in a safe, non-judgmental space to access our unique stories and translate them into song. What are the nuts and bolts of songwriting and how can we utilize them to convey our message? What makes a memorable melody? How does song form influence the communication of a narrative? We will explore tools for beginnings and engage in wordplay exercises and guided free-writing. We will examine songs as examples and refine our awareness in noticing the choices that songwriters make. We will write, share, listen and learn from each other. Bring your open heart, your open mind and your curious spirit. All levels of songwriting experience are welcome.
Poetry Is Storytelling Workshop/Playshop
Are you curious about poetry? Do you have memories of trying to connect to old poems in school, but feeling confused and uninspired? I am here to invite you to think about poetry in a different way. Poetry is everywhere! And just like songs, poems can lead us to healing, convey stories, help us process emotions and connect with others, all while having fun. I believe that play is essential to creative practice, and in our time together, we will dive into the world of poetry with writing exercises, games, and wordplay. How do words suggest rhythm and melody, and vice versa? What makes a great story, a memorable character? You do not have to be a wordsmith to enjoy the world of poetry. And as songwriters, we can carry forth into our songwriting practice some of our discoveries through poetry. www.bethwoodmusic.com
Sloan Wainwright
Voice
Bring Us Your Song
This playshop will focus on vocal performance and how to put together a simple, playful practice around preparing for a vocal presentation. With an emphasis on vocal health, each day we’ll spend a little time in the energy of learning about how our amazing golden instrument works and what we can do with it – using a combination of vocal warm-ups to help relax, release and strengthen the voice, making it more flexible and reliable. Then we will turn our attention to vocal presentation/performance – applying the tips and tools offered in the warm-up sessions to the singing and interpretation of songs. Bring any song of your choice: an original, a cover, a hymn, a camp song, a chant – even something as simple as "You Are My Sunshine" or "Happy Birthday"! Feel free to accompany yourself, sing with a track, or sing a cappella.
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 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. www.sloanwainwright.com
Voice
Bring Us Your Song
This playshop will focus on vocal performance and how to put together a simple, playful practice around preparing for a vocal presentation. With an emphasis on vocal health, each day we’ll spend a little time in the energy of learning about how our amazing golden instrument works and what we can do with it – using a combination of vocal warm-ups to help relax, release and strengthen the voice, making it more flexible and reliable. Then we will turn our attention to vocal presentation/performance – applying the tips and tools offered in the warm-up sessions to the singing and interpretation of songs. Bring any song of your choice: an original, a cover, a hymn, a camp song, a chant – even something as simple as "You Are My Sunshine" or "Happy Birthday"! Feel free to accompany yourself, sing with a track, or sing a cappella.
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 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. www.sloanwainwright.com
Rolly Brown
Guitar
Improvisation 101
We’ll explore an organized approach to melodic improvisation on the guitar. We start from “Rolly’s Rule”, the notion that your guitar should recall aspects of the human voice. Whether you want to play the blues, jam along on a Grateful Dead or Eagles tune, or be able to keep up with your friends on "Sweet Georgia Brown", we’ll look at simple ways of making sounds that are actually tasteful and musical. Bring a recording device!
Rt. 66 and Beyond
We’ll dip into a fairly sophisticated approach to playing fingerstyle blues guitar, using a bass-line-driven version of “Route 66” as a starting point. In exploring this arrangement, you’ll learn chord structures and melodic devices which can then be applied to other blues tunes and key signatures, both in open positions and up towards the “dusty end of the neck”. Bring a recording device! www.rollybrown.com
Guitar
Improvisation 101
We’ll explore an organized approach to melodic improvisation on the guitar. We start from “Rolly’s Rule”, the notion that your guitar should recall aspects of the human voice. Whether you want to play the blues, jam along on a Grateful Dead or Eagles tune, or be able to keep up with your friends on "Sweet Georgia Brown", we’ll look at simple ways of making sounds that are actually tasteful and musical. Bring a recording device!
