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, April 16 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: April 16, 23, 30, May 7, (skip 14), 21
Piano Accordion & Band Class
Starting Tuesday, March 21 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: March 21, 28, April 4, 11, 18, 25.
Irish Fiddle
Starting Tuesday, March 28 from 7:30 pm – 8:45 pm ET
with Hilary Schrauf
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: March 28, April 4, 11, 18, 25, May 2
Intermediate Mountain Dulcimer
Starting Tuesday, March 21 from 4:00 pm – 5:15 pm ET
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: March 21, 28, April 4, 11, 18, 25
Beginners & Beyond Mountain Dulcimer
Starting Tuesday, March 21 from 5:45 pm – 7:00 pm ET
with Nina Zanetti
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 Nina at 518-456-8715 or ninazanetti@verizon.net.
Class Dates: March 21, 28, April 4, 11, 18, 25
Learn, Listen, Play! Musical thinking for jamming and improv.
Starting Tuesday, March 21 from 7:30 pm – 8:45 pm ET
with Ron Gordon
This class will address the ability to listen critically and apply music theory to learning about what you are hearing in a jam, or on a recording….and finding it on your fretted instrument. We’ll cover elements of music theory: rhythm, form, melody, and harmony as we listen, analyze and play some “roots” tunes and songs. Ability to read music is a plus, but not essential to educating your ears! Guitarists, mandolinists, ukers, and banjo players are all welcome.
For more information contact Ron at 518-372-4172 or rgukeboy@gmail.com.
Class Dates: March 21, 28, April 4, 11, 18, 25
Advanced Beginner Ukulele
Starting Thursday, March 16 from 6:00 pm – 7:15 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: March 16, 23, 30, April 6, 13, 20
Masks recommended. Additionally, if you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID (cold, cough, runny nose, flu-like symptoms) at the time of the event, 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.