In this introduction to the Clawhammer banjo style, the class will examine and practice the fundamentals of this very accessible, very fun, and increasingly popular style of banjo playing. No banjo playing experience is necessary; true beginners are welcome. Upon completion of the course, students will have a couple of tunes under their belt and an understanding of the basic techniques and skills needed to play Clawhammer banjo. Whether helping you experience the rich and vibrant heritage of Appalachian string band music, accompanying you in a song, or just giving voice to a tune in your heart, the banjo will be your lifelong friend!

Brad will be able to provide a limited number of loaner banjos for use during class sessions to confirmed registrants who do not own a banjo. (for an additional cost of $20) Please indicate when registering if you would like to reserve a loaner.

Space is limited! 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.

More info on our workshop registration and cancellation policies

BRAD KOLODNER has developed an elegant, expressive and dynamic style of playing the Clawhammer banjo that is rarely heard on the instrument. With a father who is an internationally-known hammered dulcimer and fiddle player, Brad grew up in a house full of music and has been surrounded by traditional musicians his entire life. Since picking up the banjo in high school, Brad has performed with his father, Ken Kolodner, at prestigious venues including the Kennedy Center, the Birchmere and Goucher College's Kraushaar Auditorium just to name a few. He won the 2010 Old-Time Banjo Festival Contest in Takoma Park, MD and the 2012 Lowell Banjo Contest in Lowell, MA. He has taught banjo workshops at a number of festivals and folk schools including Common Ground on the Hill in Westminster, MD, the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago and at the Maiden Creek Old-Time Festival in Blandon, PA. He teaches banjo privately at his home in Baltimore City.
Brad's web site: bradkolodner.com

Ever wonder what it's like to play a drum with your whole body? Learn the powerful and dynamic art of Japanese drumming with Mark H Rooney. Taiko is a dynamic art form based on traditional Japanese drumming practiced all over the world. This workshop is designed to introduce the basics of taiko technique, practice of kumidaiko (ensemble drumming), awareness of ki (energy), use of koe (voice), history and philosophy -- all while having a good time! No experience necessary, but come ready for a workout!

Recreational Taiko Class -- May 5, 12, 19, 26, and June 2, 9*, 16, 23 (5:00-7:00 pm *EXCEPT for June 9 which will be 6:30-8:30 pm)
At Dance Exchange -- 7117 Maple Ave Takoma Park, MD
Prerequisite: one of Mark's Introductory Taiko workshops or previous Taiko experience. If you do not have previous experience, please contact Mark at markh@markhrooney.com to possibly arrange a private lesson for orientation.

Taiko Styles: Naname Uchi -- May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 and June 5, 12, 19 (7:30-9:30 pm)
At Dance Exchange -- 7117 Maple Ave Takoma Park, MD
This series of classes is designed as a style-focused advanced Taiko course. "Slanted Stand" style is more challenging, dynamic and movement-oriented. Some Taiko experience required. Please contact Mark at markh@markhrooney.com if you are not sure whether this class is for you.

Space is limited! 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.

More info on our workshop registration and cancellation policies

MARK H ROONEY has been studying, performing & teaching Taiko in the Eastern US, Japan and Europe for the last 15 years. Questions? Contact Mark at markh@markhrooney.com or visit markhrooney.com.

In this 4-week intensive bodhran workshop, beginning students will learn the basics of bodhran technique, the basic rhythmic patterns found in reels and jigs, and how to apply those patterns during improvised play. There will also be a workbook handed out with practice patterns and explanations included and a play-a-long practice CD. If time (and schedules) permits, we will end the workshop with a "field trip" to an area traditional session jam. Intermediate students will also be welcomed and Mr. Morrison will have more advanced versions of the beginner patterns, plus some extra work, just for them. If you cannot attend all four sessions, a "drop-in" rate of $50 per session is offered.

Space is limited! 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.

More info on our workshop registration and cancellation policies

In addition to regular workshops at HMT, SCOTT MORRISON has taught at Appalachian Bluegrass in Catonsville, the Gaelic College in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, and at various Celtic festivals in MD, VA and PA. Scott holds a B.S. in Music from Frostburg State University, with a double concentration in K-12 Music Education and Percussion Performance. He has been running his own music school, "Rimshots" (based in Elkridge, MD) for nearly 15 years. In addition to performing locally with world beat band Big Blow and the Bushwackers, and his own Scottish/Irish trad ensemble Dileab Phriseil, Scott is also an accomplished Gaelic speaker.

Beach Boys, Boardwalks, BBQs & Bikinis!

We're going to learn classic & contemporary summer jams! Enjoy them all summer long at your cookouts, the beach, camping trips, and on your front porch - this is the time to go out and about, and share the ukulele joy! Maureen will be teaching this 1.5-hour class for beginners who know at least 4 to 5 chords.

Class is limited to 10 participants; we may open a second session if there is more interest.

Space is limited! 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.

