Classes
Skip Healy Classes
"Have Ye This One?" Hornpipes and Marches
This class will focus on learning some "session standard" Hornpipes and Marches from my tutor, "Have Ye This One". The session will be divided into two 45 minute study periods. In the first we will work on Marches then Hornpipes in the second half. We will work on the foundational techniques necessary for playing both of these forms. This will include discussion and demonstration of posture, hand techniques, breathing techniques and ornamentation, among other basic skills. Basic repertoire and old vs. new styles will be examined. All classes will be question/answer as well as student participation (solo and group). Attendees are encouraged to bring recording devices and notepaper.
"Have Ye This One?" Jigs and Reels
This class will focus on learning some "session standard" Jigs and Reels from my tutor, "Have Ye This One". The session will be divided into two 45 minute study periods. In the first we will work on Jigs then Reels in the second half. We will work on the fundimental techniques necessary for playing both of these forms. This will include discussion and demonstration of posture, hand techniques, breathing techniques and ornamentation amung other skills. Basic repertoire and old vs new styles will be examined. All classes will be question/answer as well as student participation (solo and group). Attendees are encouraged to bring recording devices and notepaper.
"Have Ye This One" Airs and Waltzes
This class will focus on learning some "session standard" Airs and Waltzes from my tutor, "Have Ye This One". The session will be divided into two 45 minute study periods. In the first we will work on Airs then Waltzes in the second half. We will work on the fundimental techniques necessary for playing both of these forms. This will include discussion and demonstration of posture, hand techniques, breathing techniques and ornamentation amung other skills. Basic repertoire and old vs new styles will be examined. All classes will be question/answer as well as student participation (solo and group). Attendees are encouraged to bring recording devices and notepaper.
The American Fife, Its History and Music
The fife is an instrument with an ancient history that is found in many cultures around the world. In this class, I will talk about and demonstrate how the fife and its repetoire have evolved over the past 300 years on this side of the pond. When you think of the fife, you probably think of Yankee Doodle and that "Spirit of '76" painting right? Well, so do I but there's really much more to it than that! Come hear and learn a bit more about the instrument that was on the first and last battlefields of the American Revolution, sounded "The Battle Cry of Freedom" during the Civil War, marched our troops "Over There" in the First World War, sold War Bonds during the Second World War and is still active in the U.S. Army and on muster fields around the country today.
American Fife and Drum, Field Music on the Lawn
Now that you've learned about the fife and it's history, come and learn about the great tradition of American style Fife and Drum music. Josh and I have been involved in this form for most of our lives and it has brought us both around this and many other countries. This class will be about the history of the American fife and drum movement from it's beginnings as a martial form to it's present day incarnation. This music is one of the oldest and most historic forms of music that we have as a nation. Come and learn a bit about the people who have helped it evolve and the groups who proudly play it today. Josh and I will be playing a bunch of tunes so if you've heard him play the bodhran, come heard him drum with BOTH hands!!
John Skelton Classes
Beginning Irish Flute
This class is intended for those musicians who are just starting to play Irish music on the flute. It is equally useful for musicians from other disciplines who wish to play Irish music. We will study phrasing, simple ornamentation and breath control and we will work on one or two tunes. Students should have an instrument that is in concert pitch (either simple system wooden or Boehm system flutes) and we will learn by ear ... although written music will be available for those who need it. A tape recorder would be useful.
Advanced Irish Flute
A class for those musicians who have been playing Irish music for a while and wish to 'fine tune' their playing. We will work on developing a personal style and on improving tone, 'lift' and phrasing. We will do this by learning a tune in depth. We will also look at building a repertoire. As in all my classes, we will work 'by ear', but written music will be available.
Building a Traditional Repertoire
Lots of reels? Tons of jigs? Who plays hornpipes anyway? What the heck is a barndance? These and other questions will be answered as John gives us a look at the various types of tunes we play. This class will cover things like what common tunes you may want to know and developing a nice "mix" of tunes.
"The Winds of Brittany" Traditional woodwinds of Breton Music
Although the flute is frequently used in the traditional music of Brittany, a series of reed instruments also has a promenant place in this wonderful tradition. In this class I'll introduce you to some of the unique (and LOUD) instruments played in this music and the styles and forms in which they are played. One word of warning though I advise you to turn DOWN your portable recorders!!!
The Music of Brittany
Now that you're all a bit more familiar with the instruments, this class will be a look into the traditional music of Brittany, the beautiful Normandy coast of France. We'll have a go at the various traditional forms of Breton music and its role in the fabric of life in this beautiful, wind swept region of the world. Lets all join pinkies, have a bit of Calvados and get into the craic "Breton style!"
Grey Larsen Classes
The Author Speaks Series
Grey is highly respected as a teacher, performer, and also as an author. These classes will be a great opportunity to learn "The Larson Method" from the man himself! Grey will give two flute and two tin whistle classes based on his book, "The Essential guide to Irish flute and tin whistle".
- Class 1 -- Intro to Tin Whistle
- Class 2 -- Intermediate / Advanced Tin Whistle
- Class 3 -- Intro to Irish Flute
- Class 4 -- Advanced Irish Flute
- Class 5 -- Intro to Concertina
Josh Dukes Classes
Introduction to DAGDAD Guitar
This class will be an introduction to the DADGAD style of tuning. Hand positions and capo positions along with basic stylings will be explored.
Advanced DAGDAD Guitar
This class will focus on backing up traditional Irish music in this tuning.
Introduction to the Bouzouki
This class will introduce the bouzouki looking at various techniques involved in tuning, flat picking and chording on this great instrument.
Advanced Bouzouki
This class will further the study of the bouzouki and it's various usages in traditional Irish music.
Bodhran for Irish Music
Some would call that title an oximoron but Josh will show us that this is actually an instrument capable of both simple and complex techniques, with a wide range of tones and colors. Something like a great Cabernet Savignon...