Chris Collins
Friday 8:45-10:00
Playing in DGD. It’s easier than you think. We will learn to play Southwind in the Key of G by retuning just one string. The chord shapes are quite simple. If there is time, we’ll tackle Westphalia Waltz. If you like to sing and G is a better key for you than D, this is an ideal solution.
Friday 1:00-2:15
Establishing Good Timing and Understanding Dynamics. The HD is a percussion instrument, so it is important to develop and maintain good timing and know where to emphasize the notes. I will be using some simple drills and simple melodies.
Friday 4:15-5:30
Developing a Good Strum. The strum is what establishes the timing and rhythm of a tune. People tend to focus, especially in the beginning, on the notes, but notes are just random tones without the structure provided by the rhythm.
Saturday 8:45-10:00
Introduction to Chords and How to Use Them. Chords enhance the melody, and you don’t have to know the melody to play along. They can be used to embellish a tune or to back up a singer. Westphalia Waltz will be used as an example.
Saturday 10:15-11:30
How To Learn and Memorize a Tune. How you approach learning a tune really matters. Just playing it over and over while looking at the music does not work well at all, but there are techniques that greatly enhances and speeds up the process.
Saturday 1:00-2:15
English Country Dance and Unusual Meters. There is a large repertoire of beautiful music for English Country Dance and unlike contra and square dancing it uses many different time signatures. Each dance has its own music. I will be introducing 6/4 and ¾ time that is NOT a waltz.
Saturday 4:15-5:30
Whys and Hows of Jamming. Jamming is one of the best ways to develop your ear for music. You don’t have to know a single tune, and I will show you how. Besides it’s just fun. I also intend to leave some time for questions you have over things that may have confused you over the last two days.