Instrument Classes

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.

Class Dates: March 3, 10, (skip 17), 24, 31, April 7, 14

with Peggy Hart

We are looking for young people between the ages of 4–14 who would like to play the accordion. Your child will learn to play this fascinating instrument, while participating in an accordion band. Parents, please call early to reserve your child’s spot.

New Accordions will be available to rent for $25 for the entire class, with a $50 deposit to be refunded at the end of the class.

For more information contact Peggy at 518-439-1060.

Class Dates: TBD

with Ron Gordon

Begin your uke career! Ron’s class at Old Songs will get you started down the path to heavenly strumming.We will learn chords (of course), right hand strumming techniques, some chord melody, jazzy, blues, etc. voicings and some finger picking… depending on our progress. This will all be learned through some classic songs, so singing is definitely part of the program. Handouts provided and recorders recommended. BTW, we’ll also delve into some uke history and ukeology along with my personal favorite… uke collecting!

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

Class Dates: March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, April 7

with Ron Gordon

If you have taken a “basics” class, or have been self taught in ukulele and would like to review and learn new musical skills, this is the class for you! We will review basic strums and chords through a variety of songs, and than move on to chord melody, and finger picking techniques. Through listening, learning and participation, students will extend their song list and become even more creative on the uke. Handouts provided, and a recording device is
recommended.

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

Class Dates: March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, April 7

with Nina Zanetti

We’ll explore DAD tuning, work on strumming, left hand fingering, chords, and reading tablature. We’ll learn various types of repertoire that work well on dulcimer.

For more information contact Nina at 518-456-8715 or ninazanetti@verizon.net

Class Dates: April 28, May 5, 12, 19, (skip 26), June 2, 9

with Nina Zanetti

The focus is on repertoire building using a variety of styles, including traditional tunes, Celtic melodies, and duets,  while learning appropriate flat-picking or finger-picking techniques,  effective left-hand fingering, and good musicianship, as it relates to mountain dulcimer.

For more information contact Nina at 518-456-8715 or ninazanetti@verizon.net

Class Dates: April 28, May 5, 12, 19, (skip 26), June 2, 9

with George Wilson

Little to no violin/fiddle experience or understanding of how to play it. (they need a functional fiddle & bow & some rosin). You will learn how to make a good sound with the bow (from “scratch”), a simple tune or 2, tuning, & basic fiddle care & maintenance.

For more information contact George at 518-461-8394 or geofiddle@gmail.com

Class Dates: March 4, 11, 18, 25, April 1, 8

with George Wilson

Need to have some violin/fiddle experience. You will learn a few tunes & techniques to make them sound “fiddly.” If someone ends up in the wrong class they can transfer. And in any case we’ll have a good time!

For more information contact George at 518-461-8394 or geofiddle@gmail.com

Class Dates: March 4, 11, 18, 25, April 1, 8

with Paul Draper

This class is for those with little or no banjo experience.  In addition to setting up and tuning your banjo, you will learn essential strumming and other right hand techniques, as well as necessary left hand techniques such as “hammer-ons,” “pull-offs,” and “slides.” You will learn to read tablature. You will use these techniques in the banjo tunes you learn. It will be helpful to have a recording device!

For more information contact Paul at 518-380-1103 or clawhammer888@gmail.com.

Class Dates: March 4, 11, 18, 25, April 1, 8

with Paul Draper

This class is for those who already have some clawhammer banjo experience, and can already play some tunes. The tunes you’ll be learning will use the essential left hand techniques of hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides. Also you will use right hand techniques such as the drop-thumb and the “galax lick.” You will learn different tunings for different tunes. Tunes will be learned through listening, repeating, and tablature. A recording device will be helpful!

For more information contact Paul at 518-380-1103 or clawhammer888@gmail.com.

Class Dates: March 5, 12, 19, 26, April 2, 9

with Ron Gordon

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 provided, and a recording device recommended.

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

Class Dates: March 5, 12, 19, 26, April 2, 9

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: March 5, 12, 19, 26, April 2, 9

Taught by Scott Hopkins using the Wernick Method

5 sessions, tuition $160

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 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.

CLICK HERE to Register

For more information contact Scott at scotthopkins74@gmail.com.

Class Dates: March 23, 30, April 6, 13, 20