Register and pay securely online via paypal for the 7-week "Beginning Clawhammer Banjo Class" with Leela Grace. The sliding scale enables you to choose the amount that you feel you are able to pay. Please enter the name of the the person who will be attending the class, as well as your preferred e-mail address and phone number. You will receive detailed class information via e-mail before the class begins. Make sure you have entered your email address correctly!

Register through Artichoke School of Music

Dates: Wednesdays, 6 total weeks May 1-June 19 (no class May 8, June 12)
Time: 6:00-6:55PM
Fee: $105*
Information: Contact Leela at leelagracemusic@gmail.com or at 573-823-5650
Note: Class will be limited to 15 participants. Pre-registration required.
Class Description: Always wanted to learn the old time banjo? Get that banjo out from under the bed and come on down. We will be learning how to play the old time banjo from scratch! We will start with the basics of how to hold and tune the banjo and then move quickly into mastering the frailing strum and left hand techniques. Utilizing by-ear learning, clear, step-by-step instruction, and time for individual coaching, we’ll have some fun learning how to wrangle this amazing instrument. By the end of the 6-week class, you should be comfortable with the frailing strum, adept at basic chord changes, know how to do hammer-ons, slides, and pull-offs, and have several old-time tunes in your repertoire. Students ages 12 and up are welcome in this class. Please contact Leela about younger students.

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CLAWHAMMER BANJO II CLASS

Register and pay securely online via paypal for the 7-week "Clawhammer Banjo II Class" with Leela Grace. The sliding scale enables you to choose the amount that you feel you are able to pay. Please enter the name of the the person who will be attending the class, as well as your preferred e-mail address and phone number. You will receive detailed class information via e-mail before the class begins. Please enter your email address carefully!

Registration closed.

Dates: Wednesdays for 7 weeks, March 6-April 17, 2013
Time: 4:30pm-5:25pm
Fee: $115
Information: Contact Leela at leelagracemusic@gmail.com or at 573-823-5650
Note: Class will be limited to 15 participants. Pre-registration required.
Class Description: This class is designed for banjo players who have completed Leela's Beginning Clawhammer Banjo class or for players who have gotten started on basic clawhammer banjo skills. For this class, we will assume that you know how to tune your banjo, that you are somewhat comfortable with the frailing/clawhammer strum, that you are familiar with slides, pull-offs, and hammer-ons, and that you know at least a few tunes and chords in the G tuning. From there, we will venture further into the wonderful world of the old time banjo! This will still be a class for beginners, not advanced players. The focus will be on expanding your repertoire and continuing to build your basic clawhammer banjo skills. You will be learning a selection of old time tunes in the open G tuning, Modal, and Double C tunings. You will also be introduced to the concept of using a capo to play in a variety of keys.. Since this is a by-ear class, a battery-operated recording device of some sort is strongly recommended. It will be an important tool! It is also suggested that you get fifth string "spikes" installed (or other 5th string capo device), bring a banjo strap, electronic tuner, and banjo capo. More info will be given at the first class.

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INTERMEDIATE CLAWHAMMER BANJO CLASS

Register and pay securely online via paypal for the 6-week "Clawhammer Banjo III Class" with Leela Grace. The sliding scale enables you to choose the amount that you feel you are able to pay. Please enter the name of the the person who will be attending the class, as well as your preferred e-mail address and phone number. You will receive detailed class information via e-mail before the class begins. Please enter your email address carefully!

Register through Artichoke School of Music

Dates: Wednesdays, 6 total weeks May 1-June 19 (no class May 8, June 12)
Time: 7:00-7:55PM
Fee: $105
Information: Contact Leela at leelagracemusic@gmail.com or at 573-823-5650
Note: Class will be limited to 12 participants. Pre-registration required.
Class Description: This more challenging class is designed for clawhammer banjo players who have taken Leela's Banjo I and II classes or for slightly more advanced players with existing skills who want to take their old time banjo playing to the next level. For this class, you should know how to tune your banjo and change tunings, be comfortable with the frailing/clawhammer strum at a moderate to fast tempo, be familiar with slides, pull-offs, and hammer-ons and possibly some drop thumbing, and know at least several tunes and chords in the G tuning (and possibly a tune or two in alternate tunings). We will spend a bit of time refining the clawhammer technique and introducing or practicing drop thumbing. Our focus will be on expanding your repertoire and moving your playing to the next level. A selection of old time tunes in the G tuning will be taught, as well as the Modal and Double C tunings. Depending on the interests of the class, we may discuss jam etiquette and the place of the banjo in old time music, how to learn tunes from the fiddler, work on singing with the banjo, and/or focus on other topics. Of course, we might have to spend a little time learning a few banjo jokes, so you can be prepared to go out into the world with your banjo (Q: What’s the difference between a banjo player and a large pizza? A: A large pizza can feed a family of four.). J

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BY-EAR HARMONY SINGING I CLASS

Register and pay securely online via paypal for the 7-week "By-Ear Harmony Singing I Class" with Leela Grace. The sliding scale enables you to choose the amount that you feel you are able to pay. Please enter the name of the the person who will be attending the class, as well as your preferred e-mail address and phone number. You will receive detailed class information via e-mail before the class begins. Please enter your email address carefully!

