Instrument Classes

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.

Register for Blugrass Jam Class at: wernickmethod.org
with Tom Behan on Sundays, starting Sunday, Oct. 27 from 1 – 4 pm


Class Descriptions:



Piano Accordion and Band Class

Starting Tuesday, October 8 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, Oct. 8, 15, 22, 29, & Nov. 12, 19

Register



Mandolin

Starting Tuesday, October 1 from 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm ET

with Karen Wilson

We will learn the picking and fingering exercises that enable the ability to play the mandolin. We’ll cover a combination of traditional American and Celtic fiddle tunes as well as beginning classical pieces to facilitate your musical expression. There will be a combination of reading music on the mandolin, as well as ear training. Get yourself started on an instrument that fits into so many styles of music. Handouts and music are provided, and a recording device is recommended.

For more information contact Karen.

Class Dates: Tuesdays, Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, & Nov. 5

Register



Ear Training for Learning your Frets

Starting Tuesday, October 1 from 7:30 pm – 8:45 pm ET

with Ron Gordon

Improve your ability to apply the elements of music to everyday listening and playing : music appreciation, jamming, learning a song, composition. We’ll learn to think musically and play using the ideas of form, rhythm, melody and harmony. Our particular focus will be using traditional forms most fretted players will encounter : reels, breakdowns, waltzes, jigs, blues, songs, etc. Bring your fretted instrument and we’ll practice and apply these concepts at each class. Ability to read music not needed for this class, although helpful.

For more information contact Ron at 518-372-4172 or rgukeboy@gmail.com.

Class Dates: Tuesdays, Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, & Nov. 5

Register



Beginners & Beyond Mountain Dulcimer

Starting Wednesday, October 2 from 2:45 pm – 4:00 pm ET

with Susan Trump

We’ll explore DAD tuning, work on strum directions and left hand fingering. We’ll learn some fiddle tunes, and other repertoire that works well on dulcimer.

For more information contact Susan at 518-265-7382 or susantrump@aol.com.

Class Dates: Wednesdays, Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, & Nov. 6

Register



Intermediate Mountain Dulcimer

Starting Wednesday, October 2 from 4:00 pm – 5:15 pm ET

with Susan Trump

The focus is on repertoire building using a variety of styles, including fiddle tunes, songs, Celtic melodies, waltzes, while learning appropriate picking, or finger picking techniques and fingerings.

For more information contact Susan at 518-265-7382 or susantrump@aol.com.

Class Dates: Wednesdays, Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, & Nov. 6

Register



Beginner Ukulele

Starting Sunday, October 6 from 9:30 am – 10:45 am ET

with Kathleen Hanley

This class will teach basic ukulele strums and chords. Students will learn new songs to practice the one finger strum, the thumb drag, and the damping strum. The triplet strum and fingerpicking patterns will be introduced to advanced beginners. Both new and returning students are welcome.

For more information contact Kathleen at kathleen.m.hanley@gmail.com.

Class Dates: Sundays: Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27, Nov. 3, & 10

Register



Intermediate Ukulele

Starting Sunday, October 6 from 11:00 am – 12:15 pm ET

with Kathleen Hanley

This class will employ more complex chord progressions, and some new songs will feature more fingerpicking techniques. Familiarity with basic chords and strums is recommended. Both new and returning students are welcome.

For more information contact Kathleen at kathleen.m.hanley@gmail.com.

Class Dates: Sundays: Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27, Nov. 3, & 10

Register



Bluegrass Jam Class

Starting Sunday, October 27 from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm ET

Taught by Tom Behan using the Wernick Method

5 sessions, tuition $190 ($200 after Sept. 27)

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, Oct. 27, Nov. 3, 17, 24, & Dec. 1

Register at wernickmethod.org


If you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID, the flu, or a cold (cough, runny nose, sore throat, or fever) at the time of the class, please stay home, and ask for a refund for the cost of one class or class credit for future use.

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.


Old Songs, Inc. is a not-for-profit, educational, 501(c)3 corporation

Virtual Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 11 am–4 pm.
PO Box 466 • 37 S Main • Voorheesville, NY 12186-0466
(518) 765-2815 • info@oldsongs.org