Tag Archives: folk music

Bluegrass Vocal Harmony with Ira Gitlin

Wednesdays, September 20, October 4, 18, November 1, 7:30 – 8:30 PM EST

Vocal Harmony is one of the glories of bluegrass music, whether on stage or in a jam session. This four-session class will offer an introduction to bluegrass vocal harmony. If you’ve never sung harmony before, we’ll demystify the subject and look at how harmony works in general. And if you’re already singing harmony, we’ll look at some of the distinctive ways bluegrass handles it, so you can sound more authentic and add your voice to any bluegrass situation. (Feel free to bring an instrument.)

HEALTH PROTOCOLS
We are following the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services guidelines for health and safety. Students are encouraged to wash hands upon arrival.

REGISTRATION POLICY
We require a minimum of 3 attendees for all group classes & workshops. Classes will be canceled if we have not met the 3-person minimum 72 hours in advance of the start time.

In the event of a cancellation, you may choose between either (1) a full refund, or (2) a full credit to private lessons or a future workshop.

$150 for 4 sessions

https://schoolofmusicaltraditions.square.site/product/bluegrass-vocal-harmony/146

Takoma Park Folk Festival

Reconnect with Your Community at the Takoma Park Folk Festival!!

Sunday, September 10 from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

• Hear the best musicians in our Region!
• Six Stages, Indoor & Outdoor, Rain or Shine
• Family Friendly
• Live Music, Craft Vendors, Great Food from around the world, Information booths, jamming, children’s activities.

The Takoma Park Folk Festival is a free annual festival featuring music from around the world on six stages in Takoma Park, Maryland. This year features a whole new lineup of performers reflecting our region’s diversity with a wide-range of roots music in a multiplicity of genres.

Location: Takoma Park Middle School & Lee Jordan Field

Details at https://www.tpff.org/

Adult Old-Time String Band with Jonathan Vocke

Wednesdays, September 13, 27, October 11, 25, November 8, 22, 7:30 – 8:30 PM

This class is open to adults 18+ interested in learning how to play traditional string band music in a group setting. Over the course of our four meetings we will be learning and practicing 3-4 tunes.

This class is open to all instruments but band members should come to the class knowing the basic techniques to play their instruments. At the end of the class we may even perform a little concert for our friends and family members.

Please note: Jonathan leads a free, open-to-the-public old-time jam at Takoma BevCo on the third Wednesday of the month (September 20, October 18, November 15). Students are encouraged to attend the jam!

INSTRUMENT RENTALS
Students may elect to rent an instrument from the House of Musical Traditions, depending on availability.
https://hmtrad.com/pages/rentals

HEALTH PROTOCOLS
We are following the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services guidelines for health and safety. Students are encouraged to wash hands upon arrival.
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/hhs/

REGISTRATION POLICY
We require a minimum of 3 attendees for all group classes & workshops. Classes will be cancelled if we have not met the 3-person minimum 72 hours in advance of the start time.

In the event of a cancellation, you may choose between either (1) a full refund, or (2) a full credit to private lessons or a future workshop.

$200 for 6 sessions

https://schoolofmusicaltraditions.com/classes-workshops/adult-old-time-string-band-w-jonathan-vocke

Back-to-School Violin Brush Up

Thursday, August 31, 4:00 – 5:00 PM EST

Practice much over the summer?
Starting violin in a later grade than many kids in the orchestra?
Need reminders about note reading?
Want to improve skills you already have?

This class will get you ready for a new school year of violin playing!

This class is open to 4th-7th graders (students outside of this grade range should speak to us prior to registration).

HEALTH PROTOCOLS
We are following the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services guidelines for health and safety. Students are encouraged to wash hands upon arrival.
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/hhs/

REGISTRATION POLICY
We require a minimum of 3 attendees for all group classes & workshops. Classes will be cancelled if we have not met the 3-person minimum 72 hours in advance of the start time.

In the event of a cancellation, you may choose between either (1) a full refund, or (2) a full credit to private lessons or a future workshop.

