House of Musical Traditions
7010 Westmoreland Ave.
Takoma Park, MD 20912
TEL: 301-270-9090
FAX: 301-270-3010
HOURS: 11 am - 7 pm
Tuesday through Saturday
11 am - 5 pm Sunday & Monday
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Music Lessons > Music Workshops | updated February 3, 2012 |
|
Ukulele Group Classes with Maureen Andary -- Saturdays and Thursdays, Jan. 5 - Feb. 11 Taiko Drumming Group Class with Mark H. Rooney -- Saturdays, Jan. 7 - Feb. 11 Bodhran (Irish drum) for Beginners with Scott Morrison -- Saturdays, Feb. 18 & 23 Mandolin Workshops with Steve Smith -- Sunday March 11 Clawhammer Banjo Workshops with Bob Carlin -- Saturday March 31 & Sunday April 1
Taiko is a dynamic art-form based on traditional Japanese drumming practiced all over the world. Often described as "full-body drumming," taiko goes beyond that to engage one's ki (energy), kata (form) and koe (voice) in the act of drumming. This series of classes is designed to lay the general groundwork for participants interested in learning some of the basic forms and techniques for this exhilarating art form. Topics covered will include: basic stance and form, basic techniques for hitting and achieving different sounds, use of one's voice in taiko, and drumming as one. Mark incorporates techniques from many different teachers and masters of the art while using his own teaching style developed through his experiences teaching thousands of people on all levels. Emphasis for this early stage is rudimentary understanding of the art of taiko, the best way to use your body efficiently for drumming and enjoying the experience of kumidaiko - drumming as part of a community. No experience required; drums will be provided. Activity will be very physical; dress appropriately. Open to ages 13 and older. Though this class is designed as a 6-week series (and a discounted rate of $165 is offered if you sign up for the full series), we are also offering a drop-in rate of $35 per session. You are encouraged to attend as many or few sessions as you're able to. Please specify which sessions you can attend when registering. Mark H Rooney has been studying, performing and teaching taiko for the past 14 years in the Eastern United States, Japan and Europe. Mark was one of the primary architects for Odaiko New England's (Boston, MA) classes and workshops where he worked full-time for 8 years, 3 years as the Artistic Director. Mark was also the founding instructor for five years of Wesleyan University's growing taiko program. As a performing artist, Mark's credits span multiple continents and multiple genres. While living in Wakayama, Japan from 2000-2003, Mark performed with a number of local taiko groups. He has also performed widely in Europe and the United States as a touring member of Marco Lienhard's Taikoza. As a composer, Mark has produced original taiko pieces for several groups, including signature pieces "Kashmir" and "Shin-en." Recently, Mark moved to Washington DC where he is continuing to practice, perform and teach taiko. Contact HMT to register at workshops@hmtrad.com or 301-270-9090. Or you can download our registration form and either email, fax or mail back to us (contact info is on the form). If it is less than 3 days before the workshop, we recommend you call us at 301-270-9090 to register. (Register early -- workshops can often fill up!) We ask for payment information with your registration -- either a credit card number or check -- which is processed shortly before the workshop. This holds your space and helps us guarantee attendance to the instructor.
Beginning Ukulele (for complete beginners) -- 12 noon - 1:00 pm Maureen focuses on basic chords using country classics and simple pop tunes that you can sing along to, supplying the group with a repertoire of three and four chord songs. The group will also focus on mastering basic strums, exploring the musicality of dynamics and rhythm. Song requests are always welcome; though we'll be sure to cover some useful tunes such as "Happy Birthday," and "Here Comes the Sun." Class culminates in a performance of two songs at "Ukulele Joy: a celebration of the tiny instrument!" Beginner 2 Ukulele (for beginners who know 5 or more chords) -- 1:00 - 2:00 pm So you can read chord charts, and strum through some of your favorite tunes - but you want more?? This class is designed to take your playing to the next level! We will focus on strumming: selecting strums for songs, (how do you pick out a strum?) slowing the strums down so that they are playable, and getting them up to speed. We will use tunes that are familiar to you ("From Me to You," "Bad Moon Rising," "When I'm 64," are some past selections) that contain no more than 6 or 7 very easy chords. Additionally every class will begin with a blues jam -- a skill we will start learning the first day of class! Class culminates in a performance of two songs at "Ukulele Joy: a celebration of the tiny instrument!" Note Reading for Ukulele (for Beginner 2 and up) -- 2:00 - 3:00 pm From the Pentatonic scale to "Au Clair de la Lune" - we will play it all using James Hill's Ukulele in the Classroom Book 1 (available at HMT). Learn how to read