Register through Artichoke School of Music

Dates: Wednesdays for 6 total weeks May 1-June 19 (no class May 8 or June 12), 2013
Time: 8:00PM-9:15PM
Fee: $130*
Information: Contact Leela at leelagracemusic@gmail.com or at 573-823-5650
Note: Class will be limited to 25 participants. Pre-registration required.
Class Description: With a patient, light-hearted approach, Leela will help you discover the power of voices raised in harmony. Through large and small group singing, we will practice the fundamentals of two-, three-, and four-part harmony using by-ear techniques. This class is all about singing . . . singing together, finding your voice, listening, laughing, and generally having lots of fun. We will learn to understand harmonies and how they work by SINGING many different kinds of songs, from Appalachian old time to contemporary folk to old country. All abilities and experience levels are welcome. Come explore the possibilities!
Note: Class will be limited to 25 participants. Pre-registration required.
Class Description: With a patient, light-hearted approach, Leela will help you discover the power of voices raised in harmony. Through large and small group singing, we will practice the fundamentals of two-, three-, and four-part harmony using by-ear techniques. This class is all about singing . . . singing together, finding your voice, experiencing the power of voices raised in song together, listening, laughing, and generally having lots of fun. We will learn to understand harmonies and how they work by SINGING many different kinds of songs, from Appalachian old time to contemporary folk to old country. All abilities and experience levels are welcome. Come explore the possibilities!

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BY-EAR HARMONY: GROUP SING CLASS

Register and pay securely online via paypal for the 7-week "By-Ear Harmony: Group Sing Class" with Leela Grace. The sliding scale enables you to choose the amount that you feel you are able to pay. Please enter the name of the the person who will be attending the class, as well as your preferred e-mail address and phone number. You will receive detailed class information via e-mail before the class begins. Please enter your email address carefully!

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By-Ear Harmony: Group Sing

Location: TaborSpace (SE 55th & Belmont) Annex
Dates: Tuesdays for 7 weeks, May 14-June 25, 2013
Time: 7:30-9:00pm
Fee: Sliding scale** -- $110-$210
Information: Contact Leela at leelagracemusic@gmail.com or at 573-823-5650
Note: Class will be limited to 30 participants. Pre-registration required.
Class Description: This is a brand new class for anyone who has taken one or more of Leela's By-Ear Harmony Singing Classes! We will gather each week with the sole (and soul?) purpose of singing as much as possible... We will revisit some of the songs we have sung in previous classes, learning or reviewing the harmony parts and singing 2-3 songs each week. We will continue to experiment with larger and smaller group singing, strengthen our voices and ears, and have a darn good time together while we're at it! Song selection will, as usual, mainly be drawn from folk, old time, and old country repertoires, but may range outside of those genres. We may even decide to invite friends and family to an informal performance of a few of our favorite songs by the end of the 7 weeks. Come sing!! Recommended for singers who have taken Leela's By-Ear Harmony Singing I, II, and/or III classes or for more experienced singers who can learn melodies by ear.

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BEGINNING APPALACHIAN CLOGGING CLASS

Register and pay securely online via paypal for the 7-week "Beginning Appalachian Clogging Class" with Leela Grace. The sliding scale enables you to choose the amount that you feel you are able to pay. Please enter the name of the the person who will be attending the class, as well as your preferred e-mail address and phone number. You will receive detailed class information via e-mail before the class begins. Please enter your email address carefully!

Registration Closed.

Dates: Sundays for 5 weeks, April 14-May 12, 2013
Time: 1:30-2:25pm
Fee: Sliding scale $55-$105
Information: Contact Leela at leelagracemusic@gmail.com or at 573-823-5650
Note: The class will be limited to 20 participants. Pre-registration is required.
Class Description: This class is for individuals with little or no percussive dance experience. Now is your chance to get "feet-on" experience in this wonderful, old time percussive dance form. Starting from “step one”, everyone will learn fun, exciting steps to take to any dance floor. All steps will be broken down and taught in detail. Discover the joy of making music with your feet in a high-energy, supportive environment! No dance experience necessary. Tap shoes may be worn for this class, but non-tap dance shoes are preferred. You will need to find some good hard/smooth-soled shoes: preferably shoes that lace up (versus slip on), make a sound on a hard floor, and have a low, sturdy heel.

