Class offerings at Art Lit Lab-Madison, WI:
Class Announcements Coming Soon...
Arts + Literature Laboratory (ALL), 111 S Livingston St, Suite 100, Madison, WI 53703, 608-556-7415
Class offerings at Hartland Music-Hartland, WI:
First Monday Drop-In Beginner Bluegrass Jam
Hartland Music Showroom (1125 James Dr), first Monday of each month (4/1, 5/6, 6/3, 7/1, etc)
contact Jon to be put on the reminder email list.
6:30-7pm-warm up/open jamming, 7-8pm-facilitated jam, $8 fee/session.
This beginner level bluegrass jam is an informal opportunity to jam along with the guidance of an instructor/facilitator. Prior jamming experience is not necessary. A good place to meet other local pickers and to check out what bluegrass jamming is like. No need to pre-register, just show up with your instrument. Contact Jon if you would like to receive the monthly email reminder about the beginner jam.
Never been to a bluegrass jam before? Click here: Bluegrass Jamming Basics
contact Jon to be put on the reminder email list.
6:30-7pm-warm up/open jamming, 7-8pm-facilitated jam, $8 fee/session.
This beginner level bluegrass jam is an informal opportunity to jam along with the guidance of an instructor/facilitator. Prior jamming experience is not necessary. A good place to meet other local pickers and to check out what bluegrass jamming is like. No need to pre-register, just show up with your instrument. Contact Jon if you would like to receive the monthly email reminder about the beginner jam.
Never been to a bluegrass jam before? Click here: Bluegrass Jamming Basics
Private Lessons
5-string Banjo, Mandolin, Guitar
Hartland Piano/Waukesha County Conservatory - Hartland, WI - 1st Monday of the month
Contact Jon for available times and more information
Hartland Piano/Waukesha County Conservatory - Hartland, WI - 1st Monday of the month
Contact Jon for available times and more information
Tuition Rates and Cancellation Policy | |
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Other Options for Lessons
There are many good video-based teaching sites on the internet which can work very well when combined with the occasional in-person checkup. Artistworks.com in particular I highly recommend. They have beginning to advanced options on many instruments and I have subscribed to their lessons several times over the years.
Southern Wisconsin Bluegrass Instructors
Here are some folks I am aware of that teach bluegrass in the Southern Wisconsin area.
Teaching Philosophy
I focus on technique building, ear training, applied theory and the application of these skills, especially in ensemble playing. I believe musicianship results from practice and participation in music and not merely from lessons. As a teacher, I can help direct the energy so that practice is more efficient and participation is more accessible. My goal is to teach elementary thru advanced skills that enable students to define and pursue their musical goals.
I welcome students of all ages and starting points. Many students take weekly lessons, some twice monthly, and others just occasionally. I'm comfortable with all those arrangements.
I highly encourage group lessons and classes! They are, in my opinion, often better than private lessons for understanding and progressing in the bluegrass style in particular. Group lessons are also a good value compared to the higher cost of private lessons.
I welcome students of all ages and starting points. Many students take weekly lessons, some twice monthly, and others just occasionally. I'm comfortable with all those arrangements.
I highly encourage group lessons and classes! They are, in my opinion, often better than private lessons for understanding and progressing in the bluegrass style in particular. Group lessons are also a good value compared to the higher cost of private lessons.
Contact Jon if you are interested in being notified about future offerings of any of the following classes.
Small Bluegrass Jam Group: Harmony Singing Emphasis
Hartland Music (1125 James Dr), Mondays, Next Class TBD
An opportunity to jam with the same group of people for several weeks with a focus on hearing and singing harmony in the bluegrass style. There is a limit of 4 in a group.
An opportunity to jam with the same group of people for several weeks with a focus on hearing and singing harmony in the bluegrass style. There is a limit of 4 in a group.
Small Bluegrass Summer Jam Group
Hartland Music (1125 James Dr), Mondays, Next Class TBD
An opportunity to jam with the same group of people for several weeks. I limit the size of the class as well as the number of any particular instrument. Participants bring a song to the group, lyrics are allowed for the first few sessions, after that songs must be played without paper. We come up with a song list that may include a couple classic instrumentals and concentrate on those songs for the duration of the class.
An opportunity to jam with the same group of people for several weeks. I limit the size of the class as well as the number of any particular instrument. Participants bring a song to the group, lyrics are allowed for the first few sessions, after that songs must be played without paper. We come up with a song list that may include a couple classic instrumentals and concentrate on those songs for the duration of the class.
Youth Small Bluegrass Jam Group (under 18 yrs old)
Hartland Music, (1125 James Dr), Mondays, Next Class TBD
An opportunity to jam with other young people for several weeks. We come up with a song list and concentrate on those songs for the duration of the class. The tempos, keys, and expectations for this class are at the beginner level. No prior jamming experience is required or expected.