Rt. 66 and Beyond
We’ll dip into a fairly sophisticated approach to playing fingerstyle blues guitar, using a bass-line-driven version of “Route 66” as a starting point. In exploring this arrangement, you’ll learn chord structures and melodic devices which can then be applied to other blues tunes and key signatures, both in open positions and up towards the “dusty end of the neck”. Bring a recording device! www.rollybrown.com
Cosy Sheridan
Songwriting: Finding Creative Lift-Off
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).
Guitar: Rhythms and Riffs We will focus on learning a percussive right hand picking pattern We will focus on learning a couple of right hand percussive picking patterns, and then we will add some moving chordal riffs on the left hand. We'll learn a few songs that use this technique - and then we'll sing! We'll make our guitar into an energy of forward energy. This class is tailored to the intermediate player.
Songwriting: Finding Creative Lift-Off
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).
Guitar: Rhythms and Riffs We will focus on learning a percussive right hand picking pattern We will focus on learning a couple of right hand percussive picking patterns, and then we will add some moving chordal riffs on the left hand. We'll learn a few songs that use this technique - and then we'll sing! We'll make our guitar into an energy of forward energy. This class is tailored to the intermediate player.
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.
Introduction to finger picking
This is a class for students who have been playing guitar for awhile and can change most of the basic chords in time to the songs you have been playing. You may have spent time playing with a pick, or simply strumming with your right hand, and now you are ready to learn to finger pick. You will learn to use the thumb to create a steady alternate bass line, and then to integrate notes played with the fingers of the right hand. This will be a learn-by-doing class. I will prepare a number of songs to play and sing along to. We will have fun!
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.
Introduction to finger picking
This is a class for students who have been playing guitar for awhile and can change most of the basic chords in time to the songs you have been playing. You may have spent time playing with a pick, or simply strumming with your right hand, and now you are ready to learn to finger pick. You will learn to use the thumb to create a steady alternate bass line, and then to integrate notes played with the fingers of the right hand. This will be a learn-by-doing class. I will prepare a number of songs to play and sing along to. We will have fun!
Glen Roethel
Guitar
Party Guitar
Learn to play some great songs that you can lead at your next party or jam. We'll explore chords, strums, melodies, words…maybe you’ll want to peek at some nice riffs, too. No harm in asking – I might know them! We’ll play them together, so have your instrument with you. I will share from my experience as an entertainer in the New York tri-state area and beyond. www.glenroethel.com
Guitar
Party Guitar
Learn to play some great songs that you can lead at your next party or jam. We'll explore chords, strums, melodies, words…maybe you’ll want to peek at some nice riffs, too. No harm in asking – I might know them! We’ll play them together, so have your instrument with you. I will share from my experience as an entertainer in the New York tri-state area and beyond. www.glenroethel.com
Janet Buckingham
Outdoor Art
Playing with Painting
This is truly play time! Sure, you’ll learn some things about painting along the way, but the intent is to have some fun painting outdoors in beautiful Moab. We will work primarily with watercolor and ink, but you’ll also have the opportunity to experiment with pastels, colored pencils and other fun media to see how they work. If you have your own watercolors and/or other paints (but not oils), bring them along. Otherwise, you will be provided watercolor paints, a small palette, paper and some paints on loan for the week or you can purchase for a very small fee and take them with you. www.janetbuckingham.com
Outdoor Art
Playing with Painting
This is truly play time! Sure, you’ll learn some things about painting along the way, but the intent is to have some fun painting outdoors in beautiful Moab. We will work primarily with watercolor and ink, but you’ll also have the opportunity to experiment with pastels, colored pencils and other fun media to see how they work. If you have your own watercolors and/or other paints (but not oils), bring them along. Otherwise, you will be provided watercolor paints, a small palette, paper and some paints on loan for the week or you can purchase for a very small fee and take them with you. www.janetbuckingham.com
Jon Fuller
Photography
Sunrise Photography – Join professional landscape photographer Jon Fuller each morning for a short photo excursion to a good location 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, 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.
Photography
Sunrise Photography – Join professional landscape photographer Jon Fuller each morning for a short photo excursion to a good location 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, 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.