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APPALACHIAN CLOGGING II CLASS

Register and pay securely online via paypal for the 5-week "Appalachian Clogging II Class" with Leela Grace. The sliding scale enables you to choose the amount that you feel you are able to pay. Please enter the name of the the person who will be attending the class, as well as your preferred e-mail address and phone number. You will receive detailed class information via e-mail before the class begins. Please enter your email address carefully!

Registration Closed.

Location: Stomptown Collective Dance Studio (226 SE Madison St., Portland, Ore. -- detailed directions will be sent to class registrants.)
Dates: Sundays for 5 weeks, April 14-May 12, 2013
Time: 2:30-3:25pm
Fee: Sliding scale $55-$105
Information: Contact Leela at leelagracemusic@gmail.com or at 573-823-5650
Note: The class will be limited to 20 participants. Pre-registration is required.
Class Description: This class will be for dancers who already know some clogging basics (particularly those who have taken Leela's Beginning Appalachian Clogging class) or who have some experience in another percussive dance form. We will move at a more relaxed pace and build on the skills you already have. We will get in the groove by reviewing the basic clogging steps and build from there. You will work on getting your footwork “up to speed” and learn exciting steps as you begin learn to respond rhythmically to the music. All steps will be broken down and taught and a lot of fun will be had by all! You will need to find some good tap shoes or hard/smooth-soled shoes: preferably shoes that lace up (versus slip on), make a sound on a hard floor, and have a low, sturdy heel.

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INTERMEDIATE-ADVANCED APPALACHIAN CLOGGING/PERCUSSIVE DANCE CLASS

Register and pay securely online via paypal for the 5-week "Intermediate-Advanced Appalachian Clogging / Percussive Dance Class" with Leela Grace. The sliding scale enables you to choose the amount that you feel you are able to pay. Please enter the name of the the person who will be attending the class, as well as your preferred e-mail address and phone number. You will receive detailed class information via e-mail before the class begins. Please enter your email address carefully!

Registration closed.

Location: Stomptown Collective Dance Studio (226 SE Madison St., Portland, Ore. -- detailed directions will be sent to class registrants.)
Dates: Sundays for 5 weeks, April 14-May 12, 2013
Time: 3:30-4:25pm
Fee: Sliding scale $55-$105
Information: Contact Leela at leelagracemusic@gmail.com or at 573-823-5650
Note: The class will be limited to 20 participants. Pre-registration is required.
Class Description: This class will be for dancers who are already experienced in clogging or who have extensive experience in another percussive dance form. We will get in the groove by reviewing the basic clogging steps and quickly build from there. This class is particularly designed for those of you who have already taken Leela's Intermediate Clogging class and are looking for a slightly more advanced class that may end with an informal group performance! We will be focusing on choreographed clogging as well as freestyle flatfooting. In addition to steps from the Appalachian clogging tradition, steps from other percussive dance traditions (such as Irish step dance, rhythm tap, body percussion, and more) may be introduced. You will need to find some good tap shoes or hard/smooth-soled shoes: preferably shoes that lace up (versus slip on), make a sound on a hard floor, and have a low, sturdy heel. Oxford style tap shoes are preferred.

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OLD TIME FIDDLE/BANJO DUET WORKSHOP

Register and pay securely online via paypal for the March 2 and 16 (2013) "Old Time Fiddle/Banjo Duet Workshoprkshop" with Lisa Ornstein and Leela Grace. The sliding scale enables you to choose the amount that you feel you are able to pay. Please enter the name of the the person who will be attending the class, your preferred e-mail address and phone number. Please also enter whether you are a fiddle or banjo player! You will receive detailed class information and links to the tunes we will be playing via e-mail before the first workshop weekend.

Registration closed.

Old Time Fiddle/Banjo Duet Workshop
Location: Pacific Crest Community School (116 NE 29th Ave.)
Teachers: Lisa Ornstein (fiddle) and Leela Grace (banjo)
Dates: Saturday, March 2 and Saturday, March 18, 2013
Time: 1pm-3pm
Fee: sliding scale $45-$95
Note: Pre-registration required. Get in touch if you need to make alternate payment arrangements.
Information: Contact Leela at leelagracemusic@gmail.com or at 573-823-5650 or Lisa at lisa.ornstein@hotmail.com or at 503-236-8277
Class Description: Back by popular demand after a great fall 2012 workshop series! Come experience the pleasure of creating conversation between fiddle and banjo. Learn from two master players who are also supportive, enthusiastic teachers. Leela Grace and Lisa Ornstein find great joy in sharing the mysteries and magic of old time music with anyone who wants to play! Meet other musicians who are interested in making music together! Participants will have access to mp3s of the tunes before the first weekend. The two-weekend workshop will focus on the basics of duet playing, on demonstration of techniques and tunes, separate fiddle and banjo instruction, and chances to play in smaller fiddle/banjo ensembles and try out the new music, with Leela and Lisa dropping in to visit and help as needed. If you took the workshop series in the fall, please join us again! We will be offering all new tunes. Do not miss this rare opportunity!

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