USA, CA, BERKELEY: DADGAD Guitar Class @ Freight & Salvage

[George]

I'm teaching a class at the new Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse in Berkeley, CA

If you know someone who might be interested please let them know

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Class Description -


Accompanying Irish traditional music

This class is most appropriate for players new to DADGAD or those with some experience looking learn this style, not intended for complete beginners.

Should be comfortable learning new chord shapes and using a pick. Please bring a capo. The Dunlop trigger capos (where the handles face the player) are recommended, but any kind will do. Written materials of what we go over will be provided, tunes, tab, chords. Students are recommended to being along a recording device.


Topics covered in the class -


• Chord voicing and choices: gives you the tools necessary to find appropriate chords for each tune you come across and the ability to make your own voicing as needed.

• Tune types: we'll go over common modes, rhythms, tunes not starting on the tonic, and tunes changing keys between parts; we'll cover what to listen for and common patterns.

• Following the tune: we'll discuss tunes that are unlike any other and when general guidelines do not apply; staying away from strumming set patterns and grooves that do not accompany the melody; holding time and tempo while letting the melody lead.

• Using the flatpick: combining strumming, picking patterns, hammer-ons and pull-offs, as well as a light introduction to flatpicking tunes in DADGAD.

• Etiquette: we'll go over some common sense advice for playing well with others, as well as unwritten rules and expectations.



Brief Bio -


George started playing traditional music in the mid 1990s. Playing in his high school music program led to apprenticing at a woodwind repair shop and taking the music major classes at his local junior college. After purchasing his first "good" keyed Irish flute in 1998, Irish music became more than a hobby. In 2007, George spent his savings on a seven-month trip to Ireland. In 2009 he competed at the mid-west fleadh in Detroit, taking 2nd in senior flute. That qualified him to compete at the All-Ireland competition in Tullamore and was a great excuse to head back to Ireland. George has taught privately in Santa Cruz for years, and at a summer music camp for teens for most of the 2000s. Teaching by ear or with music, technically or simply, he does so with patience and encouragement.



Registration & Links -


You can register for classes and workshops online with a credit card (just click on the "register online" link) or through the Freight box office in person with cash, check, or credit card. Please note that a service charge applies to all credit card transactions. You can also mail a completed registration form and check for tuition to:

Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse
2020 Addison Street
Berkeley, CA 94704
For more information, email: andrea@freightandsalvage.org or call 510-644-2020 ext. 127.

Advance registration is recommended to assure space.

http://www.thefreight.org/dadgad-guitar ... rge-grasso

http://www.myspace.com/georgegrasso

[MTGuru]

Just to be clear ... This is not a single class, but a series of 6 90-minute classes for $130.

[George]

You got this one too =)

Thanks!

Yep it runs from the end of April to the beginning of June

[The Sporting Pitchfork]

Sounds great! If I weren't so far away, I'd totally do it.

I've known George since his very early days playing trad. music. and can attest that he is indeed an excellent teacher in addition to being a first-rate musician...