Musical Instruction

Old Time Jam Class

Instructors: Rebecca Kavage-Adams and Jason Miller.

Both from the Main Line Gravy Soppers.

Course Description: "Do you envy those people that can jump into any jam session? Then join us for these advanced beginner jam sessions. We will play at least four tunes in the keys of G, D, and A from the old time string band genre. There are three levels of participation available: Learning to hear song structure and play chord changes, learning to play chord changes and sing, and learning to play chords, sing, and play melody. All levels of participation are welcome. Banjos and fiddles are welcome. Other instruments by permission."

Class Materials: see Jam Class.

Intermediate Clawhammer Banjo

Instructor: Rebecca Kavage-Adams of the Main Line Gravy Soppers.

The Summer 2014 course was cancelled.

This course may repeat in the future; please contact us.

Frederick Community College, three consecutive Wednesdays.

Course Description: "This class is for clawhammer banjo players who already know the basic clawhammer brush and single string stroke and can play several tunes. We'll learn right hand skills for building rhythm and incorporating frop thumb and improve left hand skills such as hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides. We'll learn three tunes in C, G, and A modal tuning that will put these new skills into practice, and play them in a jam with a fiddle and guitar. Bring your own banjo!"

Art of the Old Time Banjo

Instructor: Rebecca Kavage-Adams of the Main Line Gravy Soppers

Fall 2014, Frederick Community College: stay tuned for schedule info.

Course Description: "Love the sound of old time music? Learn the basics of playing old time banjo, clawhammer style. You will learn the basic rhythm and melody for a few tunes that you can play on your own front porch or in an old time jam. The last class will be a real old time jam session complete with a fiddler, guitarist, and a chance to play your new tunes. Bring your banjo and have some foot stomping fun!"

Questions & Answers

Q: Where can I rent a banjo?

A: The House of Musical Traditions is a 2-story acoustic instrument shop in Takoma Park MD inside the Washington DC beltway. The shop is fun to visit due to all the instruments hanging on the walls. The shop rents Deering Goodtime open back banjos for 2-month periods. If you decide to buy, you can credit the rent toward the purchase.

Old Time Fiddle Tunes

Instructor: Jason Miller of the Main Line Gravy Soppers

At Frederick Community College on four alternate Wednesdays.

Course Description: "Old Time is the string band music associated with square dances. It is commonly performed with fiddle, banjo, and guitar. Our objective is to enjoy playing Old Time tunes in friendly sessions with other amateur musicians. We will learn to play three Old Time tunes on the fiddle and experience playing with a banjo or guitar player. To assist their practice at home, students will receive sheet music, tableture, and links to on-line videos. This class is for post-beginners who can already play one or more pieces. Students need to bring a violin & bow."

Tunes learned in previous classes:

Fall 2013 tune #1: Sarah Armstrong in D.

Fall 2013 tune #2: Stay all Night in A.

Fall 2013 tune #3: Big Ball in Town in G.

Summer 2013 tune #1: Shortnin Bread in A.

Summer 2013 tune #2: Angelina Baker in D.

Summer 2013 tune #3: Turkey in the Straw in G.

Spring 2013 tune #1: Bile 'em Cabbage in A.

Spring 2013 tune #2: Soldier's Joy in D.

Spring 2013 tune #3: Cripple Creek in G.

Questions & Answers

Q: Can I take the class again?

A: Absolutely. Each semester, we learn a totally different set of tunes and a slightly different set of techniques.

Q: Must I read sheet music?

A: No, we will learn by ear. Learning by listening is an important skill for playing with other people. To help you practice at home, we'll point you to on-line recordings.

Q: What should I bring to class?

A: Please bring a violin and a bow. Optional items include a violin case, rosin, a tuner, spare strings, and a video camera or voice recorder. You don't need a text book, a note book, or a music stand. (Rosin is a block of tree resin that you rub on the bow hairs to increase friction.)

Q: Should I buy or rent?

A: Most music stores let you buy or rent instruments. Here are some advantages to renting: try it before you invest; return it if you don't like it; trade up if you get really good; add renter's insurance in case you break it; buy it later with credit for the rental payments made.

Q: Where should I shop?

A: In Frederick: Make-N-Music, Music&Arts. In Gaithersburg: Victor Litz, Lashof Violins. In Takoma Park: House of Musical Traditions.

Q: Which size should I get?

A: The full size violin for adults is called 4/4. Smaller fractions are for kids. A fifth grader takes a 1/2, for example. Some petit women use a 7/8. Here is a size test: with the violin's fat end ("chin rest") against your neck, you should be able to cup the violin's skinny end ("scroll") in the palm of your hand with your arm fully extended.

Q: How can I reset my bridge?

A: The bridge is the thin piece of light-colored wood that holds the strings away from the body of the violin. The bridge can fall off if you loosen all the strings. Here is a video on how to re-install your bridge [by Ryan Thomson on utoob].

Q: How do you tune this thing?

A: Tuning will be difficult at first. A battery-powered clip-on tuner will help; you can buy one for less than $20. There are helpful tuning aids built into the ViolinOnline web site, the Tuner+ smart phone app, and the Garage Band computer program.

Q: Are there books for beginners?

A: Yes. A good one is The American Fiddle Method by Brian Wicklund.