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.
Class Descriptions:
Bluegrass Jam Class
Starting Sunday, January 15, 2023 from 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm ET
Taught by Tom Behan using the Wernick Method
5 sessions, tuition $180
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: Jan. 15, 22, 29, Feb 5, (skip 12), 19
Irish Fiddle
Starting Monday, October 24 from 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm ET
with Hilary Schrauf for 6 weeks
This class assumes moderate previous experience with the fiddle (know the names of the notes and strings; know how to hold the bow), and little to moderate experience with Irish traditional music. We’ll have fun digging into the different types of Irish tunes (jigs, reels, hornpipes, etc.) — and maybe a composition or two — while exploring what makes them sound Irish. Some bowing, slurring, ornamentation, and variations will be taught. Sound files, sheet music, and links to other resources will be provided. Reading sheet music is not a requirement.
For more information contact Hilary at 518-424-8701 or
hilary.schrauf@gmail.com
Class Dates: Mon. 10/24, Tues. 11/1, Mon. 11/7, Mon. 11/14, Tues. 11/22, TBD
Piano Accordion & Band Class
Starting Tuesday, October 4 from 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm ET
with Peggy Hart
Basic beginning 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: Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25, Nov. 1, 8
Intermediate Mountain Dulcimer
Start Date: Wednesday, TBD 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 518-357-4018 or susantrump@aol.com.
Class Dates: TBD
Beginners & Beyond Mountain Dulcimer
Start Date: Wednesday, TBD from 5:45 pm – 7:00 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 518-357-4018 or susantrump@aol.com.
Class Dates: TBD
Advanced Beginner Ukulele
Starting Thursday, October 6 from 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm ET
with Kathleen Hanely
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, and the damping strum. The triplet strum and 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: Oct. 6, (skip 13), 20, 27, Nov. 3, Nov 10, Nov 17
Intermediate Guitar
Starting Thursday, October 6 from 7:30 pm – 8:45 pm ET
with Ron Gordon
Learn and apply the fundamental concepts of counterpoint on the steel string guitar. This involves leading, alternate, and runs in the bass; while strumming a rhythm or finger picking an arpeggio, pattern pick, melody line, etc. Knowledge of chords “down the neck”, and how to play a basic rhythm is necessary. For returning students, the songs and tunes we learn will be all new.
For more information contact Ron at 518-372-4172 or rgukeboy@gmail.com.
Class Dates: Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27, Nov. 3, Nov 10.
Old Songs, Inc. reserves the right to cancel any class should the minimum registration of 4 students not be met. NO REFUNDS will be given for absences. 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 after the second lesson.