music using the ukulele, playing duets and trios in an ensemble style setting. We will explore traditional folk, classical, and basic scales, culminating in a performance of three and four-part pieces at "Ukulele Joy: a celebration of the tiny instrument!" POP HITS for the Ukulele -- Thursdays, Jan. 5 - Feb. 9, 7:30 - 8:30 pm for Beginner 2 and up (be comfortable with your ukulele!) Ever want to surprise people with what you play on your ukulele??? Look no further. We will learn some of America's most popular contemporary tunes in this class, including hits by Lady GaGa and Adele. Together we'll listen to the songs and discuss the overall qualities that we'd like to capture in our arrangement. In this class we'll continue to develop our sense of musicality and strumming techniques while building up a repertoire of really surprising and fun songs! Requests gladly taken! Maureen Andary is a member of the local pop/folk duo The Sweater Set, 2010-2011 Artists In Residence at the Strathmore Center for the Performing Arts and have toured the East Coast, the UK, & Ireland opening for folk legend Michelle Shocked. Maureen shares her passion for music throughout the DC area. In addition to being on the faculty at HMT, she teaches ukulele and guitar at Middle C Music in Tenleytown, DC and performs regularly at weddings and local area churches. Contact HMT to register at workshops@hmtrad.com or 301-270-9090. Or you can download our registration form and either email, fax or mail back to us (contact info is on the form). If it is less than 3 days before the workshop, we recommend you call us at 301-270-9090 to register. (Register early -- workshops can often fill up!) We ask for payment information with your registration -- either a credit card number or check -- which is processed shortly before the workshop. This holds your space and helps us guarantee attendance to the instructor.
An introduction to the Bodhran (Irish Frame Drum). No experience is necessary and drums will be available to borrow. Workshop participants will receive a 10% discount off purchase of any non-consigned bodhran! More experienced players are also welcome; Scott will tailor sessions to the needs of individual students. This two-part class will meet on February 18 & 25. Contact HMT to register at workshops@hmtrad.com or 301-270-9090. Or you can download our registration form and either email, fax or mail back to us (contact info is on the form). If it is less than 3 days before the workshop, we recommend you call us at 301-270-9090 to register. (Register early -- workshops can often fill up!) We ask for payment information with your registration -- either a credit card number or check -- which is processed shortly before the workshop. This holds your space and helps us guarantee attendance to the instructor.
Intermediate/Advanced Mandolin Workshop We'll first work on right hand use and development techniques. Down strokes, eighths both down and down-up and getting into tremolo. Chords and changing chords will be viewed for hand position, comfort, and smoothness. We'll dive into a classic Monroe tune or two with a "learn by ear approach" and round off the workshop with kick-off/ intro licks that can be used in many different tunes and solos along with handouts. Recorders and video welcome. (Int/advanced). Steve Smith has taught for fifteen years running at Camp Bluegrass in Levelland, TX and several years at Zoukfest, Hill Country Music Camp, California Coast Music Camp and the Puget Sound Guitar Workshop. He has conducted mandolin workshops across the country along with running a private studio for over twenty years. He currently tours with the Hard Road Trio and has performed and recorded with the Alan Munde Gazette, Bill Evans, Jim Hurst, Missy Raines, Tim May among many others. Contact Steve Smith at: desertnite@zianet.com. Contact HMT to register at workshops@hmtrad.com or 301-270-9090. Or you can download our registration form and either email, fax or mail back to us (contact info is on the form). If it is less than 3 days before the workshop, we recommend you call us at 301-270-9090 to register. (Register early -- workshops can often fill up!) We ask for payment information with your registration -- either a credit card number or check -- which is processed shortly before the workshop. This holds your space and helps us guarantee attendance to the instructor.
Ongoing Group Classes HMT hosts multi-session group classes on a regular basis with several local instructors. The best way to stay informed on the schedule of these classes is to join our e-mail list -- we will send out an announcement as soon as we schedule something. If you "Like" us on Facebook (houseofmusicaltraditions) you'll also get first notice. Costs and days/times listed below are based on past classes; these details are subject to change. Cathy Fink -- Clawhammer Banjo Classes (about Cathy)
Marcy Marxer -- Ukulele & Guitar Classes (about Marcy)
Maureen Andary -- Ukulele Classes
Scott Morrison -- Bodhran, Tinwhistle, Bones & Spoons Classes (about Scott)
Jaqui Macmillan -- Djembe Classes (about Jaqui)
Brian Weber -- Djembe Building Workshops (about Brian)
|