An opportunity to jam with other young people for several weeks. We come up with a song list and concentrate on those songs for the duration of the class. The tempos, keys, and expectations for this class are at the beginner level. No prior jamming experience is required or expected.
Small Bluegrass Jam Group: Chords Emphasis
Hartland Music (1125 James Dr), Mondays, Next Class TBD
An opportunity to jam with the same group of people for several weeks. We come up with a song list and concentrate on those songs for the duration of the class. In this class we will focus on how chords are created and why we name them what we do and then use those chords to enhance our jamming.
An opportunity to jam with the same group of people for several weeks. We come up with a song list and concentrate on those songs for the duration of the class. In this class we will focus on how chords are created and why we name them what we do and then use those chords to enhance our jamming.
Small Bluegrass Slow Jam Group: Beginner Level
Hartland Music, (1125 James Dr), Mondays, Next Class TBD
An opportunity to jam with the same group of people for several weeks. I limit the size of the class as well as the number of any particular instrument. We come up with a song list and concentrate on those songs for the duration of the class. The tempos, keys, and expectations for this class are at the very beginner level. No prior jamming experience is required or expected.
An opportunity to jam with the same group of people for several weeks. I limit the size of the class as well as the number of any particular instrument. We come up with a song list and concentrate on those songs for the duration of the class. The tempos, keys, and expectations for this class are at the very beginner level. No prior jamming experience is required or expected.
Small Bluegrass Jam Group: Improvisation Emphasis
Hartland Music, Mondays, Next Class TBD
An opportunity to jam with the same group of people for several weeks. I limit the size of the class as well as the number of any particular instrument. Participants bring a song to the group, lyrics are allowed for the first few sessions, after that songs must be played without paper. We come up with a song list that may include a couple classic instrumentals and concentrate on those songs for the duration of the class. Each class session will highlight a different strategy for improvisation.
An opportunity to jam with the same group of people for several weeks. I limit the size of the class as well as the number of any particular instrument. Participants bring a song to the group, lyrics are allowed for the first few sessions, after that songs must be played without paper. We come up with a song list that may include a couple classic instrumentals and concentrate on those songs for the duration of the class. Each class session will highlight a different strategy for improvisation.
Music Theory for Playing by Ear
Hartland Music, Mondays, Next Class TBD
This six-week course covers many of the topics normally covered in an introductory music theory course, but is presented with an emphasis on playing by ear. The ability to read notation is not expected or necessary. We start with an introduction to the musical alphabet and a major scale. We then move to chord construction, chord extensions, chord progressions, transposing, and the circle of 5ths. The goal is to increase understanding and the ability to improvise and to play with others. Open to any instrument including voice.
This six-week course covers many of the topics normally covered in an introductory music theory course, but is presented with an emphasis on playing by ear. The ability to read notation is not expected or necessary. We start with an introduction to the musical alphabet and a major scale. We then move to chord construction, chord extensions, chord progressions, transposing, and the circle of 5ths. The goal is to increase understanding and the ability to improvise and to play with others. Open to any instrument including voice.
Small Bluegrass Jam Group for Women
Next class TBD
An opportunity to jam with the same group of people for several weeks. I limit the size of the class as well as the number of any particular instrument. Participants bring one or two songs to the group, lyrics are allowed for the first few sessions, after that songs must be played without paper. This class is comprised primarily of female players and has an emphasis on female friendly singing keys.
An opportunity to jam with the same group of people for several weeks. I limit the size of the class as well as the number of any particular instrument. Participants bring one or two songs to the group, lyrics are allowed for the first few sessions, after that songs must be played without paper. This class is comprised primarily of female players and has an emphasis on female friendly singing keys.
Banjo Instrumentals
Next class TBD
A tour of interesting banjo instrumentals, played and discussed. Past classes have included Foggy Mountain Breakdown, Home Sweet Home, Shenandoah Breakdown, Clinch Mountain Backstep, Doug's Tune, Reuben, Big Country, and others.
A tour of interesting banjo instrumentals, played and discussed. Past classes have included Foggy Mountain Breakdown, Home Sweet Home, Shenandoah Breakdown, Clinch Mountain Backstep, Doug's Tune, Reuben, Big Country, and others.
Bluegrass for Beginners: 4 Chords, 4 Weeks
Next class TBD
Get started on any Bluegrass instrument: Mandolin, Guitar, Banjo, Bass, etc. No prior lessons or background necessary. This is a group lesson designed for brand new players. Includes an introduction to bluegrass rhythm and playing songs.
Get started on any Bluegrass instrument: Mandolin, Guitar, Banjo, Bass, etc. No prior lessons or background necessary. This is a group lesson designed for brand new players. Includes an introduction to bluegrass rhythm and playing songs.
Chords: How to make them and what to do with them
Next Class TBD
This course focuses on how chords are created and why we name them what we do. The bulk of the class is spent demonstrating and practicing using the chords that we create to play and enhance blues, bluegrass, country, and folk songs. Open to any instrument.
