HARMONICA

          Basic harmonica playing instruction in a 4 to 6 week course (meeting one day per week) that is guaranteed to provide students with fun and the beginnings of the ability to play the instrument. Each student receives a new Hohner "Blues Band" harmonica in the key of C which is his to keep after the course. Students learn basic melodies, blues theory, history and songwriting, bending notes and how to accompany another instrument or a vocalist. This workshop is appropriate for grades 3 and up.

Optimum class size is 18 or smaller.

       

 

GUITAR

          A variety of how-to-play workshops are available, including basic blues techniques, alternate tunings, and slide guitar. Students must supply their own guitars. This workshop is appropriate for middle school and high school students with basic guitar experience.

Optimum class size is 12 or smaller.

SONGWRITING

          A hands-on blues songwriting experience that can be completed in one day or extended over two to three days. This workshop is appropriate for English and Writing classes as well as Music classes. The topics of blues songs and the social conditions behind them are examined. The call and response, repetitive formats and rhyme schemes of the songs are also considered. Students write their own blues songs using contemporary subject matter. This workshop is appropriate for grades 3 and up.

Optimum class size is 35 or smaller.

BASIC HISTORY OF BLUES MUSIC & ITS STYLES

          A lecture workshop with some demonstration of different blues guitar styles. Social, technological, and historical events are related to the changes in blues styles and formats. This workshop is appropriate for music classes at the upper middle school or high school level.

Optimum class size is 35 or smaller.