Old Songs offers Group Classes in a variety of acoustic instruments in 6 weekly group sessions. All classes take place at the Old Songs building at 37 S. Main St., Voorheesville. Cost per 6-week course: $145
Register Now for Group Instrument Classes:
- Register Below (no added fees)
- or Mail a check to: Old Songs, Inc., PO Box 466, Voorheesville, NY 12186.
Be sure to include a phone number and/or email address, so we can notify you of any class cancellations. - or Call or leave a voicemail message at 518-765-2815.
Taught by Tom Behan using the Wernick Method
Starting Sunday, April 26 from 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm ET
4 sessions, tuition $230 ($250 after March 29)
Instrument Class Descriptions:
Piano Accordion and Band Class
Starting Tuesday, March 3 from 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm ET
with Peggy Hart
Basic Technique, theory and note reading.
If you have any questions regarding your instrument or ability, contact Peggy at 518-439-1060 or peggymhart@yahoo.com.
Class Dates: Tuesdays, March 3, 10, 24, 31, April 1, 8 (skip March 17)
Intermediate Guitar
Starting Tuesday, March 10 from 7:30 pm – 8:45 pm ET
with Ron Gordon
This class will include fun tunes and songs that highlight specific techniques in fingerpicking, chording, strumming, and flat-picking. All new material will be taught so that both previous and new students will have opportunities to learn and make some great new music. You’ll get the tab, and sound/video so that you can have some guitar classics to master over time.
For more information contact Ron at 518-372-4172 or rgukeboy@gmail.com.
Class Dates: Tuesdays, March 10, 17, 24, 31, April 1, 8
Advanced Beginner Ukulele
Starting Thursday, March 5 from 5:30 pm – 6:45 pm ET
with Kathleen Hanley
This class will review basic ukulele strums and chords as well as add new ones. Students will learn new songs to practice the one finger strum, the thumb drag, the damping strum, and the triplet. New fingerpicking patterns will be introduced. Both new and returning students are welcome.
For more information contact Kathleen at kathleen.m.hanley@gmail.com.
Class Dates: Thursdays, March 5, 12, 19, 26, April 2, 9
Beginner Guitar
Starting Thursday, March 5 from 5:30 pm – 6:45 pm ET
with Chris Koldeway
Let’s pick up the guitar and play! If you just got your first guitar or are stuck in learning on your own, this class is for you! You will learn essential chords, rhythm, basic finger picking patterns, tablature, and notes while learning songs. You will also gain knowledge of some basic music theory in guitar playing. Have fun while learning the fundamentals that make guitar playing rewarding in a comfortable class environment. Bring your acoustic guitar and a guitar pick. A tuner, and notebook, are recommended. (If you don’t have access to a tuner, some will be made available)
Instructor: Chris Koldewey taught public school music for 32 years, and has been playing guitar since his early days. He has also spent many years as a performer, primarily in traditional folk music. He is interested in a wide variety of music and styles, and enjoys passing some of his experiences on to students, hoping they will get some of the joy that music has given him over the years.
Please email the instructor with any questions you may have and indicate what you are hoping to learn in taking the class at koldeweyc@yahoo.com.
Class Dates: Thursdays, March 5, 12, 19, 26, April 2, 9
Sea Chanteys: How They Were Used
Starting Thursday, March 5 from 7:00 am – 8:15 pm ET
with Chris Koldeway
Ever wonder just how those old sea chanteys were used during the age of sail? Join Chris in singing and a ‘virtual’ demonstration of the working of a 19th century square-rigged sailing vessel, and the specific songs that helped get the jobs done together and more easily. By use of a Powerpoint demonstration, and Chris’ knowledge gained after a 20-year association as Chanteyman with the demonstration squad of Mystic Seaport Museum and sailing square-riggers, participants will virtually ‘sail’ a 19th century vessel, singing as we go. In addition to the songs themselves, we’ll learn how the form, pace, and style changed depending on their specific use. We’ll learn about shipboard life aboard a square-rigger, and the maritime trades as well as some of the ‘rituals’ that included their own songs. (All levels and abilities)
Please email the instructor with any questions about the the class at koldeweyc@yahoo.com.
Class Dates: Thursdays, March 5, 12, 19, 26, April 2, 9
Old Songs, Inc. reserves the right to cancel any class should the minimum registration of 4 students not be met. If a student drops out after the first lesson, he/she may have a refund less $45 (the cost of one lesson plus the registration fee). NO REFUNDS will be given for dropping the class after the second lesson.
Bluegrass Jam Class
Starting Sunday, April 26 from 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm ET
Taught by Tom Behan using the Wernick Method
4 sessions, tuition $230 ($250 after March 29)
Playing music with others is the best activity for getting better on your instrument! Using the tried and true Pete Wernick method, the class will teach the fundamentals of bluegrass jamming and build your confidence in playing with others. The music is slow and easy, and you will quickly gain skills while having fun. These skills are transferable to other types of music because they are basic to all types of jamming. All skill levels are welcome, and bringing a recording device is recommended.
For more information contact Tom at tbehan@nycap.rr.com
Class Dates: Sundays, April 26, May 3, 17, 24 (Skip May 10)