This course focuses on how chords are created and why we name them what we do. The bulk of the class is spent demonstrating and practicing using the chords that we create to play and enhance blues, bluegrass, country, and folk songs. Open to any instrument.
Bluegrass for Beginners
Next Class TBD
Interested in playing bluegrass music? This class is for you. This course will look at how each of the bluegrass instruments work and contribute to the music as well as a bit of history, and also get started playing music together. Just bring an instrument. No prior lessons or background necessary. Open to guitar, mandolin, bass (acoustic or electric), 5-string banjo, dobro, or fiddle.
Interested in playing bluegrass music? This class is for you. This course will look at how each of the bluegrass instruments work and contribute to the music as well as a bit of history, and also get started playing music together. Just bring an instrument. No prior lessons or background necessary. Open to guitar, mandolin, bass (acoustic or electric), 5-string banjo, dobro, or fiddle.
Improvising with only 5 notes
Next Class TBD
This course teaches a foundational musical tool that will help you improvise in a wide variety of musical genres: blues, bluegrass, country, folk, and more. The pentatonic scale, composed of just five magical notes, can help out nearly any musician. Open to any instrument.
This course teaches a foundational musical tool that will help you improvise in a wide variety of musical genres: blues, bluegrass, country, folk, and more. The pentatonic scale, composed of just five magical notes, can help out nearly any musician. Open to any instrument.
A Taste of Bluegrass: One Day Instrument Workshop
Next Class TBD
If you’ve ever wanted to try out bluegrass but weren’t sure where to start, here’s your chance. Learn about bluegrass fundamentals and try your hand at playing banjo, guitar, mandolin, bass, and fiddle. All participants will get a chance to try out each instrument and even play some songs. Complete beginners welcome, instruments provided. Low pressure, big fun!
If you’ve ever wanted to try out bluegrass but weren’t sure where to start, here’s your chance. Learn about bluegrass fundamentals and try your hand at playing banjo, guitar, mandolin, bass, and fiddle. All participants will get a chance to try out each instrument and even play some songs. Complete beginners welcome, instruments provided. Low pressure, big fun!
Music Theory for Playing by Ear
Next Class TBD
This course covers many of the topics normally covered in an introductory music theory course, but presented with an emphasis on playing by ear. The ability to read notation is not expected or necessary. We start with an introduction to the musical alphabet and a major scale. We then move to chord construction, chord extensions, chord progressions, transposing, and the circle of 5ths. The goal is to increase understanding and the ability to improvise and to play with others. Open to any instrument including voice.
This course covers many of the topics normally covered in an introductory music theory course, but presented with an emphasis on playing by ear. The ability to read notation is not expected or necessary. We start with an introduction to the musical alphabet and a major scale. We then move to chord construction, chord extensions, chord progressions, transposing, and the circle of 5ths. The goal is to increase understanding and the ability to improvise and to play with others. Open to any instrument including voice.
Beginning Bluegrass Banjo 1
Next Class TBD
This course covers tuning, terminology, basic chords and rolls, and playing with others. Absolute beginners are welcome. Bring your own 5-string banjo, plastic thumb pick, and 2 metal fingerpicks.
This course covers tuning, terminology, basic chords and rolls, and playing with others. Absolute beginners are welcome. Bring your own 5-string banjo, plastic thumb pick, and 2 metal fingerpicks.
Beginning Bluegrass Banjo 2
Next Class TBD
This course covers rolls, chords, left-hand techniques, licks, and melody creation, with an eye toward playing with others. You should be able to switch relatively smoothly between the G, C, and D7 chords and to play at least 1 right-hand roll pattern at a slow tempo. Bring your own 5-string banjo, plastic thumb pick, 2 metal fingerpicks, and a capo (a guitar capo is fine).
This course covers rolls, chords, left-hand techniques, licks, and melody creation, with an eye toward playing with others. You should be able to switch relatively smoothly between the G, C, and D7 chords and to play at least 1 right-hand roll pattern at a slow tempo. Bring your own 5-string banjo, plastic thumb pick, 2 metal fingerpicks, and a capo (a guitar capo is fine).
Beginning Bluegrass Banjo 3
Next Class TBD
This course reviews rolls, chords, left-hand techniques, capo use, licks, and melody creation, with an eye toward playing with others. You should be able to switch smoothly between the G, C, D7, F, and D chords and play at least one right-hand roll pattern at a medium tempo. Bring your own five-string banjo, plastic thumb pick, two metal fingerpicks, and a capo (a guitar capo is fine).
This course reviews rolls, chords, left-hand techniques, capo use, licks, and melody creation, with an eye toward playing with others. You should be able to switch smoothly between the G, C, D7, F, and D chords and play at least one right-hand roll pattern at a medium tempo. Bring your own five-string banjo, plastic thumb pick, two metal fingerpicks, and a capo (a guitar capo is fine).