$40 Workshop

Learn to Sing with Nick Cameron

Thursdays, September 7, 21, October 5, 19, November 2, 16, 8:00 – 9:00 PM

Recital TBA

Learn how to use your voice in a stress-free environment. Over the course of 6 sessions, we will cover the anatomy of the voice, warmups and stretches, how to use your vocal instrument and breathe with proper technique, and how to deliver an engaging performance. The class will practice singing a song as a group, and those who wish to develop a solo will have the no-pressure option to do so. Beyond developing your singing skills, this class will strengthen your speaking voice and improve your confidence.

The class will culminate in a casual performance; details determined with group input at the first class.

This class is open to new and returning students and features an extra 30 minutes at the first session for the new students. Students under the age of 12 should speak to us prior to registration.

HEALTH PROTOCOLS
We are following the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services guidelines for health and safety. Students are encouraged to wash hands upon arrival.
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/hhs/

REGISTRATION POLICY
We require a minimum of 3 attendees for all group classes & workshops. Classes will be cancelled if we have not met the 3-person minimum 72 hours in advance of the start time.

In the event of a cancellation, you may choose between either (1) a full refund, or (2) a full credit to private lessons or a future workshop.

$200 for 6 sessions

Bluegrass Day at SMT

School of Musical Traditions presents a day of Bluegrass events! Workshops, a free jam, and an evening concert. Details & registration: https://schoolofmusicaltraditions.com/classes-workshops/bluegrass-day

Time
1:00 – 2:30 pm – Workshop: Understanding Melodic Banjo with Ira Gitlin
2:30 – 4:00 pm – Workshop: The Bluegrass Voice with Dede Wyland
4:00 – 5:00 pm – Free Bluegrass Jam
7:00 pm – Big Howdy at the Cherry Blossom Carousel

Location
Takoma SPARK
7112 Willow Ave
Takoma Park, MD 20912

Price
$55 per individual workshop
$100 for both workshops (use code BUNDLE10 at checkout)
FREE Jam $20 for the Carousel

Finding Melodies on Your Instrument with Ira Gitlin

Saturday, November 19, 10:30 – 12:30 PM EST

Whether you’re playing lead or rhythm, being able to find melodies on your own is an essential skill for any instrumentalist. We’ll explore techniques for finding the notes you hear in your head, so you can forge the connections between your ears, brain, hands, and fingerboard, making you a better and more self-sufficient player.

This workshop is open to ALL string instruments!

SMT’S NEW STUDIO LOCATION!
7112 Willow Ave
Takoma Park, MD 20912

Takoma SPARK will be SMT’s new home base starting in November.

All private lessons, group classes & workshops, and jams will occur at SPARK. And we are already cooking up some new events to host in our large event space, including open mics and a performance series! Stay tuned!

INSTRUMENT RENTALS
Students may elect to rent an instrument from the House of Musical Traditions, depending on availability.

HEALTH PROTOCOLS
We are following the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services guidelines for health and safety. Students are encouraged to wash hands upon arrival.

REGISTRATION POLICY
We require a minimum of 3 attendees for all group classes & workshops. Classes will be cancelled if we have not met the 3-person minimum 72 hours in advance of the start time.

In the event of a cancellation, you may choose between either (1) a full refund, or (2) a full credit to private lessons or a future workshop.

In the event the 3-person minimum has been met, registration remains open at a slightly higher cost for the final 72 hours before the class.

$55 Workshop

Bluegrass Day Special! Purchase both workshops for $100 (add both workshops to your cart, then enter code BUNDLE10 at checkout).
– Finding Melodies on Your Instrument with Ira Gitlin (https://www.schoolofmusicaltraditions.com/event/finding-melodies-on-your-instrument-with-ira-gitlin/)
– Exploring the Bluegrass Vocal Sound with Dede Wyland (https://www.schoolofmusicaltraditions.com/event/exploring-the-bluegrass-vocal-sound-with-dede-wyland/)

Learn to Sing with Nick Cameron

Wednesdays, October 5, 12, 19, 26, November 2, 8:00 – 9:00 PM EST

Learn how to use your voice in a stress-free environment. Over the course of five weeks, we will cover the anatomy of the voice, warmups and stretches, how to use your vocal instrument and breathe with proper technique, and how to deliver an engaging performance. The class will practice singing a song as a group, and those who wish to develop a solo will have the no-pressure option to do so. Beyond developing your singing skills, this class will strengthen your speaking voice and improve your confidence.