More info on our workshop registration and cancellation policies

MAUREEN ANDARY is a full-time guitar and ukulele teacher in Washington, DC. She teaches beginners how to be an active part of musical community, focusing on basic jamming skills, musical vocabulary, arrangement, musicality, and notation. Above and beyond, she strives to cultivate performance and jamming opportunities for all of her students. Maureen is also an accomplished performer and songwriter. She performs regularly in the DC area, touring regionally and internationally as one half of duo The Sweater Set. The Sweater Set recently won the 2011 Washington Area Music Award for Best Contemporary Folk Duo and served as 2011 Artists in Residence at the Strathmore Center for the Performing Arts.

Saturdays: October 5, 12, 19, 26 and November 2
Time and further details to be announced. Please join our mailing list to be notified when registration is open. Maureen will also likely be offering advanced beginner and intermediate classes on the same dates.

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.

Mark H Rooney -- Taiko drumming classes (about Mark)
Offered for beginning, intermediate and advanced students. Single day workshops as well as multi-week group classes are offered. Classes are held at the Dance Exchange, 7117 Maple Ave, Takoma Park MD.

Marcy Marxer -- Ukulele & Guitar Classes (about Marcy)
For intermediate & advanced players. Ukulele classes have focused on topics like Tin Pan Alley and Jazz tunes. Guitar classes have focused on Swing, Django-style, Bluegrass, Early Country and more. 6 weekly 1-hour sessions for $180.00; generally held on Thursday evenings.

Maureen Andary -- Ukulele Classes
Offered for complete beginners and advanced beginners. Maureen makes learning ukulele fun, using country classics, simple pop tunes and Beatles songs. You can even learn to improvise! Classes are usually offered as 4, 5, or 6-week sessions. Generally held on Saturday afternoons and/or Thursday evenings.

Scott Morrison -- Bodhran, Tinwhistle, Bones & Spoons Classes (about Scott)
Scott teaches several Celtic instruments, including bodhran (Irish drum), tinwhistle and bones/spoons (Irish percussion). Beginning and intermediate levels are offered depending on demand.

Jaqui Macmillan -- Djembe Classes (about Jaqui)
Jaqui offers regular group classes on djembe drumming, in addition to private lessons. 6 weekly 1-hour sessions are $120.00 and are currently held on Monday nights at the Electric Maid in Takoma DC. For the most current schedule and to register, contact Jaqui directly (jaqui@erols.com).

Brian Weber -- Djembe Building Workshops (about Brian)
The goal of this class is to broaden the student's knowledge and love of drumming by learning the history, technique and process of assembling a West African Djembe from the bare shell to a brand new, customized, hand-built drum. Each student will build, tighten, tune, play and learn to properly care for their own drum in a fun workshop setting. Price ranges according to materials provided; $75.00 for instruction only to $200.00 for instruction plus a complete set of supplies.

HMT Workshop Policies

Registration

We encourage advance signups for our workshops for a few reasons:
• In many cases, space is limited (our studio accommodates about 10 people comfortably; workshops we hold at other venues may have a larger capacity).
• We like to let the instructor know how many people they can expect.
• We can keep advance registrants posted on any changes (especially due to inclement weather or other emergencies) and can make sure you have all the correct information about location and other logistics.
• Especially when workshops are held off-site and/or after store hours, we want to have payment and signups squared away in advance.
• Some instructors (especially those coming from afar) require a minimum number of attendees in order to offer the workshop.

You may register in advance by calling us at 301-270-9090, or by downloading our workshop registration form. The completed form may be e-mailed, faxed or mailed back to HMT. We ask for a credit card number or a check as confirmation to hold your place. We do not process your payment until a few days before the workshop, and we destroy the credit card information after the workshop. Be assured that your card information is secure while at HMT.

Cancellation and Refunds

We understand that unforseen circumstances pop up for everybody, and sometimes you may not be able to attend a workshop or one or more sessions of a group class you have registered for. However, we ask you to understand that our workshop instructors are professional musicians and teachers who rely on this income to make their living. And especially in the case of multi-session group classes, we cannot tailor payment and scheduling to each person's individual needs. Some multi-session classes also have a per-session or "drop-in" rate specified. If you are not sure whether you'll be able to attend all the sessions, we encourage you to register at the per-session rate if that is offered.

If you cancel your registration 5 days or more before the workshop, you may do so without penalty. In most cases, we will not have processed your payment by then, but if we have, you will receive a full refund. Cancellations made 1-4 days in advance of the workshop will be refunded at a 50% rate. Day-of or later cancellations will not be refunded.

For multi-session classes, we do not offer proration if you have to miss one or more sessions (unless there is an option to register at a per-session rate, in which case you can pay "at the door" for each session).

If a workshop has to be canceled due to inclement weather, instructor emergency, insufficient registration or other situation that is out of our control, participants will get a full refund (or credit for a rescheduled workshop).