Mandolin Summer School 9-15 September 2012

Contemporary Folk and acoustic mandolin workshop with Dave Griffiths

tunes, accompaniments and breaks

The new wave of contemporary folk has heralded
the resurgence of the mandolin as a featured instrument in acoustic music. Drawing on the work of some of todays great players like David Grisman, Ry Cooder, Dave Swarbrick, Mike Marshall and Peter Ostroushko the course will look at how to use the mandolin to accompany songs as both a rhythm, melody and lead instrument.

 

Players from last years course will be able to develop their chord repertoire and put into practice some of the blues solo ideas in a new context. New players will discover the rich possibilities available to the mandolinist to have an exciting role in modern contemporary music

 

blues and ragtime mandolin 2011Aims of the course

The course will cover chords and harmony, two note chords, developing riffs, accompanying  songs, taking breaks. There will be some new tunes to learn illustrating  the techniques. The course is designed to accommodate each players experience, offer study skills to develop technique and knowledge base  and most important of all have fun.

Course structure

Each of the five days will have a mixture of theory and practice developing skills with melodies, chords, arpeggios, scales and riffs working towards a friendly and supported short performance on the final day within the group. Parts and chord charts will be sent to players before the course to provide time for pre course study if students so wish.

Teaching Methods

Learning will be through hands on practical experience. I use an explanation, demonstration, go practice and then review format. My intention is for students to play as much as possible and so learn through doing. The course will include practical demonstration with supporting handout materials and parts written in music notation standard TAB and chord charts.

Who’s it For?

Level: Intermediate.blues and ragtime mandolin 2011
Players should have at least two years playing experience and have a good knowledge of the fingerboard and notes in first  position. Ability to read music and a basic knowledge of chords will be an advantage.
 A list of the scales and chord charts will be available in advance for those who like to be prepared.
What do I bring?
  • Mandolin
  • Music Stand (even if you don’t read music)
  • Plectrums
  • Spare Strings
  • Recorder – digital or other
  • Note Pad and Pen
  • Enthusiasm and a sense of humour

“Wouldn’t miss it after this years experience. It was fantastic, great hosts, location idyllic, music mindblowing, company and food delectable. Plus it sounds like a logical progression – it means I will have to work hard on my mando techniques to keep up”  Dave