The class will culminate in a casual performance; details determined with group input at the first class.

This class is open to new and returning students and features an extra 30 minutes at the first session for the new students. For ages 12+.

HEALTH PROTOCOLS
We are following the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services guidelines for health and safety. Students are encouraged to wash hands upon arrival.

LOCATION
Studio E2 @ House of Musical Traditions
7010 Westmoreland Avenue
Takoma Park, MD 20912

$150 for 5 sessions

Songwriter’s Circle with Chris Ousley

Sundays, October 9, 16, 23, 30 3:00 – 4:00 PM EST

Budding writers and seasoned song-slingers are invited to come and shake open their creative process in this class. We’ll be showcasing and critiquing, collaborating and arranging, and ultimately having loads of fun and taking lots of chances. We’ll be writing a lot inside the class, but expect some light homework as well. All genres and instruments are welcome! We will have a keyboard available for use.

This class is open to all ages and levels of experience.

INSTRUMENT RENTALS
Students may elect to rent an instrument from the House of Musical Traditions, depending on availability.

HEALTH PROTOCOLS
We are following the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services guidelines for health and safety. Students are encouraged to wash hands upon arrival.

LOCATION
Studio E2 @ House of Musical Traditions
7010 Westmoreland Avenue
Takoma Park, MD 20912

$125 for 4 sessions

Swing Uke n’ Guitar with Chris Ousley

Sundays, October 9, 16, 23, 30 4:00 – 5:00 PM EST

Let’s go on a deep dive into 1910s-1950s swing! Focus will be on rhythm, stylizations, and some light music theory. Students will get a chance to practicing soloing as well, and we’ll get to practice covering a modern tune in a swing style!

This class is geared towards students who have an intermediate mastery of their instrument, including the ability to change between chords fluidly while keeping time.

INSTRUMENT RENTALS
Students may elect to rent an instrument from the House of Musical Traditions, depending on availability.

HEALTH PROTOCOLS
We are following the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services guidelines for health and safety. Students are encouraged to wash hands upon arrival.

LOCATION
Studio E2 @ House of Musical Traditions
7010 Westmoreland Avenue
Takoma Park, MD 20912

$125 for 4 sessions

Adult Old-Time String Band with Jonathan Vocke

Thursdays, November 17, December 1, 8, 15, 7:30 – 8:30 PM

This workshop is open to adults 18+ interested in learning how to play traditional string band music in a group setting. Over the course of our four meetings we will be learning and practicing 3-4 tunes.

This class is open to all instruments but band members should come to the class knowing the basic techniques to play their instruments. At the end of the class we may even perform a little concert for our friends and family members.

INSTRUMENT RENTALS
Students may elect to rent an instrument from the House of Musical Traditions, depending on availability.

HEALTH PROTOCOLS
We are following the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services guidelines for health and safety. Students are encouraged to wash hands upon arrival.

LOCATION
Studio E2 @ School of Musical Traditions
7010 Westmoreland Avenue
Takoma Park, MD 20912

$125 for 4 sessions

Exploring the Bluegrass Vocal Sound with Dede Wyland

Saturday, November 19, 1:00 – 3:00 PM EST

Looking to develop a “bluegrassier” vocal sound? This workshop is for you!

The workshop will begin with a review of basic vocal tips and techniques that will help to open up your voice, improve range and enhance tone quality.

Secondly, you will learn how to develop an authentic bluegrass vocal sound without distorting or disguising your natural voice. We will focus on the six elements inherent to the bluegrass sound including: vocal production, phrasing, timing, syncopation, ornamentation and finding the right key.

This workshop is open to ages 16+ (students under the age of 16 should speak to us prior to registration).

HEALTH PROTOCOLS
Please note masks are required for all workshop attendees. Students are encouraged to wash hands upon arrival.

LOCATION
Studio E2 @ House of Musical Traditions
7010 Westmoreland Avenue
Takoma Park, MD 20912

$55 Workshop